"Insufficient Polar Bear Protection" US Court Nullifies Alaska Oil Development Approved by Trump

by Park Pyunghee

Published 19 Aug.2021 15:57(KST)

[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] A U.S. federal court in Alaska has nullified the oil field development project in Alaska by the American oil company ConocoPhillips, which was approved during former President Donald Trump's administration, Bloomberg reported on the 18th (local time).

The federal court pointed out that ConocoPhillips did not sufficiently prepare measures to protect polar bears and failed to consider the impacts of climate change. It also highlighted potential damage to Teshekpuk Lake in northern Alaska.

The oil field development plan, named the Willow Project by ConocoPhillips, is a project to develop oil fields in the Northern Slope region of Alaska. According to ConocoPhillips, the oil field can produce over 160,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

The Willow Project was approved last year by President Trump. At that time, the Trump administration concluded that the Willow Project would not harm the environment or wildlife.

Environmental groups and Alaska Natives opposed the project. They filed lawsuits demanding the withdrawal of the development plan, arguing that it would destroy the habitats of polar bears and caribou and completely alter the ecosystem of the Northern Slope region.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason of Alaska referenced polar bears and Teshekpuk Lake in her 110-page ruling, reaching a conclusion contrary to the Trump administration.

Judge Gleason stated, "I am aware that ConocoPhillips has already made significant investments in the Willow Project, which would cause substantial harm to ConocoPhillips and other stakeholders involved in the project," but added, "I have determined that revoking the approval of the development plan and referring this matter to the appropriate agencies is the more proper course."