Alaska’s congressional delegation has celebrated the federal reversal of a Biden-era rule restricting oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the move, stating the 2024 rule exceeded federal authority under a 1976 petroleum reserve law, creating barriers to responsible energy development.
Senator Dan Sullivan called the rule ‘illegal’ and criticized it for turning ANWR into ‘de facto wilderness,’ emphasizing the importance of resource development for Alaska’s communities. Rep. Nick Begich III praised the decision as a ‘major victory’ for responsible development, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski argued the rule violated Congress’s intent to support energy security through responsible production. Both lawmakers stressed that the repeal will not weaken environmental standards but will enable Alaska to produce more energy, creating jobs, affordable energy, and new revenues.
The reversal follows months of criticism from Alaska officials, including Governor Mike Dunleavy, who accused the Biden administration of undermining Alaska’s interests. Dunleavy stated the land sale process was set up to fail, reflecting a broader frustration with federal actions against the state’s energy ambitions. Murkowski also highlighted a former Interior official’s admission that the restrictions were intentionally circumvented to bypass the Congressional Review Act, which recently enabled Republicans to repeal several EPA actions.
The move underscores growing tensions between federal environmental policies and Alaska’s push for energy self-sufficiency, with both sides claiming to uphold the rule of law and environmental standards.