Biden suspends federal oil and gas leasing for 60 days

The new American administration has suspended new leasing for fossil fuel production on federal lands and waters, as well as the issuance of new drilling permits. The move to cut off new oil and gas production, as well as coal mining, comes as President Biden promises to move the United States on the path to net- zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Scott de la Vega, Acting Interior Secretary signed an order this week, ordering department staff not to “issue any onshore or offshore fossil fuel authorization” for 60 days without clearance from Biden’s appointees, who are awaiting confirmation by the Senate.