In climate reversal, Biden okays new oil and gas mega auctionThe court decision to ban a pause in leasing area in the Gulf of Mexico for oil exploration represents a significant step back for the White House's ambitious climate agenda and was quickly challenged by a coalition of environmental groups. The decision represents a significant step back for the White House's ambitious climate agenda and was quickly challenged by a coalition of environmental groups. According to a Record of Decision posted online, the government projects up to 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 4.4 trillion cubic feet of gas from the auction. It noted a new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change "detailing observations of a rapidly changing climate in every region globally," but said it did not present sufficient cause to change the environmental impact statement for the drilling at this time. The Biden administration has folded to the oil industry based on its campaign of disinformation and political pressure, ignoring the worsening climate emergency we face," added Brettny Hardy, Earthjustice attorney.

Source: Bangkok Post September 01, 2021 02:03 UTC