The Trump administration is reversing Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas development in Alaska, reopening over 13 million acres for energy production. The move is part of a broader effort to prioritize domestic energy security and economic growth.
Key Facts:
- The Trump administration is rolling back a 2024 Biden-era rule that blocked drilling on 13.3 million acres in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the reversal, citing energy independence and economic growth.
- Biden’s restrictions had locked up more than half of the 23 million-acre reserve and denied permits for infrastructure like an industrial road.
- The reserve holds an estimated 895 million barrels of oil and 52.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
- Alaska Rep. Nick Begich applauded the decision as a return to self-determination and resource development.
The Rest of The Story:
The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) was originally set aside to support U.S. energy needs through responsible development.
In 2023, the Biden administration imposed sweeping restrictions on oil and gas development in over half of the reserve, including bans across 10.6 million acres and strict protections over another 3 million acres.
These rules were introduced after backlash from environmental groups to the Willow Project, a separate $8 billion oil development in Alaska that Biden approved.
The Department of the Interior now says Biden’s 2024 rule went beyond legal limits established by the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act.
By requiring companies to prove “minimal or no adverse effects” in vast “Special Areas,” the administration had created de facto bans, slowing leasing and production efforts.
Monday’s announcement from Secretary Burgum signals a new direction under Trump.
In Alaska with @SecretaryWright to highlight key areas set free by @POTUS as part of his effective Energy Dominance strategy.
Smart and safe development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will strengthen U.S. national security and… pic.twitter.com/h0ohcSDsOL
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) June 2, 2025
The administration will now ease procedural hurdles, allowing for expanded leasing and exploration across the petroleum-rich lands in Alaska.
Alaska’s right to self-determination is being restored. Thank you @SecretaryBurgum and @POTUS for your leadership and recognizing Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential. https://t.co/Hw3K5oTA5a
— Congressman Nick Begich (@RepNickBegich) June 2, 2025
Commentary:
This policy shift is another fulfillment of President Trump’s long-standing pledge to make America energy independent.
By reversing the Biden administration’s restrictions, Trump is once again putting U.S. workers, industry, and national security first.
Opening up Alaska’s reserves will bring significant economic benefits, particularly in resource-rich but underdeveloped regions.
It also sends a message to global energy markets that the U.S. intends to lead—not follow—when it comes to oil and gas production.
While environmental groups may protest, the reality is that America needs a stable, domestic energy supply—especially as global instability continues to impact fuel prices.
Developing domestic oil and gas reduces dependence on adversarial foreign producers and helps bring down energy costs at home.
This return to resource development is a strategic win for the country.
The Bottom Line:
President Trump is once again taking action to prioritize U.S. energy independence by reopening oil and gas development in Alaska.
The move undoes restrictive rules that had locked up key energy assets and stifled economic potential.
With billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of gas now accessible, Alaska stands to play a pivotal role in powering America’s future.
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