Climate Deal Marks Contentious Federal Fossil Fuels Commitment

The tax and climate deal struck by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) would force a massive ramp-up to federal oil and gas leasing for the next decade.

The bill, if passed, would tie wind and solar development to oil and gas lease sales. That language is expected to undermine the Biden administration’s plans to expand renewable energy on federal lands and waters, as well as greatly complicate plans to draw down oil and gas production that contributes directly to the climate crisis, natural resources lawyers say.

“It’s Congress saying we want all of the above, and ...