The Department of the Interior has announced a series of actions intended to expand energy development, enhance local land control, and improve access in Alaska. The announcement was made during an event attended by Alaska’s congressional delegation and governor.
Key measures include reopening 1.56 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain for oil and gas leasing, issuing right-of-way permits for the Ambler Road project, advancing the King Cove–Cold Bay Road corridor through a land exchange, and providing land allotments to eligible Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans.
“From day one, President Trump directed us to unlock Alaska’s energy and resource potential while honoring commitments to the state and local communities,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “By reopening the Coastal Plain and advancing key infrastructure, we are strengthening energy independence, creating jobs and supporting Alaska’s communities while driving economic growth across the state.”
The department’s new record of decision reverses restrictions put in place by the previous administration regarding oil and gas development on the Coastal Plain. This action follows directives from Executive Order 14153, Secretarial Order 3422, as well as recent federal legislation such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Additionally, leases previously canceled by the prior administration have been restored to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority after court intervention. The Bureau of Land Management is also seeking public input on which tracts within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska should be included in an upcoming lease sale this winter—the first since 2019.
For transportation infrastructure, right-of-way permits for Ambler Road have been reissued by both federal agencies and include conveyance of nearly 23,600 acres near Ambler to complete state selections in that area. These steps aim to give Alaskans more authority over local land use decisions.
Regarding public health concerns in King Cove, a land exchange between Izembek National Wildlife Refuge lands and local authorities has moved forward. An official patent has been issued conveying lands to King Corporation as part of efforts to establish a road connection between King Cove and Cold Bay airport—addressing longstanding emergency medical access needs.
The department is also drawing attention to opportunities under its program allowing eligible Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans who served between 1964-1971 to apply for up to 160 acres of federal land without proof of prior occupancy—a provision created under the Dingell Act. During today’s event three veterans received Certificates of Allotment; applications remain open until December 29, 2025.
According to officials at today’s event these combined actions are intended not only to support responsible resource development but also fulfill statutory obligations toward Alaskans while aiming for broader economic benefits.
