The Trump administration has unveiled the ‘Make America Beautiful Again’ commission, a newly formed body headed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, with the goal of reassessing and potentially repealing federal protections over millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness. This includes the renowned Tongass National Forest in Sitka, Alaska, which has been a focal point of the administration’s plans to open up the land for economic development. The initiative was announced in June, with the administration revealing intentions to remove federal safeguards from these areas, aiming to boost resource extraction and industrial activities.
Environment advocates and conservation groups have expressed concerns over the potential ecological impact of these proposals, emphasizing the importance of preserving these regions for future generations. The commission’s formation marks a significant shift in federal land management policies, reflecting the administration’s broader agenda of reducing environmental regulations to prioritize economic growth and job creation. While the plan faces opposition from environmentalists, it aligns with the Trump administration’s long-standing position on promoting energy independence and economic development through deregulation.