Alaska oil project construction allowed as lawsuits play out

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Construction can proceed related to a major oil project on Alaska’s petroleum-rich North Slope after a federal judge on Monday rejected requests to halt work until challenges to the Biden administration’s recent approval are resolved. The decision means ConocoPhillips Alaska can forge ahead with cold-weather construction work, including mining gravel and using it to extend a road toward the Willow project. U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason said support for the project by Alaska political leaders — including state lawmakers and Alaska’s bipartisan congressional delegation — was a key factor in her decision. She said she…