oil boom
Newsletter
Credit: paul fleet/Big Stock Photo
Biden faces challenges in curbing US oil production
Despite Joe Biden's campaign promises to end drilling on federal lands, the U.S. is now producing more oil than any country ever has, revealing the difficulty of halting oil production.
In short:
- The Biden administration has approved more drilling permits on federal lands than the Trump administration.
- High gas prices and legal challenges have pressured Biden to support increased oil production.
- Biden’s climate goals face political and market constraints, making it difficult to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Key quote:
“The fact is that President Biden has followed the rule of law in this country, and the rule of law says that if you have already given a lease to a fossil fuel company, you have to give a permit.”
— Leah Stokes, associate professor of environmental politics at the University of California, Santa Barbara
Why this matters:
U.S. oil production's continued growth underscores the challenge of balancing economic needs with climate goals, impacting global energy markets and environmental policies. Any future administration will face similar obstacles in reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Related EHN coverage:
In short:
- The Biden administration has approved more drilling permits on federal lands than the Trump administration.
- High gas prices and legal challenges have pressured Biden to support increased oil production.
- Biden’s climate goals face political and market constraints, making it difficult to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Key quote:
“The fact is that President Biden has followed the rule of law in this country, and the rule of law says that if you have already given a lease to a fossil fuel company, you have to give a permit.”
— Leah Stokes, associate professor of environmental politics at the University of California, Santa Barbara
Why this matters:
U.S. oil production's continued growth underscores the challenge of balancing economic needs with climate goals, impacting global energy markets and environmental policies. Any future administration will face similar obstacles in reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Related EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
newrepublic.com
The rise and fall of a fracking boom town: an oral history
Rock Springs, Wyoming, sits on vast underground stores of natural gas and shale oil. But what was meant to be a blessing turned into a curse.
www.nytimes.com
Oil boom gives the US a new edge in energy and diplomacy
Having survived a slump, shale drilling is surging as prices recover, limiting market upheaval and providing Washington with strategic leeway.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
