WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration announced Thursday that it is reversing a Biden-era policy that restricted oil and gas development on 13 million acres within Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, reopening the land to future drilling. The Interior Department said it has finalized a rule rescinding the 2024 protections, though the formal notice is expected to be published in the Federal Register on Friday.
The petroleum reserve spans 23 million acres and was established in 1923 by President Warren Harding as a strategic fuel source for the U.S. Navy. In recent decades, debate over whether to develop the region has sharply divided lawmakers, with Democrats emphasizing environmental protection and Republicans arguing for expanded domestic energy production.
The Biden administration imposed drilling limits last year, citing the need to safeguard sensitive Arctic ecosystems. In contrast, Trump officials say the reversal will strengthen U.S. energy security and support Alaska’s economy. “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,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.
Thursday’s action finalizes a proposal the administration introduced earlier this year, marking another major policy shift in federal energy management. Industry groups have long pressed for expanded drilling in the reserve, while environmental organizations are expected to challenge the decision in court.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
