JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday upheld the Biden administration’s approval of the Willow oil-drilling project on Alaska’s remote North Slope, a massive project that drew the ire of environmentalists who had accused the president of backpedaling on his pledge to combat climate change. She added that the alternatives analyzed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as part of its review were consistent with the policy objectives of the petroleum reserve and the stated purpose and need of the Willow project. The administration's action alienated and outraged some supporters, particularly young activists who launched a TikTok campaign to oppose the project ahead of its approval in March. Connor Dunn, vice president of the Willow project for ConocoPhillips Alaska, said in court documents that it was “highly unlikely” that Willow would proceed if the administration’s approval were to be vacated. Many Alaska Native leaders on the North Slope and groups with ties to the region have argued that Willow is economically vital for their communities.

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Persons: backpedaling, Sharon Gleason, ” Gleason, Erik Grafe, Earthjustice, ” Bridget Psarianos, Inupiat, ” Psarianos, Joe Biden’s, Deb Haaland, Connor Dunn, Dunn, Gleason, Rebecca Boys, Willow, Trump, Biden, greenlight, Mike Dunleavy, “, ”, Nagruk Harcharek Organizations: —, Biden, National Petroleum Reserve, U.S . Bureau of Land Management, ConocoPhillips, Land Management, Gleason ., Alaska, Republican Gov Locations: JUNEAU, Alaska, North, Willow, ConocoPhillips Alaska, ”