Mary Peltola “faces uncertain future following Biden’s latest environmental move”
Joe Biden’s ANWR shutdown spells major trouble for vulnerable Democrat Mary Peltola, who endorsed Biden for re-election.
Peltola campaigned with top enemies of ANWR later the same day.
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Alaska Democrat faces uncertain future following Biden’s latest environmental move
Washington Examiner
Julia Johnson
September 9, 2023
A vulnerable Democratic representative in Alaska could fall victim to the latest item on President Joe Biden’s environmental agenda — the cancellation of all remaining oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge granted under former President Donald Trump’s administration.
On Wednesday, Biden announced his administration’s intent to cancel the seven remaining leases in the energy-rich area. His Department of Interior further announced the proposal of new regulations to “ensure maximum protection” for over 13 million acres in the ANWR.
ANWR’s oil and gas exploration, development, and drilling are understood to be a boon to Alaska’s economic sector, also providing roughly 61,000 jobs in the state.
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Now that Biden has gone against the wishes of the entirety of Alaska’s congressional delegation and its governor, it’s unclear how or if Peltola plans to distance herself from the president. The Alaskan Democrat’s office and campaign could not be reached for comment.
She endorsed Biden’s reelection bid in April, saying, “We don’t always see eye to eye, but President Biden has impressed me with his support for Willow and his commitment to civil, constructive discussions.
“I’ll support him as long as he continues to include Alaskans in those discussions,” she added.
Despite framing herself as a centrist, especially when it comes to Biden’s agenda, Peltola was photographed on Wednesday attending a fundraiser with progressive Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).
Swalwell notably co-sponsored the Arctic Refuge Protection Act in 2021, which sought to permanently void any new oil and gas leases as well as any exploration or development of resources in ANWR.
The Juneau, Alaska, event also featured Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dan Kildee (D-MI).
“With far-left friends like Biden and Swalwell, who needs enemies? Extreme Democrat Mary Peltola bear-hugging sworn enemies of Alaska energy jobs shows how hollow her claims to be ‘frustrated’ are,” said National Republican Congressional Committee Spokesperson Ben Petersen.