U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason rejected a case by environmental groups who were trying to stop the lease sale scheduled for Jan. 6 for portions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain. She said in her ruling that there is not sufficient likelihood of irreparable harm if the sale goes through on Jan. 6, and that the Bureau of Land Management has not yet made a reviewable final agency action.
The leasing on Wednesday is historic. It’s good news for the Alaska economy in the long run, as the oil will be taxed and subject to royalties.
For generations, Alaskans have fought to open ANWR, only to be stymied at every turn by the environmental industry.
At his town hall on Tuesday night, Gov. Mike Dunleavy said the decision is “good news for Alaska, good news for the United States. It will put oil in the pipeline, it will provide jobs for Alaskans and Americans, and further Alaska’s resource development mission.”
US Geological Survey estimated that ANWR reserve contains 10.4 billion barrels of oil, although only 7.7 billion barrels are thought to be within the proposed drilling region. That data is over 40 years old, however, based on seismic done by the Department of Interior.
The Alaska Industrial Export and Development Authority has said it will bid on the leases, but no one knows what other companies or entities will bid. The incoming Biden presidency may put a damper on the sale, because the major oil companies understand that the Biden presidency will be hostile to the development of ANWR, and make permitting difficult if not impossible.
This story is developing. Check back.
A rare positive result in court for the State of Alaska.
Hallelulah! It is refreshing that the Judge isn’t trying to go against the law of Congress. I hope the U.S. Supreme Court follows suit with the CARES Act funding and Alaska Native Corporation litigation.
(Unless that decision has already slipped by without me noticing)..
Not enough details are given by the court – this will come back as a future case where judge Gleason will likely rule to shut down the exploration. I expect this only after the oil companies have spent substantial amounts of money and all the lawyers have been well paid.
Well oh darn it! This is not going to help Make China Great Agian! I am looking forward seeing myself and fellow Americans slaves to China, it’ll be a new change for Americans, no longer the masters. We will be the world’s new slaves.
Hahahaha
Some rare good news
Hey Now — So just how much did the Trump Administration have to do with this lease sale??
So who would challenge this premise:” without the Trump Administration, this would have been a non starter” Just be factual now and leave out the personal stuff , POLICY ONLY
Do you think Beijing Joe would allow this sale to move forward, IF he was the boss?
WOW, that is out of character for Judge Gleason.
No need for her to side with eco fascists. Democrat control of the White House, Senate and House will quickly shut this down.
Finally good news!
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