Controversy Surrounds Biden Administration's Approval of Alaska Oil Development
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland faced criticism from environmental groups and Indigenous organizations after the Biden administration approved the Willow oil project in Alaska. Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet member, had previously opposed the project but explained that the Interior Department had limited decision space. The project has divided Alaska Native groups, with some supporting it as a job creator and others opposing it due to concerns about its impact on the environment and subsistence lifestyles. The approval of the project has been seen as a political move by the White House to secure the support of Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski.