Trump Administration moves to expand oil leasing in Alaska reserve

The Trump administration proposed opening 82% of Alaska's 23-million-acre (9.3-million-hectare) National Petroleum Reserve for oil and gas leasing, a move that would reverse Biden-era efforts to limit drilling in the area, the Interior Department said on Tuesday.

Why it's important

The move is in line with President Donald Trump’s energy dominance plan, which aims to increase domestic oil and natural gas production to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. The former administration of Joe Biden had stopped development in certain parts of the reserve (also known as NPR-A) to protect wildlife habitats and the indigenous communities' way of life.

KEY QUOTE

Adam Suess said that the plan was about creating jobs for Americans and reducing our dependency on foreign oil. It also aims to tap into the vast energy reserves the National Petroleum Reserve is capable of delivering.

CONTEXT

In the 1970s, to combat energy shortages, the NPR-A reserve was designated as a place for oil and natural gas exploration. As part of its 2022 climate change agenda the Biden administration imposed restrictions on leasing and development of fossil fuels in Alaska, but left approximately half of it open for leasing.

By the Numbers

The plan allows for oil and gas leasing on 82% of reserve's 23,000,000 acres. The plan would allow leasing in Teshekpuk Lake - an area that is prized for its wildlife and has been protected by rules going back to Reagan's administration.

What's Next?

The Interior Department's U.S. Bureau of Land Management has given the public 14 days to comment on the draft. Reporting by Nicholae Groom, Editing by Jamie Freed

(source: Reuters)