ANCHORAGE, AK — The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a sweeping series of actions last week to boost energy development, expand infrastructure, and modernize land management across Alaska — a package officials say will create jobs, enhance public safety, and strengthen the state’s role in America’s energy future.
During an event attended by Alaska’s congressional delegation and governor, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum detailed the initiatives, which include reopening 1.56 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s (ANWR) Coastal Plain to oil and gas leasing, approving right-of-way permits for the long-debated Ambler Road project, finalizing the King Cove–Cold Bay land exchange, and expanding land allotments for Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans.
“From day one, President Trump directed us to unlock Alaska’s energy and resource potential while honoring commitments to the state and local communities,” Burgum said. “By reopening the Coastal Plain and advancing key infrastructure, we are strengthening energy independence, creating jobs, and supporting Alaska’s communities while driving economic growth across the state.”
Oil and Gas Leasing
The new record of decision issued by the Interior Department reopens portions of the Coastal Plain — one of the nation’s most promising untapped energy regions — for leasing, reversing a 2024 plan that limited development. The action fulfills mandates under Executive Order 14153, Secretarial Order 3422, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The decision also reinstates leases held by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority that were previously canceled by the prior administration but later restored by court order.
Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a call for nominations to identify potential lease tracts in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska, setting the stage for the first lease sale in the 23-million-acre reserve since 2019.
Ambler Road
Federal agencies have reissued all key right-of-way permits needed for the 211-mile Ambler Road, a proposed industrial corridor linking Alaska’s interior mining district to the Dalton Highway. The Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers each renewed permits, allowing the project to advance after years of legal and regulatory delays.
Interior officials also announced the conveyance of nearly 23,600 acres near Ambler to the State of Alaska, completing the state’s selections in the region and expanding local control over land use and resource development.
King Cove–Cold Bay Land Exchange
In a decision decades in the making, the Interior Department finalized a land exchange that clears the way for the King Cove–Cold Bay Road — a project residents have championed for nearly 50 years. The exchange transfers federal land from within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to the King Corporation, allowing construction of a 12-mile corridor connecting King Cove to Cold Bay’s all-weather airport.
Supporters say the road will provide essential, year-round access to emergency medical services while preserving subsistence access and adding new wilderness acreage to the refuge to protect habitat and wildlife.
Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotments
The Interior Department also celebrated progress under the Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Land Allotment Program, created under the 2019 Dingell Act. The program allows eligible veterans who served between 1964 and 1971 to claim up to 160 acres of federal land.
During last week’s event, three new Certificates of Allotment were issued, granting 160 acres each to Alaska Native Vietnam veterans. The Bureau of Land Management continues to encourage eligible veterans to apply before the December 29, 2025, deadline.
Expanding Opportunity and Energy Independence
The Interior Department said the combined actions represent one of the most comprehensive federal efforts in decades to promote responsible resource development while honoring commitments to Alaska’s communities and veterans.
“These decisions mark a turning point for Alaska,” Burgum said. “They reaffirm this administration’s commitment to cutting red tape, expanding domestic energy production, and ensuring Alaskans have the tools and opportunities to thrive.”
Officials said the initiatives will support economic growth, expand access to critical infrastructure, and reinforce Alaska’s role as a cornerstone of U.S. energy and resource security.
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