Alaska Sues Biden Administration Over ANWR Oil Restrictions

The State of Alaska has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, claiming violations of a Congressional directive that mandates oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The lawsuit challenges a December 2024 decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior that imposed restrictions on oil and gas leasing in the Coastal Plain, limiting development potential for approximately 400,000 acres. Governor Mike Dunleavy criticized the restrictions as a barrier to energy independence and economic growth for Alaska, asserting that they render the lands undevelopable. The state's complaint argues that the federal government has disregarded Congressional intent and the 2017 directive to open the ANWR for energy leasing. Alaska seeks to have the December decision overturned and to prevent any lease issuance as planned. This legal action follows Alaska's ongoing disputes with the Biden administration over energy policies in the region, which aim to protect wildlife.