The Biden Administration recently approved the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska, despite the President’s promises of “no more drilling on federal lands, period,” while on the campaign trail in 2020.

“[The Biden Administration] tried to play both sides here; they were afraid of the political consequences of not allowing drilling when gas prices are so high,” says Benjamin Cole, Chair of the Simmons Political Science and International Relations department. 

Cole added that gas prices in rural Alaska are approximately $20 a gallon; rural areas of the country need more access to oil tankers. He also said that the Biden Administration was under a lot of political pressure to do something, even if it upset the base of the Democratic Party. 

Environmental activists were notably critical of Biden’s decision, as it came after thousands of people turned to social media for activism. Young people in particular used social media to share information and resources along with sharing petitions to stop the Willow Project.

Michael Berger is a professor of chemistry at Simmons, who often engages his students in the environment and sustainability. Berger also is the faculty advisor for Sunrise Simmons, where they discussed the Willow Project at their recent meeting. 

The PowerPoint presentation at the Sunrise Simmons meeting detailed a summary of the Willow Project, its history, how it affects the planet, and actions that students can take. 

The PowerPoint urged students to sign petitions, share information on social media, donate to organizations fighting the Willow Project, and write to local representatives and The White House. Sunrise Simmons did not respond to the Voice’s request for an interview. 

When asked how the Willow Project would impact the planet, Berger said “it’s not going to help…a lot of people are dismayed because Biden ran on being behind a reduction of fossil fuels- this is more of a political issue than anything else.” 

When asked how Simmons students can take action and voice their opinion on the Willow Project, Professor Cole reiterated signing petitions but emphasized the importance of voting. “Massachusetts is doing more on climate than almost any other jurisdiction in the world, including most European countries we think of as leaders on climate, because people get out and vote…that’s how you make a difference.”