The Department of the Interior has announced it will rescind the 2024 Bureau of Land Management rule concerning the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. This move affects the management of approximately 23 million acres set aside for petroleum development.
"By rescinding the 2024 rule, we are following the direction set by President Trump to unlock Alaska’s energy potential, create jobs for North Slope communities and strengthen American energy security," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "This action restores common-sense management and ensures responsible development benefits both Alaska and the nation."
The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska was designated in 1923 as a resource to help support national energy needs. The Department’s decision reverses recent regulations with an aim to enhance domestic energy production and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
According to the Department, this change implements guidance from President Donald J. Trump issued through Executive Order 14153 at the start of his term. The new approach responds to requests from Alaskans, including leaders from North Slope communities, to return to a previous regulatory structure that officials say will better support economic growth and national security.
Management of the reserve will now proceed under new regulations set for 2025 that reflect standards originally put in place in 1977. Officials state that these changes are intended to decrease regulatory obstacles and enable greater economic benefit for both local communities and the country.
This regulatory shift is part of a wider initiative by the Interior Department to update resource policies across Alaska. It follows recent decisions to withdraw three policy documents that had increased special-area restrictions within the state, signaling a continued commitment by officials to balance development goals with environmental protection.
The final rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on November 17, 2025.
