Senate Republicans Challenge Biden’s Resource Plan

Republican Rep. Nick Begich from Alaska announced that Senate Republicans have successfully passed the Congressional Review Act (CRA) aimed at reversing a Biden administration initiative that limited access to essential resources in Alaska. This move is seen as a response to China’s dominance in critical mineral resources.

On Thursday, the Senate passed a bill aimed at undoing former President Biden’s decision to protect over 13 million acres of resource-rich land in Alaska under conservation efforts. Begich argued that the Biden administration has made concerted efforts to restrict Alaska’s resources, citing about 70 executive orders aimed specifically at the state. He noted that these policies are detrimental to Alaska’s rural economy and give China a competitive edge in essential mineral markets while curtailing mining and energy development.

“There has been a systematic effort to sequester resources in Alaska,” Begich told a news outlet, adding that this effort seemed unique to Alaska. “It hasn’t affected the rest of the country in the same way. Now, we’re working on reversing the far-left agenda that aims to shut down access to our resources.”

By a vote of 50-46, #Senate Passed HJRes.106, Sullivan-Biden BLM’s Central Yukon Regional Management Plan CRA.

On a party-line vote, Sens. Cortez Masto, Cotton, Cruz, and McConnell did not vote.

— Senate Press Gallery (@SenatePress)

Begich noted that the CRA was first introduced in the House of Representatives in July, with Republican members passing it in September. Following this, Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan supported the bill’s passage in the Senate, where it secured a narrow 50-46 vote and now awaits the President’s signature.

The Biden administration had previously restricted land use in Central Yukon, a valuable region for resources in Alaska. According to Begich, the CRA will enable Alaska to pursue mining projects and critical gas pipelines that could bolster the state’s economy while providing energy resources to the rest of the country.

“Alaska possesses 49 of the 50 critical minerals on the official list,” Begich said, emphasizing the importance of these minerals, some of which are abundantly found in that region. “We also have essential metals like copper, zinc, and cobalt here.” Despite the U.S. having significant rare earth mining potential, China holds a monopoly on many of these minerals, supplying about 80% of them used in American industries.

Begich previously expressed to a news outlet that Alaska could play a vital role in the U.S.’s energy strategy, especially regarding natural gas and mining. He estimated that there are over 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in Alaska’s northern reaches, which could be crucial for meeting national energy demands.

Furthermore, the Biden administration has instituted tougher restrictions that have affected Alaska’s energy sector, which includes halting essential mining projects and suspending oil and gas leases on millions of acres.

On the Senate floor, Murkowski expressed her respect for previous conservation efforts but criticized the Biden administration for lacking a balanced approach to resource management. Sullivan also rebuked the President, asserting that the restrictions on Alaska felt more punishing than sanctions placed on countries like Iran and Venezuela.

The CRA marks Begich’s third piece of legislation sent to the President, differing from his other two, which aim to support disadvantaged communities in Alaska. He highlighted that many communities, especially rural ones, rely on accessible energy for their economic development.

“In rural Alaska, some towns can’t be reached by road, and diesel prices can skyrocket to over $15 a gallon,” he pointed out. “Connecting these communities through road access could dramatically lower transportation costs.”

Interestingly, although the Biden administration cited “indigenous knowledge” as a factor in limiting energy development in Alaska, some indigenous leaders have voiced their concerns about being disrespected by these decisions, fearing it could jeopardize their economies.

“I’m proud of our team and our progress in Congress to fulfill our commitment to the people of Alaska,” Begich stated. “There’s certainly more work to do, but seeing Congress and the Presidency align to follow through on our campaign promises is exciting.”