The US Department of the Interior (DoI) has finalised a rule overturning restrictions imposed during President Joe Biden’s administration that limited oil and gas drilling across large sections of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A).
The decision marks a significant shift in federal energy policy, aligning with President Donald Trump’s stated goal to expand domestic fossil fuel production and ease regulatory burdens on energy developers.
In 2024, the Biden administration had prohibited new leasing for oil and gas extraction across 10.6 million acres within the reserve — an area roughly the size of Iceland — and imposed further constraints on more than two million additional acres.
That plan formed part of Biden’s broader “America the Beautiful” initiative, which targeted the protection of 30 per cent of US lands and waters by 2030 in response to accelerating climate change.
Environmental groups welcomed the restrictions at the time, arguing they were vital to protect sensitive wildlife habitats and reduce carbon emissions linked to oil production in the Arctic.
However, Alaska state officials and industry representatives strongly opposed the measures, warning of potential job losses and growing reliance on imported energy.
According to Reuters, critics described the 2024 rule as a blow to economic development in Alaska, where local and state revenue heavily depend on oil taxes and royalties.
In its new announcement, the DoI said the reversal aims to “strengthen American Energy Dominance and reduce reliance on foreign oil”.
“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,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a statement.
“This action restores common-sense management and ensures responsible development benefits for both Alaska and the nation.”
The DoI elaborated that the updated rule would “strengthen American Energy Dominance and reduce reliance on foreign oil,” reaffirming Trump’s long-standing emphasis on domestic resource extraction.
Environmental organisations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), have condemned the decision, arguing it undermines progress toward reducing emissions and protecting Arctic ecosystems.
The NPR-A, located on Alaska’s North Slope, spans about 23 million acres and is the largest area of federally managed land in the United States.
It provides habitat for caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds while also hosting significant oil reserves near existing infrastructure.
Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, an Alaska Native organisation representing North Slope communities, expressed support for the policy shift.
The group said oil infrastructure contributes essential tax revenue that funds education, healthcare, and public services.
According to Reuters, the organisation previously urged federal officials to balance conservation goals with economic realities facing remote Arctic communities.
The reversal follows other energy policy changes under the Trump administration, including the cancellation of plans to auction offshore oil and gas leases along the US East Coast earlier this year.
That decision came after Republican leaders in several southern states voiced opposition, citing environmental concerns and tourism impacts.
The policy turnaround in Alaska is expected to reignite debate between energy independence advocates and environmental policymakers.
Analysts suggest the move could reopen millions of acres for exploration as soon as 2026, potentially attracting renewed interest from major producers like ConocoPhillips and Hilcorp Energy.
