Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Jurnal Pena Wimaya
Articles

THE INCONSISTENCY OF JOE BIDEN’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT IN THE APPROVAL OF THE WILLOW PROJECT

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  • Kezia Angelica Melody
Kezia Angelica Melody
Department of International Relations, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "VETERAN" Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31315/jpw.v6i2.16796

Published 2026-06-04

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Abstract

This study analyses the approval policy of the President of the United States, Joe Biden's approval for the Willow Project in 2023. This policy has sparked controversy because it is considered to contradict the environmental commitments made by Joe Biden during his 2020 U.S. presidential election campaign. This study aims to analyse the factors that influenced Joe Biden's decision-making using Richard Snyder's decision-making theory, which focuses on the analysis of internal factors, external factors, and the decision-making process. This study uses a qualitative method with data collection techniques through a literature review of various policy documents, academic literature, and media reports. The results of the study show that Joe Biden's decision was the result of a complex interaction between various factors, particularly energy needs, economic stability, and domestic political pressure, as well as the geopolitical dynamics following the Russia-Ukraine war. Thus, the Willow Project approval policy can be understood as a compromise between environmental commitments and the interests of maintaining energy security and economic stability.

Keywords: Willow Project; decision-making; United States’ energy & environmental policy; United States’ climate commitments

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