WATCH: Kamala Harris grilled over Biden’s approval of Alaska oil project

VKamala Harris, the ice president, was asked to decide if President Joe Biden violated a campaign promise when he approved the Willow Project.

Harris avoided questions about whether Biden broke a campaign pledge. Harris highlighted the administration’s efforts to support green energy investments, which aim to reduce energy dependence on fossil fuels in a appearance on The Late Show.

SEN. ED MARKEY BLASTS BIDEN IN APPROVAL FOR GIANT ALASKA OIL SUJECT

“I understand the concerns that have been made. But here’s the thing, when you look at what our administration has done, it’s historic in terms of an investment in a clean energy economy,” She responded. “We are putting America back on the map globally, recognizing that we must live up to our role, in terms of our ability to invest in the future, create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

This week, the Bureau of Land Management of the Interior Department announced that it has approved ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.’s proposal for three drilling pads from the five requested. This large-scale oil drilling project will be conducted on an oil reserve that is similar to Indiana.

Initial plans called for 180,000 barrels per day of oil production and 500 million barrels in its lifetime. The five pads were requested. CNN reported that 9.2 Million Metres of Carbon could be released into the atmosphere. This would roughly equal 2 million gasoline-powered cars.

Biden made a commitment to not approve of the 2020 election cycle debate. “new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters.”

“Number one, no more subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, no more drilling on federal lands, no more drilling, including offshore, no ability for the oil industry to continue to drill, period, ends, number one,” He stated that at the time.

The approval of the Willow Project has drawn ire from progressives and environmentalist groups such as Sen. Ed Markey (D–MA), but was cheered by some Democrats, such as Sen. Joe Manchin(D-WV).

“This decision not only leaves an oil stain on the administration’s climate accomplishments and the President’s commitment not to permit new oil and gas drilling on federal land, but slows our progress in the fight for a more livable future and puts into harm’s way the neighboring Native Village of Nuiqsut and the Arctic landscape,” Markey made the statement in a statement.

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Harris resisted being asked by Colbert whether the White House was considering political backlash for approving the project.

“I think that the concerns are based on what we should all be concerned about. But the solutions have to be, and include, what we are doing in terms of going forward, in terms of investments,” She said.