The Biden administration opened leasing in 400,000 acres within the northwest portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Susan Walsh)
"Interior’s continued and irrational opposition under the Biden administration to responsible energy development in the Arctic continues America on a path of energy dependence instead of utilizing the vast resources we have available," Alaska's Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a statement.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter set aside an area of ANWR, known as "Area 1002," for the potential future exploration and development of natural resources.
The state of Alaska claims that by limiting drilling in the region, the Biden administration "negates Congress’ express call for oil and gas leasing and development on the Coastal Plain."
"Congress did not authorize a new direction for ANWR. President Biden’s Administration ignored the law and took this unlawful detour without even presenting their final decision to the public for comment," Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor said in a statement.
An aerial view of oil development facilities in Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope of Alaska on the edge of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. ( Simon Bruty/Anychance)
The Biden administration issued restrictions on the lease, such as surface use and occupancy, which the complaint claims could "make any development economically and practically impossible."
The lawsuit was filed just days before the lease sale is expected to take place on Jan. 9.
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The Department of Interior told Fox News Digital it would not be commenting on the lawsuit.
Aubrie Spady is a Writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alaska-sues-biden-administration-irrational-restrictions-trump-era-oil-gas-drilling-mandate