In a major policy change, the Trump administration has opened millions of acres of protected land in Alaska for oil drilling and mining. This move ends federal protections for a large part of the Alaska wilderness and gives energy companies more access to natural resources. This decision has sparked strong reactions from environmental groups and local communities.
Energy Over Environment: A Shift in U.S. Policy
This change reverses a December 2024 order by President Joe Biden. Biden had banned oil drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), which covers 23 million acres of land. But on Monday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the Trump administration is canceling that ban.
- Burgum said that the Biden administration was blocking energy production and making the U.S. less energy independent.
- He added that producing more oil and gas at home is important for the country’s economy and national security.
- This decision is part of Trump’s bigger plan to support fossil fuels and reduce restrictions on the oil industry.
Economic Arguments Behind the Move
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Burgum in Alaska to support the decision. Wright posted on Twitter/X that oil production powers more than 90% of Alaska’s general revenue.
He wrote, “Unleashing American energy goes hand in hand with unleashing American prosperity.” He also added that energy jobs are vital for the state’s economy.
This decision is part of Trump’s broader policy since he declared a “national energy emergency” in January 2025. On his first day back in office, he signed several executive orders to help the oil, gas, and mining industries grow quickly. His campaign slogan “drill, baby, drill” is now becoming a reality.
Concerns from Environmental Groups and Indigenous Communities
While the Trump administration celebrates the change, many environmental groups are strongly against it. They say this decision will harm wildlife, damage the environment, and affect Indigenous communities.
- Kristen Miller, head of the Alaska Wilderness League, called the move “outrageous.”
- She said it threatens animals like caribou, migratory birds, and other species that depend on the wild Arctic region.
- The land is also important for Indigenous people, who rely on it for food and tradition. Miller added, “The public fought hard to protect these lands, and we won’t stay silent now.”
Environmentalists worry this is just the start, as Trump has promised to expand drilling even more across Alaska’s untouched landscapes.
Why the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Matters
The NPR-A is the largest single piece of public land in the United States, located about 600 miles north of Anchorage. It stretches between the Chukchi Sea and Beaufort Sea, making it rich in oil and gas reserves.
- The land was first set aside in the early 1900s for military fuel storage.
- In 1976, Congress allowed commercial development but required strong wildlife and conservation protections.
- Over the years, many have debated how much of this land should be developed versus how much should be preserved.
Even during Trump’s first term, attempts to open up parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) did not attract many buyers. A lease auction in January failed, showing that not all energy companies were eager to drill in these sensitive areas.
What’s Next for Alaska’s Wild Lands?
This is a Breaking News story that could shape U.S. environmental policy for years. With more of Alaska’s wilderness now open to development, there will likely be court challenges and public protests.
- Laura Daniel-Davis, a former top official at the Interior Department, once said, “Some places are too special and sacred to drill.”
- Many Americans agree and feel that Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife should be protected.
This decision by the Trump administration is likely to remain in the news and cause debate between those who support energy independence and those who want to protect nature and Indigenous lands. As the situation develops, stay tuned for more Daily news highlights and Breaking News on this important topic.
