Trump Officials Push Expanded Oil, Gas Drilling Alaska

President Donald Trump has prioritized expanding Alaska's oil and gas production, aiming to double the flow through the trans-Alaska pipeline and build a large natural gas project as a complementary 'big, beautiful twin.' Top Trump administration officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, toured Alaska's Prudhoe Bay oil fields and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as part of a multiday effort to promote increased drilling, mining, and logging in the state. The administration announced plans to repeal Biden-era restrictions on leasing and development within sensitive areas of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, drawing criticism from environmental groups concerned about wildlife and climate impacts. Asian government representatives joined portions of the trip, highlighting efforts to secure international support and investment for a multibillion-dollar natural gas infrastructure project intended to supply both domestic needs and liquefied natural gas exports. Officials framed expanded energy production as strengthening national security and global energy markets by reducing reliance on adversaries. However, environmentalists and some Alaska Native leaders expressed opposition, emphasizing the potential harm to ecosystems and the planet’s climate goals.