On Friday, local community members showed up in droves to watch President Joe Biden’s arrival at Seward Park. Environmental activists representing the “Ship It Zero” campaign were in attendance and held various signs encouraging Biden to commit to zero-emission shipping by 2030. The event also included advocates in support of vaccines for children under the age of 5.
The presidential motorcade was assisted by members of the Seattle and Spokane police departments, the Washington State Patrol and the Secret Service. During his visit at Seward Park, Biden gave an Earth Day speech and signed an executive order “to strengthen America’s forests, boost wildfire resilience, and combat global deforestation.”
Four days prior, Biden authorized new drilling for fossil fuels on public land.
According to ABC News, the Interior Department said that the changes to the sales process “reflect the balanced approach to energy development and management of our nation’s public lands.” Lease sales will also be “subject to Tribal consultation and community input,” ABC reported.
The move was intended to curb gas prices, which have shot up in part due to the conflict in Ukraine.
--Ronnie Estoque and Ashley Archibald
Ashley Archibald is the editor of Real Change News.
Read more of the Apr. 27-May 3, 2022 issue.