US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is spearheading efforts to unlock Alaska’s untapped resource potential, aligning with the vision of ‘American Energy Dominance’.
Under his leadership, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will explore the possibility of expanding exploration and development in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve and the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
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The BLM aims to partially revoke public land withdrawals, aiding the proposed Ambler Road and Alaska Liquified Natural Gas Pipeline projects.
These actions are part of implementing Executive Order 14153 and Secretary’s Order 3422, both titled ‘Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential’.
The initiative includes reopening up to 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for leasing, expanding energy development opportunities in the approximately 23-million-acre reserve.
This plan would balance oil and gas leasing with protecting important surface resources.
Additionally, the programme plans to reinstate the availability of the entire 1.56-million-acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas leasing.
This aligns with Congress’ intent in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, advancing US energy dominance while maintaining strong surface resource protections.
“It is time for the US to embrace Alaska’s abundant and largely untapped resources as a pathway to prosperity for the nation, including Alaskans.
“For far too long, the federal government has created too many barriers to capitalising on the state’s energy potential. Interior is committed to recognising the central role the State of Alaska plays in meeting our nation’s energy needs, while providing tremendous economic opportunity for Alaskans,” Burgum stated.
The actions also involve revoking withdrawals along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor and Dalton Highway north of the Yukon River, conveying these lands to the State of Alaska.
This facilitates the proposed Ambler Road and Alaska Liquified Natural Gas Pipeline project, potentially boosting job opportunities and economic growth in Alaska.
Earlier this year, President Trump committed to unlocking Alaska’s natural resources for the benefit of Alaskans and the nation, with the aim of ensuring economic and national security for future generations.
Japan is also reportedly considering backing a $44bn gas pipeline project in Alaska to strengthen ties with President Trump and mitigate potential trade tensions.
This initiative is expected to be discussed when Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba meets Trump in Washington.
The proposed 800-mile (1,287.5km) pipeline aims to connect gas fields in northern Alaska to a southern port for liquefaction and shipment to Asian markets.
