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The Department of the Interior on Tuesday unveiled a proposal that would reopen the majority of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve to oil and gas development, marking a significant push by the Trump administration to expand domestic energy production.
A draft environmental analysis released for public comment recommends an alternative from the 2020 management plan that would allow leasing and development on up to 82 percent of the 23-million-acre reserve. The move is part of the administration’s broader “Energy Dominance” agenda aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and boosting energy independence.
“This plan is about creating more jobs for Americans, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and tapping into the immense energy resources the National Petroleum Reserve was created to deliver,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re cutting red tape and restoring commonsense policies that ensure responsible development and good stewardship of our public lands,” he added.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also addressed the new plan in a post to X.
“@Interior is unleashing American energy like never before. We proposed the reopening of OVER 80% of the NPR-A to oil & gas leasing – advancing @POTUS‘ Energy Dominance Agenda & delivering on our promise of ending Biden’s disastrous regulatory overreach,” he wrote.
The Bureau of Land Management’s updated draft reflects the latest data and aligns with Executive Order 14153 and Secretary’s Order 3422, both of which emphasize increased resource development in Alaska to support U.S. energy and economic security.
Established in the 1970s amid the energy crisis, the National Petroleum Reserve was designated by Congress for oil and gas exploration. It is managed under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, which directs the Interior Department to maintain a “program of competitive leasing” while protecting key surface values.
The proposed changes also move to reverse restrictions put in place by the Biden administration in 2024, which had limited leasing across large sections of the reserve. Officials say the rollback is essential to ensure the U.S. can meet long-term energy demands.
The draft analysis is available for public review through the Bureau of Land Management’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Register.
