WASHINGTON – President Biden is scheduled to halt the new oil and gas lease in federal territory on Wednesday, according to people familiar with the matter, who will set up a showdown with the oil industry over the future of U.S. energy.
The Biden administration has drafted an order to impose the moratorium while conducting a review of the federal oil and gas lease program, people said, in what may be a first step toward its campaign promise to put end to future leases. The order is expected to be included in a government-wide package of measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting land conservation.
As a candidate, Mr. Biden had said he would push the country into the “transition of the oil industry” because of its pollution, and has acted more quickly and comprehensively to do so than many expected.
In addition to the moratorium on oil and gas leasing, Mr. Biden is expected to set a goal to protect 30% of federal land and water by 2030, according to the people. The president also plans to reinstate a White House scientific advisory board that was set up during the Obama administration. Bloomberg News and other publications previously reported on Mr. Biden’s plans.
Government officials have discussed holding a summit on climate change, possibly Earth Day, April 22, one of the people said, but officials have not yet finalized those plans. Biden pledged during his campaign to convene a summit of leaders from around the world to discuss climate change at the beginning of his administration.