Oil Rush 2.0? How the US is opening up millions of acres for drilling in Alaska

The United States Department of the Interior, under the leadership of Secretary Doug Burgum, is advancing plans to open vast sections of Alaska’s federally managed lands to oil, gas, and infrastructure development. These steps align with US President Donald J. Trump’s broader energy strategy, which prioritizes domestic production to reduce reliance on foreign imports.

This move marks the latest shift in a decades-long battle over Alaska’s vast natural resources. Since the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in 1980, which placed more than 100 million acres under federal protection, the state has been at the center of policy debates balancing conservation with economic development. While proponents of energy expansion argue that tapping into Alaska’s oil and gas reserves is essential for national security and economic growth, environmental groups have long pushed back, citing risks to fragile ecosystems and Indigenous communities.

The latest initiative from the Interior Department reflects a shift back toward prioritizing resource extraction, a stance that has fluctuated depending on the administration in power. Former President Ronald Reagan advocated for increased drilling in the Arctic, while subsequent Democratic administrations—including those under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama—sought to impose stricter environmental regulations. President Trump’s first term saw significant rollbacks of these restrictions, only for many of them to be reinstated during President Joe Biden’s administration. Now, with Trump back in office, the federal stance has once again pivoted toward expanding energy access.

National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska: A Strategic Asset

A key component of the Interior Department’s new plan involves reopening up to 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) to leasing. Spanning approximately 23 million acres, the NPR-A was initially established in 1923 by President Warren G. Harding as a strategic oil reserve for the US Navy. For much of the 20th century, the reserve remained largely untouched, with limited leasing occurring under various administrations.

The 1976 Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act transferred control of the NPR-A from the Department of Defense to the Department of the Interior, shifting its focus from military stockpiling to potential commercial development. However, federal restrictions, environmental concerns, and fluctuating oil market conditions have historically slowed progress.

The renewed push to expand leasing in the NPR-A aligns with long-standing efforts by Alaska’s congressional delegation to maximize the state’s energy potential. Proponents argue that increased development could enhance US energy independence, provide job opportunities for Alaskans, and generate significant federal and state revenues. Opponents, however, caution that further industrial activity could threaten wildlife, such as caribou herds and migratory bird populations, which rely on the reserve’s vast, undisturbed landscapes.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: A Long-Standing Controversy

Another major element of the Interior Department’s initiative is reinstating full oil and gas leasing across the 1.56-million-acre Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). This region has been at the center of a contentious political battle for more than four decades.

ANWR was established in 1960 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, with Congress later expanding its boundaries in 1980 under ANILCA. While the law protected much of the refuge, it designated the Coastal Plain as an area for potential oil and gas development, leaving its fate subject to future congressional approval.

Since then, efforts to open the Coastal Plain have faced continuous political and legal obstacles. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed by President Trump during his first term, authorized leasing in ANWR for the first time. However, President Biden later suspended those leases, citing environmental concerns and global climate commitments.

The latest move under the Trump administration aims to reinstate leasing, arguing that ANWR’s resource potential—estimated by the US Geological Survey to hold billions of barrels of recoverable oil—could be instrumental in strengthening US energy security. The proposal faces expected legal challenges from environmental organizations and Indigenous groups who oppose industrial expansion in the region.

Land Revocations to Facilitate Infrastructure Growth

Beyond oil and gas exploration, the Interior Department is working to revoke land withdrawals along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor and the Dalton Highway north of the Yukon River. This action is expected to support two major infrastructure projects: the Ambler Road Project and the Alaska LNG Pipeline.

The Ambler Road Project is a proposed 211-mile industrial access road intended to connect Alaska’s mineral-rich Ambler Mining District to the state’s highway system. Initially proposed in the 1980s, the project has been delayed multiple times due to environmental concerns and funding constraints. If completed, it could facilitate access to critical minerals essential for modern technologies, including copper and cobalt.

The Alaska LNG Pipeline, a long-planned, multi-billion-dollar project, is designed to transport natural gas from the North Slope to export markets. First proposed in the 1970s, the project has struggled with cost challenges and shifting energy market dynamics but remains a focal point for Alaska’s long-term economic strategy.

Both projects have drawn a mix of support and criticism. Industry advocates argue that these initiatives could enhance energy security and create jobs, while environmental groups warn of potential ecological damage and disruption to Indigenous lands.

Alaska’s Role in US Energy Strategy

President Trump has framed Alaska’s resource potential as a key pillar of his administration’s energy agenda. Throughout the state’s history, oil and gas production—particularly from the Prudhoe Bay oil fields—has played a crucial role in both state and national economies. However, declining production in recent decades has led to increased pressure to open new areas for development.

The latest actions by the Interior Department mark another chapter in Alaska’s long-standing resource debate. While supporters argue that responsible development can drive economic growth and reduce US dependence on foreign energy sources, critics warn that the short-term economic benefits must be weighed against long-term environmental risks.

As regulatory changes take shape, the coming months will determine how these initiatives unfold. Legal challenges, shifting market dynamics, and public opposition could all play a role in shaping the ultimate impact of these policy shifts. For now, the Interior Department is pushing forward with its mission to maximize Alaska’s resource potential, setting the stage for a renewed battle over energy development in one of America’s most resource-rich yet environmentally sensitive regions.