Trump moves to unlock Alaska’s oil reserves, reversing Biden-era energy restrictions

06/25/2025 / By Ava Grace

The Trump administration proposes reopening 82 percent of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A) to oil and gas drilling, reversing Biden-era restrictions that had limited development to protect the environment.
Established in 1923 for the U.S. Navy, the NPR-A saw expanded drilling under Trump in 2017 before Biden restricted nearly half of it in 2022. The new plan would open 18.5 million acres, up from 11.7 million.
Supporters argue the move boosts U.S. energy independence and jobs, while critics warn of risks to wildlife (e.g., caribou, migratory birds) and Indigenous communities reliant on the land. Industry groups like the API back the plan, while environmentalists oppose it.
A key flashpoint is the proposal to allow drilling near Teshekpuk Lake, a protected area since 1977, raising concerns over ecological damage despite claims of improved extraction methods.
The draft plan has a 14-day public comment period, with potential lease sales ahead. Legal challenges are expected from environmental groups and Alaska’s government, framing the issue as a clash between energy dominance and conservation.

The Trump administration is making a bold push to reclaim America’s energy independence by reopening vast sections of National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A) to oil and gas drilling.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a draft proposal that would unlock 82 percent of the 23-million-acre reserve. The move signals a return to the “Drill, Baby, Drill” philosophy, prioritizing domestic energy production over regulatory constraints. It also serves as a direct reversal of Biden-era policies that had restricted development.

Established in 1923 as an emergency oil supply for the U.S. Navy, the NPR-A was later transferred to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1976. For decades, its vast resources remained largely untapped – until the first Trump administration first sought to expand drilling access in 2017.

Former President Joe Biden reversed those policies in 2022 and 2024, shutting down nearly half the reserve. Now, Trump is undoing those restrictions once again in his second term, framing it as a critical step toward energy security. (Related: Trump vows to revive U.S. energy dominance with “drill, baby, drill” agenda.)

Under Biden, roughly 11 million acres were closed to drilling, with an additional two million acres facing construction bans. The DOI’s new plan scraps both the 2022 and 2024 restrictions, opening 18.5 million acres—up from the current 11.7 million.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum slammed Biden’s policies as “obstruction over production.” According to the former North Dakota governor, the Democrat’s policies weakened America’s energy independence while benefiting foreign suppliers like Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Economic boost or environmental risk?

The NPR-A is no barren wasteland, as it its home to major oil discoveries like ConocoPhillips’ 600-million-barrel Willow Field. It is also a critical habitat for caribou, migratory birds and indigenous communities relying on subsistence hunting. Environmentalists warn that expanded drilling could disrupt ecosystems, while industry leaders argue responsible development can coexist with conservation.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) praised Trump’s move, calling his predecessor’s rules “misguided” and harmful to U.S. competitiveness. Meanwhile, activist groups like The Wilderness Society accuse the administration of “selling out public lands to corporate greed.”

One of the most contentious aspects of the plan is opening Teshekpuk Lake to drilling. The lake and its wetlands, which have been protected areas since 1977, are vital to wildlife – including the Teshekpuk caribou herd. The Trump administration argues modern extraction methods minimize environmental harm, but critics say the risks are too high.

The draft proposal is open for public comment for just 14 days, a notably short window. If finalized, it could lead to the first NPR-A lease sales since 2016. Yet, legal challenges are inevitable – with Alaska’s government and environmental groups already gearing up for battle.

“It’s time for the U.S. to embrace Alaska’s abundant and largely untapped resources as a pathway to prosperity for the nation, including Alaskans,” Burgum said in a statement.

As the DOI pushes forward, one thing is clear: Alaska’s frozen tundra remains one of the nation’s most hotly contested battlegrounds. This isn’t just about oil; it’s a clash of visions for America’s future. For now, the message from Washington is unmistakable – drill, baby, drill.

Watch this segment from “The Bottom Line” on Fox News about how President Trump is rebooting Alaska oil drilling.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.