Hillary Clinton would keep drilling out of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans and would continue President Obama’s review of coal leases if she won the White House.
In her conservation plan released Wednesday, Clinton said she wanted to make sure taxpayers get “a fair deal.”
“Clinton will reform onshore coal, oil and gas leases to ensure taxpayers are getting a fair deal, raising royalty rates, which currently lag below the rates on state and private lands, and close loopholes,” the plan said.
“She will also ensure that new leasing decisions account for the accelerating pace of the clean energy transition so taxpayers are protected as the U.S. and global energy market changes.”
The likely Democratic candidate also plans to kick-start the amount of renewable energy produced on public lands.
She wants to increase the amount of wind energy projects in federal waters and expand the Department of Interior’s renewable energy production areas on public lands.
But, she also would keep projects from going in places where she thinks it’s better to leave land untouched. She opposes offshore drilling the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, for example.
“As in the Arctic Ocean, where oil and gas development is simply too risky to be pursued, there are some places that are better left untouched,” the plan stated. “Through smarter planning, public input and careful decisions, the federal government should be directing developers — whether for renewable energy projects or mineral extraction — to areas with the fewest potential environmental costs, while clearly identifying those special places that should be safeguarded for future generations.”
According to her plan, Clinton wants to double the outdoor economy, begin a trust fund to protect national parks and increase tenfold the amount of renewable energy produced on public lands.
Clinton’s campaign said she wants to create millions of new jobs and up to $700 billion in new economic activity per year by expanding the outdoor economy. Currently, the outdoor economy — consisting of hunting, fishing, hiking and other forms of outdoor recreation — contributes $646 billion to the country’s economy.
To do that, Clinton will help small businesses in the outdoor industry get loans and direct federal agencies to work closer with communities and businesses to improve infrastructure and attract visitors.
“Conserving our nation’s lands, waters and oceans not only protects our natural heritage, it improves quality of life and creates new jobs and economic opportunity,” the plan stated. “Partnering with private landowners, ranchers and farmers can achieve conservation goals and strengthen rural economies.”
