Approvals for companies to drill for oil and gas on U.S. public lands are on pace this year to reach their highest level since George WBILLINGS, Mont. That includes more than 2,100 drilling approvals since Biden took office January 20. Biden campaigned last year on pledges to end new drilling on federal lands to rein in climate-changing emissions. His pick to oversee those lands, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, adamantly opposed drilling on federal lands while in Congress and co-sponsored the liberal Green New Deal. Environmentalists who share the administration’s goals on climate have expressed growing frustration as prospects for a ban on drilling fade.

Source: ABC News July 12, 2021 19:07 UTC