WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a series of sweeping policy reforms last week aimed at bolstering domestic energy production, easing regulatory burdens on oil and gas development in Alaska, and ending what it describes as preferential treatment for wind and solar projects on federal lands. The changes are part of the Trump Administration’s broader push to realign federal energy policy with an “America First” approach focused on reliability, land-use efficiency, and economic self-sufficiency.
Alaska Petroleum Reserve Restrictions Rescinded
On July 28, the Department rescinded three policy documents that had expanded protections for “special areas” within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The documents—two published in January and one in July 2024—had sought to restrict oil and gas leasing in parts of the reserve, citing environmental considerations. Interior officials argued the policies lacked adequate legal foundation, ignored local opposition, and threatened the intended use of NPR-A as a strategic domestic energy supply.
“Alaska’s resource potential has been held hostage for years by anti-development ideologues,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “The Trump administration is delivering certainty for industry, opportunity for Alaskans, and real energy security for the American people.”
The reversal enacts provisions from multiple executive and departmental orders, including Executive Order 14153 and Secretary’s Order 3422, titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential.” According to the Department, the action realigns the Bureau of Land Management’s approach with the original congressional mandate under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, which requires an expeditious leasing program that balances resource development with surface protection.
The Department also confirmed that the move supports a broader revision of the 2024 rule that curtailed leasing opportunities in the region and aligns with the pending Integrated Activity Plan designed to reflect Alaska’s economic and statutory priorities.
Wind and Solar Policy Reforms Announced
In a parallel move, Secretary Burgum signed Secretary’s Order No. 3437 on July 28, directing the Department to end what it labeled as “preferential treatment” for wind and solar energy projects. The new policy includes a halt to future offshore wind lease sales, a review of onshore wind project viability, and a reconsideration of wind energy’s impact on migratory birds under federal wildlife protection laws.
“Leveling the playing field in permitting supports energy development that’s reliable, affordable, and built to last,” Burgum said. “We’re also making sure tribes and local communities have a real seat at the table.”
The Department cited concerns about the low energy density and land use inefficiency of wind and solar projects, particularly when compared to alternatives such as nuclear and natural gas. New internal reviews will assess whether current wind and solar leases comply with federal multiple-use land statutes and whether large-scale renewables constitute the best possible use of public lands.
Based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Department noted that a dual-reactor advanced nuclear plant generates over 33 megawatts per acre, while an offshore wind farm produces just 0.006 megawatts per acre—a nearly 5,500-fold difference in efficiency.
Additionally, the Department will increase stakeholder consultation for offshore wind development, especially with tribal governments, coastal communities, and fishing interests. Concerns have mounted in recent years over the ecological and economic impacts of offshore wind on marine ecosystems, migratory routes, and local industries.
GAOA Celebrated with Fee-Free Public Lands Day
Today, August 4, the Department is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) by waiving entrance fees at all public lands managed by the Interior Department. Signed into law in 2020, GAOA directs up to $1.6 billion annually through 2025 for infrastructure repairs and conservation projects on federal lands, as well as permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund at $900 million per year.
Since 2021, GAOA has supported 396 projects across all 50 states and territories, restoring more than 3,800 infrastructure assets, including trails, utility systems, and historic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Dorchester Heights Monument. These projects contribute an estimated $1.9 billion to the national economy annually and support approximately 17,000 jobs.
Secretary Burgum lauded the Act’s impact: “It has been my honor to witness the important work GAOA has completed over the past five years, and I encourage everyone to visit their nearest public land to celebrate the anniversary.”
New Efficiency Mandate on Energy Project Permitting
Capping the week’s announcements, the Department issued a new order on August 1 to reevaluate how energy projects are assessed for approval based on “capacity density”—a measure of energy output per acre. The directive prioritizes permitting for energy projects that deliver greater power yields with less environmental disruption, which may significantly disadvantage large-scale solar and wind farms on federal lands.
According to the Department, land use decisions must now consider whether high-density alternatives like nuclear or natural gas provide more efficient use of public lands compared to low-density renewable installations. This approach will guide future revisions to regulations and policy frameworks governing federal energy leases.
A Strategic Pivot in Federal Energy Management
Together, the series of announcements marks a decisive shift in federal energy and land-use policy. The Trump Administration is emphasizing energy production that maximizes output, minimizes footprint, and reduces dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains. At the same time, the Department is actively rolling back regulations and policies it deems obstructive or ideologically motivated, especially those implemented during prior administrations.
Interior officials maintain that these reforms reflect both statutory mandates and economic pragmatism. Whether these changes spark new energy investment or face legal and political resistance remains to be seen, but the message from the Department is clear: resource development, national security, and community input are once again central to federal land management.
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