(CNN)The Biden administration plans to sell offshore oil and gas leases in federal waters on Friday. Was announced. Next 5 years. The plan primarily restricted drilling into the Gulf of Mexico and proposed leasing sales off the coast of Alaska.
The Interior Ministry's five-year offshore project is required by law. But that happens when the Biden administration is sandwiched between conflicting goals: its unique commitment to reducing global warm emissions from fossil fuels and intense political pressure on high gas prices.
Interior offers a variety of options. From no new drills in the Gulf of Mexico, where most of the offshore drills have already taken place, to 10 lease sales, and one proposed sale in Cook Inlet, Alaska. However, Interior recently canceled the approved sale of Cook Inlet due to lack of interest from the oil and gas industry.
The plan also excludes public waters on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from drilling. This was a widely anticipated move.
Interior Sec in a statement accompanying the proposed plan. Deb Haaland emphasized that the Biden administration is focused on promoting renewable energy.
"From day one, President Biden and I have made clear our commitment to a transition to a clean energy economy," Harland said in a statement. "Today, we offer Americans the opportunity to think about the future of offshore oil and gas leasing and provide their views. It's time for the general public to consider our future."
Plans are finalized after a 90-day public comment period, but the process can take longer.
