Trump administration approves drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge banned by Biden admin

The Trump administration on Thursday announced it was opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s (ANWR) 1.56 million acres for oil and gas development, which was banned under former President Joe Biden.

The Biden administration restricted access to the land last year to the statutory minimum of 400,000 acres. 

The latest decision comes after President Donald Trump restored Alaska's Ambler Road Project earlier this month in furtherance of his American energy dominance policies by expanding access to the northern state's critical mineral supply. 

The Department of the Interior said it was also approving two other projects, the first of which will enable copper and cobalt mining. The other will create a road that will cut through a wildlife refuge to give a remote community access to an airport.

“From day one, President Trump directed us to unlock Alaska’s energy and resource potential while honoring commitments to the state and local communities,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a statement. 

“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," he added.

Alaska GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy applauded the Trump administration's efforts, stating that the airport road will "save lives."

“Today’s announcements are historic for Alaska. President Trump and his administration are delivering on promises made to Alaska,” the governor said. “The land transfer for the King Cove Road will save lives, economic opportunities will be unlocked in the Ambler Mining District and ANWR’s Coastal Plain, and Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans will finally receive land allotments they were promised.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.