Trump Rushes Environmental Rules That Could Handcuff Biden
- Last-minute race includes Arctic oil, high-flow showerheads
- Midnight rules can be sand in the gears for new administration
The Interior Department is fast-tracking a proposal to conduct seismic surveys in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that environmentalists say risks trampling polar bears in snow-covered dens.
Photographer: Steven Kazlowski/Barcroft Media/Getty Images
The Trump administration is rushing to issue permits, finalize major environmental regulations and even sell the rights to drill for oil in Alaskan wilderness before Inauguration Day in a push that could complicate Joe Biden’s climate and conservation agenda.
The 11th-hour regulatory race underscores the extent to which federal agencies are anticipating Biden’s swearing-in as U.S. president on Jan. 20 even as President Donald Trump refuses to concede the election. It also reveals a widespread effort by Trump officials to leave their imprint on federal policy and -- at least temporarily -- tie the hands of their successors.