Illustration photo – US President Joe Biden.
Washington/Houston (USA) – The administration of US President Joe Biden has approved a large-scale but controversial oil extraction project in Alaska. The mining plan has drawn criticism from environmental organizations and some Alaska Native communities, the AP reported. Biden, elected for the Democratic Party, is acting contrary to his promises, according to environmentalists.
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ConocoPhillips' Willow project will be one of the largest of its kind in the United States, involving oil and natural gas production at three sites on Alaska's North Slope National Petroleum Reserve over several decades. In total, there should be up to 199 wells. Two other locations where mining was also planned were not approved.
The ConocoPhillips company said in its statement that it considers the three-site option to be functional and “the right decision for Alaska and the nation.” However, today's decision will probably not be the last in a row, as lawsuits are expected with environmental activists who are bothered by the impact of mining on nature, the AP reported.
The project could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day and create 2,500 jobs jobs during construction and subsequently 300 long-term jobs. It should generate billions of dollars in license and tax revenue for federal, state and local authorities, ConocoPhillips said.
In Alaska, the project has broad political support, for example the Republican senator for Alaska, Lisa Murkowska, promoted it. She described today's decision as “very good news for this country”.
