The U.S. Department of the Interior has started a process to streamline permitting for oil and gas infrastructure in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve.
- Secretary Doug Burgum announced the effort on May 19, responding to a petition from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. - The Bureau of Land Management will conduct a 45-day public scoping period for an environmental impact statement.
- This builds on previous actions, including rescinding a 2024 rule that restricted leasing and reopening 82% of the reserve. The move aims to provide regulatory certainty for energy development, supporting jobs and energy dominance.