Federal Judge Upholds Biden Administration's Approval of Alaska's Willow Oil-Drilling Project; Environmental Groups Plan Appeal

Judge Gleason claims company has right to develop leases "subject to reasonable restrictions"; project could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, contributing 263 million tons of emissions over 30 years. Despite widespread local political support, environmental activists condemn decision and plan appeal amid concerns for climate change and impact on polar bear habitats.

Federal Judge Sharon Gleason upheld the Biden administration's approval of the Willow oil-drilling project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, rejecting requests by a grassroots Iñupiat group and environmentalists to vacate the approval.
The project, which is set to produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, could generate at least 263 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions over its projected 30-year lifespan.
Environmental activists plan to appeal the decision, raising concerns about its impact on climate change and ice-reliant species such as polar bears and Arctic seals.
The project has sparked widespread political support in Alaska, with local leaders and groups arguing it is economically vital for their communities and would create jobs.
However, it has also sparked backlash and online activism, particularly from young activists, who accuse the Biden administration of breaking its campaign promise to stop new oil drilling on federal lands.