Over two million acres of Alaska land are now open for oil, gas, and mineral development after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum revoked Public Land Orders. This action, supported by state leaders, allows for potential exploration and development, while facing criticism from environmental groups who raise concerns about reduced oversight and environmental impacts.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - More than two million acres of Alaska land are now open for oil, gas, and mineral development after a major decision by the Interior Secretary on Friday. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum revoked Public Land Orders 5150 and 5180 on Friday, which follows two executive orders by President Donald Trump which seek to “unleash Alaska ’s resource potential.
” “By opening these lands, we are empowering Alaska to chart its own course and develop energy, minerals and infrastructure that strengthen America’s security and prosperity,” Burgum said in a press release. The affected lands include the Dalton Utility corridor used by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and by proposed projects such as the Alaska LNG pipeline and Ambler Road. By reopening these lands, there is now potential for oil, gas, and mineral exploration and development. “Today’s action by Secretary Burgum is a milestone for Alaska’s self-determination. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Burgum for continuing to deliver on promises, even those promises made decades ago,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy stated. “Alaskans know what’s best for Alaska, and revoking these Public Land Orders will empower Alaska to chart our own future on these lands.”“For decades, the federal government has left obsolete PLOs in place to keep tens of millions of additional acres of Alaska locked up as de facto conservation areas. These designations have held back statehood land selections and resource development, giving the federal government a toehold to delay or reject important projects while depriving our state of crucial opportunities for jobs and revenues. So, I’m glad these PLOs are on their way out. These revocations will help facilitate opportunity for Alaskans by enabling the rightful transfer of these lands to Alaska. I thank Secretary Burgum, Deputy Secretary MacGregor, and their teams for their continued hard work to restore balance in federal land management across our state.” “Lifting PLO 5150 has long been a priority of Alaska’s leaders for many years, including going back to my time as Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. Among the federal lands entangled by PLO 5150 are those that include significant portions of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the Dalton Highway corridor, as well as the future route of the Alaska LNG pipeline—critically important acreage that we’ve long fought to secure for our State. I want to thank Secretary Burgum for taking this important step today in lifting this outdated land withdrawal and bringing us closer to ensuring that Alaska controls the lands that support resource development on the North Slope and much of the land over which the state’s most important piece of infrastructure sits.” “The recent action on PLO 5150 and 5180, resulting in the long awaited conveyance of Alaska pipeline corridor, provides assurances needed for the next wave of Alaskan energy infrastructure investment. The pipeline is Alaska’s economic lifeline and because of the work of this Congress and this administration the pipeline will continue to create jobs, opportunities, and important state revenue for the next generation of Alaskans. Alaska has a right to produce, and Alaska has a right to benefit from our God-given resources.” Many environmental groups criticized the decision as being detrimental to in-state organizations and populations. Cooper Freeman, the Alaska director of the Center for Biological Diversity, says the move would reduce federal oversight of the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline and harm Alaska wildlife and habitat. “Americans have been loud and clear that we don’t want the Trump administration to give away our federal public lands, including in Alaska,” Freeman said. “If Alaska state leaders take control of these lands, they’ll roll out the red carpet for foreign mining companies to dig, dump and run, while kicking local communities and wildlife to the curb.” The lands will also no longer be subject to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act for federal rural subsistence priority, a concern raised last year by theThey stated that the revocation raises serious concerns about impacts to Tribal sovereignty, subsistence rights, and the protection of historic and cultural sites.Mother, 2 sons hit by out-of-control SUV while walking out of preschoolMother, 2 minors, deported from Alaska to Mexico by ICE overnight, husband says ‘I heard her screaming’: Rapid deportation case may signal change of pace in Alaska immigration proceedings2026 Iron Dog Champions: Team 7 wins 4th Iron Dog as duo
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