Alaska Democrat’s future uncertain after Biden’s environmental decision.
A vulnerable Democratic representative in Alaska faces potential consequences from President Joe Biden’s environmental agenda
A vulnerable Democratic representative in Alaska could fall victim to the latest item on President Joe Biden’s environmental agenda — the cancellation of all remaining oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge granted under former President Donald Trump’s administration.
On Wednesday, Biden announced his administration’s intent to cancel the seven remaining leases in the energy-rich area. His Department of Interior further announced the proposal of new regulations to “ensure maximum protection” for over 13 million acres in the ANWR.
Alaska’s economy and jobs at stake
ANWR’s oil and gas exploration, development, and drilling are understood to be a boon to Alaska’s economic sector, also providing roughly 61,000 jobs in the state.
Following the announcement, Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) joined Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in releasing a statement opposing the move.
“I am deeply frustrated by the reversal of these leases in ANWR,” Peltola said. ”This administration showed that it is capable of listening to Alaskans with the approval of the Willow Project, and it is some of those same Inupiat North Slope communities who are the ones that are most impacted by this decision.
“I will continue to advocate for them and for Alaska’s ability to explore and develop our natural resources, from the critical minerals we need for our clean energy transition to the domestic oil and gas we need to get us there. We can only get to that transition by listening to the people on the ground. Finally, we can’t keep erasing our progress with every administration. I will continue to advocate for permitting reform that includes predictable timelines from the federal government, which must be a reliable partner in leasing and developing our resources,” she continued.
Peltola won election to Congress in 2022 following the death of Republican Rep. Don Young. She faced a challenge from the late Republican Sen. John McCain’s former running mate Sarah Palin, who once served as governor of the state. However, Peltola defeated Palin by 10 percentage points.
Both of Alaska’s senators, its governor, and its state House and Senate leaders are members of the Republican Party. In order to win election, Peltola focused on issues of great importance to the state, prioritizing fish conservation, support for the child tax credit, and support for the Second Amendment.
Now that Biden has gone against the wishes of the entirety of Alaska’s congressional delegation and its governor, it’s unclear how or if Peltola plans to distance herself from the president. The Alaskan Democrat’s office and campaign could not be reached for comment.
She endorsed Biden’s reelection bid in April, saying, “We don’t always see eye to eye, but President Biden has impressed me with his support for Willow and his commitment to civil, constructive discussions.
“I’ll support him as long as he continues to include Alaskans in those discussions,” she added.
Despite framing herself as a centrist, especially when it comes to Biden’s agenda, Peltola was photographed on Wednesday attending a fundraiser with progressive Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA). Swalwell notably co-sponsored the Arctic Refuge Protection Act in 2021, which sought to permanently void any new oil and gas leases as well as any exploration or development of resources in ANWR.
The Juneau, Alaska, event also featured Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dan Kildee (D-MI).
“With far-left friends like Biden and Swalwell, who needs enemies? Extreme Democrat Mary Peltola bear-hugging sworn enemies of Alaska energy jobs shows how hollow her claims to be ‘frustrated’ are,” said National Republican Congressional Committee Spokesperson Ben Petersen.
Peltola’s seat is rated as “Lean Democrat” by the Cook Political Report.
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