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Trump Administration Announces Plan to Expand Arctic Drilling in Alaska

The initiative includes reopening ANWR and 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve, revoking Biden-era restrictions, and advancing infrastructure projects.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright speak with members of the media outside of the West Wing of the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks during a water policy rule signing ceremony at the EPA on Feb. 18.
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Overview

  • The Trump administration plans to open the entire 1.56-million-acre Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for oil and gas drilling.
  • 82% of Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve will be reopened for leasing, reversing restrictions imposed by the Biden administration.
  • The administration intends to revoke land use restrictions along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor to enable projects like the Ambler Road and Alaska LNG Pipeline.
  • The announcement marks the first step in a lengthy regulatory process, with potential legal, environmental, and political challenges ahead.
  • The oil industry's hesitancy to invest in Alaska persists due to high risks and the possibility of future policy reversals.