The Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Doug Burgum, is initiating measures to tap into Alaska's natural resources, aligning with President Donald J. Trump's goal of achieving American Energy Dominance. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will focus on expanding exploration and development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Secretary Burgum stated, "It’s time for the U.S. to embrace Alaska’s abundant and largely untapped resources as a pathway to prosperity for the nation, including Alaskans." He emphasized that federal barriers have hindered capitalizing on Alaska's energy potential and expressed commitment to recognizing Alaska's role in meeting national energy needs while providing economic opportunities for its residents.
The actions include reopening up to 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for leasing and expanding energy development across approximately 23 million acres. This initiative aims to balance oil and gas leasing with protecting important surface resources.
Additionally, a program will be reinstated to make the entire 1.56-million-acre Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge available for oil and gas leasing. This move aligns with Congress' intent from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while maintaining protections for surface resources.
Further steps involve revoking land withdrawals along key corridors such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor and Dalton Highway north of the Yukon River. This action would facilitate projects like Ambler Road and the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas Pipeline, potentially boosting job opportunities and economic growth in Alaska.
President Trump had earlier pledged to unlock Alaska's resource potential for both local benefits and national security, aiming to provide long-term economic advantages through these initiatives.
