Controversial Alaska oil drilling project approved by Biden administration

Amna Nawaz:

The Biden administration has officially approved a controversial oil drilling project in Alaska known as Willow.

Oil giant ConocoPhillips’ project is expected to produce some 600 million barrels of crude oil over the next three decades. Proponents hail the energy and jobs it would create in Alaska. Opponents said it would dangerously accelerate emissions and the climate crisis. The administration’s decision comes after it announced an oil drilling limit on 16 million acres in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.

To take a closer look, I’m joined by Liz Ruskin, Washington correspondent for Alaska Public Media.

Liz, welcome and thank you for joining us.

So, the administration approved this Willow project, but not the whole project. Explain that to us. What have they decided?