Analysis: Congress’ action, spurred by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, prompted conservation groups to launch a successful campaign to block big banks and insurers from backing drilling not just in the refuge, but anywhere in the Arctic.
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are pursuing the ban to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, but the White House is opposed, warning of energy price spikes.
Former President Donald J. Trump invited mining and logging to a vast wilderness of bald eagles, black bears and 800-year-old trees. President Biden is reversing course.
Over the past month the Biden administration has defended three significant oil and gas projects, raising concerns among environmentalists that climate policy is being undermined.
With a deadline looming and weak interest from oil companies, the state of Alaska may step in and buy leases in the hope of reassigning them later. Some analysts saw that as a long shot.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski's expected departure as the Energy and Natural Resources Committee's top Republican, among other moves, could give coal lawmakers control of top environment panels.
