Biden blocks new oil and natural gas leases in key Alaskan region

Driving the news: Interior unveiled final plans to protect over 13 million acres in the 23 million acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, with an outright ban on new oil and gas leases on 10.6 million acres.

• Those limits span roughly half the massive Arctic expanse, where big hydrocarbon deposits underlie sensitive wildlife habitat.
• The NPR-A is where Biden has allowed a scaled-back version of ConocoPhillips' big Willow project elsewhere in the reserve.

In a separate decision, Interior signaled it won't approve the 210-mile Ambler Road, which would have provided access to potential copper and zinc mines.

• Interior cited risks to Alaska Natives' subsistence hunting and wildlife, among other harms.

What they're saying: Environmental groups applauded and Biden, in a statement, said he's protecting "natural wonders."

• "Alaska's majestic and rugged lands and waters are among the most remarkable and healthy landscapes in the world, sustaining a vibrant subsistence economy for Alaska Native communities," he said.

The other side: "The message this administration is sending to the dictators in Iran, China and Russia is this: We won't use our resources to strengthen our country — but you can use your resources to strengthen your country," Alaska GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan told reporters Thursday.

• The American Petroleum Institute said the White House is acting against U.S. energy security interests and thwarting development that would bolster Alaskan communities.

Catch up quick: These actions come a day after Interior finalized a separate rule designed to put conservation on "equal footing" with energy and other uses in vast tracts of public lands.

What we're watching: Potential litigation — and reversals if the White House changes hands.