After a three-year push by the Trump administration, almost no oil companies offered bids. Analysts point to controversy, low oil prices and an incoming administration that opposes drilling.
There's little solid data on how much oil is under the refuge, and lawsuits and market forces could dampen industry interest. Any leases would also face opposition from a Biden administration.
Fifteen states are challenging the decision, arguing that the risk of explosion puts lives in danger. For one project, highly flammable gas will travel 200 miles through a busy East Coast corridor.
Congress has long struggled to pass new laws addressing climate change, even ones with bipartisan support. But the end-of-year spending package includes an energy bill with major climate measures.
The Jan. 6 auction was set before the end of the comment and nominations period. If leases are finalized before Joe Biden takes office, they could be difficult to revoke.
Portland, Oregon, will fund clean energy in communities that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. That's an idea that's part of President-elect Joe Biden's sweeping climate plan.
Climate activists say Biden's staff picks are a sign of his seriousness about tackling the issue. But banning anyone with fossil fuel ties could wipe out a lot of experience in getting things done.
Officials hope to auction off leases before President-elect Joe Biden takes office. He has pledged to protect the pristine landscape that's home to polar bears and migrating caribou.
His sweeping proposals aimed to make the U.S. carbon neutral by 2050. But without a Democratic Senate, Biden may be forced to compromise and do what he can through executive action.
The move challenges a long tradition of leaving wildlife management to governments, not the public. But the vote was narrow, reflecting many people's serious concerns about bringing wolves back.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing federal protections for gray wolves in the contiguous U.S., saying the species' recovery is a success. Wildlife groups are promising to sue.
Wyoming is quietly supporting action elsewhere to preserve its coal-dependent economy. Experts on money in politics say they've never seen this before and find it troubling.
Despite the cascade of other crises this year, climate change has emerged as a key election issue. The two major-party presidential candidates' positions on it could not be more different.
For a decade, growing American gas production has fueled a petrochemical boom. There are big plans for more plants in Appalachia, but the pandemic — and an oversupply of plastics — may crush them.
Climate and environment policies nearly always end up in court these days. They may have a harder time surviving if Amy Coney Barrett cements a conservative majority on the Supreme Court.
