The Trump administration is moving to overturn Biden-era protections on 13 million acres of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, triggering a clash between energy security goals and environmental safeguards.
At a Glance
- The Department of the Interior proposes reversing 2024 restrictions on oil and gas development in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve
- The move would open 13 million acres for leasing, reversing Biden-era limits aimed at conservation
- The NPR-A was originally designated as an emergency oil reserve in 1923 and opened for leasing in the 1970s
- Critics argue the rollback undermines environmental protections, while supporters cite energy independence and economic benefits
- The Bureau of Land Management is assessing impacts on wildlife and Native subsistence before final approval
Policy Reversal in Motion
In a sweeping energy policy pivot, the Department of the Interior has proposed reversing 2024 rules that limited oil and gas development in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve. The rollback, championed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, would reauthorize leasing across 13 million acres previously protected under President Biden.
Burgum argues the original restrictions conflicted with Congress’s intent and hindered U.S. energy security. Initially designated in 1923 as a naval oil reserve, the NPR-A was opened to commercial leasing in the 1970s. Under Biden, environmental safeguards were applied to protect wildlife corridors and Alaska Native subsistence lands, including 1.3 million acres on the North Slope.
Watch a report: Trump moves to walk back Biden restrictions on oil and gas development in Alaska.
Energy vs. Ecology
The Trump administration’s approach—framed as a National Energy Emergency—aims to accelerate domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign oil. Energy proponents argue this could boost local economies and generate tax revenue for Native communities like the Iñupiat, who support some development for economic gain.
However, environmental advocates and some Alaska Native groups warn the move could jeopardize fragile ecosystems, harm caribou migrations, and violate promises made under the Biden administration to protect 28 million acres of ecologically sensitive land.
The Bureau of Land Management is now evaluating the rollback’s potential impacts on wildlife and subsistence lifestyles. The process includes consultation with affected communities and review of environmental assessments before a final decision is made.
Political Fallout
The proposal underscores a stark divide between competing visions for U.S. energy policy. While Trump-era officials frame the shift as essential to energy independence, critics call it a politically motivated reversal that disregards environmental science and community input.
Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups, including LCVoters, have vowed to fight the repeal. Meanwhile, pro-energy groups and Alaska’s Republican delegation are lobbying for swift implementation, hoping to solidify long-term development contracts before the 2026 election.
As the battle intensifies, the fate of millions of acres—and the future of U.S. energy strategy—hangs in the balance.
