Biden Administration Protects Public Lands, Combats Climate Change
The Biden administration has made significant strides in protecting public lands and combating climate change. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has blocked a controversial road project, rolled out stronger protections for millions of acres in Alaska, and announced a 20-year mineral withdrawal for Colorado's Thompson Divide. Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers has denied a permit appeal for the Pebble Mine project in Bristol Bay.
The BLM has taken several steps to support renewable energy and conservation. It has released a Renewable Energy Rule to facilitate responsible development of wind and solar projects on public lands. Additionally, the final Public Lands Rule has been issued, affirming conservation, recreation, and cultural protection as equal management priorities to resource extraction. To further protect these lands, the BLM has enacted an Oil and Gas Rule that sets stricter standards for drilling and increases fees for companies.
In another notable move, the Department of the Interior has expanded four National Wildlife Refuges to safeguard more critical wildlife habitat. The Roanoke River refuge in North Carolina, Aransas and Big Boggy in Texas, and Muleshoe in Texas have all seen their boundaries extended.
President Biden has launched the American Climate Corps, a new initiative inspired by FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps, to create jobs for young people fighting the climate crisis. These actions demonstrate the administration's commitment to protecting public lands, promoting renewable energy, and preserving wildlife habitats for future generations.
