28 January 2021
President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed an Executive Order directing a pause on new oil and natural gas leasing on public lands and offshore waters, concurrent with a comprehensive review of the federal oil and gas programme.
The targeted pause does not impact existing operations or permits for valid, existing leases, which are continuing to be reviewed and approved. The order does not restrict energy activities on private or state lands, or lands that the United States holds in trust or restricted status for tribes or individual Indians, says the department of the interior.
President Biden’s move to uphold US environmental commitment, will help restore balance on public lands and waters, create jobs, and provide a path to align the management of America’s public lands and waters with the nation’s climate, conservation, and clean energy goals, the Department of the Interior has stated.