U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan has requested Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to clarify the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) legal standing in canceling oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). These leases were initially obtained through a program established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, with the first sale occurring on January 6, 2021.
Senator Sullivan claims that DOI’s cancellation of these leases was conducted unlawfully and without consulting Alaska Native stakeholders. He has asked Secretary Haaland for a written explanation regarding how this decision aligns with congressional mandates for lease sales and its budgetary implications.
Emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit indicate confusion among senior Biden administration officials about DOI’s legal authority to revoke these leases. The emails suggest that DOI is conducting a “new comprehensive analysis” which will not be completed before year-end, potentially delaying the second ANWR lease sale required by December 2024 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
In his letter, Senator Sullivan highlights Congress’ approval for commercial leasing in ANWR as part of enhancing energy security and generating revenue. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was directed to conduct two area-wide leasing sales within seven years, yet according to Sullivan, BLM has not met its obligations following the cancellation of the initial lease sale.
Documents released via FOIA reveal internal discussions questioning DOI’s legal basis for canceling these sales. Budget officials have expressed concern over potential revenue impacts from ANWR cancellations, which are reflected in the President’s budget.
The documents also suggest doubts about holding a second lease sale in 2024 as mandated. Despite public assurances from BLM to follow legal requirements, internal communications imply plans to restrict production in ANWR significantly.
Senator Sullivan requests answers from Secretary Haaland by June 2, 2024, regarding various issues related to the lease cancellations’ impact on budgets and compliance with congressional mandates. He urges DOI to reverse its course and adhere to legislative directives concerning both past and future lease sales.
