Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) criticized President Joe Biden over the weekend for taking measures to limit energy exploration and mining in Alaska while not enforcing sanctions against some of America’s major adversaries.
Sullivan expressed his views during a Sunday interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS News’s “Face the Nation.”
Brennan mentioned the Biden administration’s recent decision to restrict oil and gas drilling in parts of the National Petroleum Reserve to protect polar bears, as well as its decision to block a road essential for operating a copper and zinc mine.
Sullivan called these actions “suicidal” and “lawless,” stating that the president lacked the authority for these decisions. He emphasized the national security implications, noting that while Biden has not sanctioned the Iranian oil and gas regime, he has sanctioned Alaska.
Sullivan pointed out that the administration has issued 63 executive orders and actions aimed at shutting down Alaska, which not only affects his constituents but also impacts American resources, energy, and critical minerals.
He expressed concern about the administration’s dishonest and cynical approach, particularly regarding claims that Alaska Natives supported the restrictions. Sullivan stated that leaders of the North Slope of Alaska were united in opposing the measures and tried to meet with Secretary Haaland, who refused.
Sullivan accused Biden of lying about what the indigenous people of Alaska wanted and “canceling their voices and stealing their voices.” He concluded by describing the move as “despicable.”
