SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Congressman Nick Begich, have voiced their support for the Department of the Interior’s decision to rescind three policy documents issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) during the previous administration. These documents had placed new restrictions on future development in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPR-A).

Senator Murkowski stated, “This latest announcement builds on the progress we have made throughout this year to return to the rule of law for resource development in Alaska. While the last administration sought to shut down our petroleum reserve – and refused to meaningfully consult with the Alaska Natives who actually live on the North Slope – Secretary Burgum and his team are decisively correcting that course. These rescissions are another key step to restoring balanced management that provides renewed opportunity to explore for and responsibly produce the NPR-A’s prolific resources.”

Senator Sullivan added, “For four years, the Biden administration and their far-left eco-colonialist allies fought to lock up the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska, one of the most prolific oil basins in the world specifically set aside by Congress for responsible resource development. But under the Trump administration, it is a new day filled with opportunity for Alaskans. Secretary Burgum rescinded three of the key policy documents that were issued by the Biden administration to lock up NPR-A, shut down Alaska’s economy, and defy the voices of Alaska Native leaders of the North Slope. I want to commend Secretary Burgum for taking action on behalf of Alaskans, our jobs and economy, and for faithfully implementing President Trump’s comprehensive, Day One, Alaska-specific executive order. Between this order and the key resource provisions for Alaska in the One Big Beautiful Bill, we are on the cusp of a historic opportunity to bolster our resource development economy, dramatically increase revenues to the State of Alaska, and create thousands of good-paying jobs for our hard-working families.”

Congressman Begich commented, “This announcement builds upon the tremendous strides we have made to open up Alaska for responsible resource development and puts us on a path towards a more secure energy future. The Biden Administration’s relentless and unlawful attempts to lock up Alaska’s abundant resources and shut down our strategic petroleum reserves weakened our national energy independence and stifled economic opportunity. The rescission of these misguided policies marks an important course correction for our state. I commend President Trump and Secretary Burgum for recognizing the strategic importance of Alaska’s energy resources and taking focused steps to open access to our lands in the NPR-A. The North Slope, and the NPR-A in particular, is a cornerstone of responsible oil and gas development in Alaska. With our vast petroleum reserves and strong track record of resource stewardship, we are uniquely positioned to meet America’s long term energy needs. Under the leadership of President Trump, balance is being restored. Alaska is now firmly on the same pathway as the rest of the United States, one that leads to greater prosperity and abundance for all.”

The National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska covers about 23 million acres in northwest Alaska—an area comparable in size to Indiana—and was designated by Congress specifically for energy production purposes through competitive leasing managed by DOI via BLM.

During its tenure, according to congressional delegation statements, no lease sales were held under Biden administration policies; instead there were efforts described as limiting access or delaying approvals within NPR-A.

The BLM has now withdrawn three specific policy documents: a request published in July 2024 regarding special areas within NPR-A; a January 2025 report titled “Maximizing Protection in NPR–A”; and an interim management memorandum from January 2025 related to special areas management.

Further details can be found at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/oil-and-gas/about/alaska/npr-a.