SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Representative Nick Begich, have expressed approval for the Department of the Interior's decision to start a public process to rescind a 2024 rule concerning oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The Department of the Interior concluded that the rule exceeded statutory authority under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 and conflicted with its purpose.

Senator Murkowski stated, "I thank Secretary Burgum for listening to Alaskans and recognizing the explicit legal purpose of our petroleum reserve. This is a victory not only for those who support responsible development but also those who believe in the rule of law." She emphasized that repealing the rule would enable Alaska to produce more energy as intended by Congress without weakening environmental standards.

Senator Sullivan noted, “Last night at a town hall in Utqiagvik, Secretary Burgum announced that the Interior Department will rescind the Biden administration’s illegal rule that tried to turn vast swaths of NPR-A into de facto ‘wilderness.’” He highlighted how responsible resource development has benefited local communities by supporting essential infrastructure.

Congressman Begich described the decision as "a major victory for Alaska and for every American who believes in energy independence and the rule of law." He criticized the 2024 restrictions for being imposed without considering regional needs and violating legal mandates.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum remarked, “Congress was clear: the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska was set aside to support America’s energy security through responsible development.” He criticized the 2024 rule for prioritizing obstruction over production.

The NPR-A covers approximately 23 million acres designated by Congress for oil and gas development. The Biden administration had previously refrained from holding lease sales while imposing additional restrictions. Alaska's congressional delegation opposed these management rules on a bipartisan basis from their inception.

According to DOI, reverting to pre-May 7, 2024 regulations will guide responsible development while protecting wildlife and subsistence values. A public comment period will commence following publication in the Federal Register.