Reuters reports that the Trump administration has proposed lifting restrictions on oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA). These restrictions were introduced during Joe Biden's presidency to protect the region's ecosystem.
According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the current rules contradict the 1976 law on oil reserve exploitation. The legislation providing for the development of Alaska's resources was passed to ensure the country's energy security. The restrictions imposed by the Biden team, in turn, blocked access to nearly 43,000 square kilometers of the territory. The Trump administration claims this is hindering the development of the industry.
The government plans to increase oil production in Alaska by lifting the restrictions. According to Reuters, this region currently accounts for just over 3% of total oil production in the US. The state of Alaska supported the federal government's initiative, advocating for more jobs in the oil industry.