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My name is Shakira Jackson and I’m a student at the University of Pittsburgh. I am also an environmentalist and activist for liberty.
I am very worried about President Biden’s ban on new oil and gas leases. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. has achieved energy independence for the first time since 1952. This is essential because it means we don’t have to rely on countries with fewer environmental or human rights standards for energy. However, with President Biden’s order that could be reversed very soon.
Royalties collected on offshore oil and gas leases help fund critical environmental projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This fund maintains federal public lands and waters—including funding for our national parks. The National Park Service (NPS) already has a $12 billion maintenance backlog. The Great American Outdoors Act will help, but it only provides half the funds needed.
It shouldn’t be harder to fund projects that protect our nation’s environment. While banning oil and gas leases may seem environmentally friendly, it will increase our reliance on big polluters abroad.
As a young person, I wish we would do better for our environment and reverse this ban.
Shakira Jackson
Philadelphia
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