The review, which was expected in June, recommended an increase in leasing fees for companies seeking to drill for oil and gas on federal land and water. But while it mentioned climate change as an important factor to consider in the leasing process, it did not suggest how the federal government should weigh the crisis in its decisions. Nor did it call for a halt on federal drilling leases — a pledge President Joe Biden campaigned on.
Environmentalists are slamming the report for tiptoeing around climate change. It’s also being criticized by the oil industry for suggesting drillers pay…
