Hundreds of organizations, including Native American, religious, business, and conservation groups, have urged the Biden administration to conduct a comprehensive environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. They aim to align federal fossil fuel programs with U.S. climate goals to combat global warming.

The letter directed to the Interior Department seeks an evaluation of climate harm due to fossil fuel expansion. It proposes using existing laws to halt new fossil fuel leasing both onshore and offshore while managing a decline in production consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.

The appeal emphasizes the need for fair involvement of communities vulnerable to climate change or reliant on federal fossil fuel programs.

An executive order was issued by the Biden administration in February pausing oil and gas leasing pending a climate review of federal fossil fuel programs. An interim report from the Interior Department is expected in June following public comments solicited through April 15.

In January, 574 groups sent President-elect Biden a proposed executive order banning new fossil fuel leasing and permitting on federal lands and waters.

Erik Schlenker-Goodrich from Western Environmental Law Center described the review as "a long-needed step in the right direction." He emphasized investments in workers and front-line communities as key components for transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biological Diversity stated that pollution from federal fossil fuel programs has worsened climate chaos for decades. He urged a comprehensive review involving frontline communities, advocating for a ban on new leasing.

Landon Newell from Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance stressed immediate action is needed: "The BLM must put a halt to all new leasing of public lands."

Eric Huber of Sierra Club called for phasing out fossil fuel leasing: "We cannot afford to close our eyes to the dangers of inaction."

Jeremy Nichols from WildEarth Guardians highlighted the need for reform: "We’re counting on President Biden and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland."

Nicole Ghio from Friends of the Earth urged meaningful public engagement by the Department of the Interior.

Shelley Silbert from Great Old Broads for Wilderness spoke about ensuring clean air and water for future generations through better use of public lands.

Natasha Léger from Citizens for a Healthy Community noted that winding down oil and gas programs is crucial: "The largest climate hotspot in the U.S. is over... seven states in the West."

Fossil fuel production on public lands contributes about a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. A ban could reduce carbon emissions by 280 million tons annually according to peer-reviewed science.

The infrastructure used in extraction harms wildlife habitats while spills damage ocean life and coastal areas. Fracking also pollutes vital waterways.

Federal unleased fossil fuels contain up to 450 billion tons of potential pollution; leased reserves hold up to 43 billion tons. Fully developed fields could push warming beyond safe limits.