SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with U.S. Representative Nick Begich, all Republicans from Alaska, have expressed their approval of Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum's recent decisions aimed at enhancing access to federal lands in Alaska. These decisions are aligned with President Trump's Executive Order on Unleashing Alaska’s Resource Potential.

Secretary Burgum has instructed agencies to restore access to federal lands in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) and the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, he has moved to lift Public Land Order 5150, which has previously restricted major resource development projects in the state.

Senator Murkowski remarked on the significance of these developments for Alaska: “This is wonderful news for Alaska. Secretary Burgum recognizes Alaska’s incredible resource potential and the increasingly onerous restrictions that have been put in place—over our objections—to stop us from responsibly producing and reaching our full potential as a state." She emphasized that these actions represent initial steps toward fulfilling terms set nearly 70 years ago during statehood.

Senator Sullivan noted that these announcements are part of President Trump’s executive order focused on unlocking Alaska's resource potential: “DOI’s announcement today—which implements key elements of President Trump’s day-one executive order to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential—is great news for our state.” He highlighted efforts made by himself and Governor Dunleavy in ensuring inclusion of vital provisions related to ANWR Coastal Plain and NPR-A development.

Congressman Begich stated that these decisions mark a significant step towards establishing Alaska as a leader in America’s energy future: “The Department of the Interior’s decision is a major step toward securing Alaska’s place at the forefront of America’s energy future."

Interior provided descriptions for Secretary Burgum's decision memos:

“Reopening up to 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska available to leasing and expanding energy development opportunities in the approximately 23-million-acre reserve.”

“Reinstating a program that makes the entire 1.56-million-acre Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge available for oil and gas leasing.”

“Revoking withdrawals along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor and Dalton Highway north of the Yukon River.”

These actions aim to increase job opportunities and encourage economic growth within Alaska while balancing environmental protections.