DEADHORSE, Alaska — During a recent tour of a prolific oil field near the Arctic Ocean, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced President Donald Trump’s ambitions to significantly increase oil production in Alaska, stating the desire to double the flow of oil through the state’s extensive pipeline system.
This announcement coincided with a multi-day trip involving high-ranking Trump administration officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, who visited Prudhoe Bay to advocate for expanded oil and gas drilling, as well as mining and logging initiatives in the region.
Amid their visit, Burgum’s agency revealed plans to repeal regulations put in place during the Biden administration that restricted leasing and industrial development in sensitive areas within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, known for their wildlife and other ecological values.
Located west of Prudhoe Bay and Deadhorse, this petroleum reserve has been pivotal to Alaska’s economy for nearly half a century, with an 800-mile trans-Alaska pipeline system serving as its backbone.
Additionally, during the trip, U.S. officials were joined by representatives from several Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. This collaboration comes as part of the renewed interest in a proposed massive natural gas project aimed at supplying gas to Alaskan residents and exporting liquefied natural gas to international markets.
Among the attendees was Matsuo Takehiko, vice minister for International Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, highlighting the global interest in Alaska’s energy resources.
Alaska’s political and business leaders have long envisioned such a gas project; however, factors including cost, competition, and economic feasibility have delayed its realization. The Trump administration may leverage U.S. tariff discussions with Asian countries to encourage investments in the prospective gas initiative.
Wright addressed a gathering of officials and pipeline employees on a frigid day, emphasizing the global demand for oil and natural gas. “You have the big two right here,” he remarked. “Let’s double oil production, build the big, beautiful twin, and we will help energize the world and we will strengthen our country and strengthen our families.”
Historically, the trans-Alaska pipeline reached its peak throughput of approximately 2 million barrels per day in the late 1980s. However, production has declined significantly over the years, with an average flow of only 465,000 barrels daily recorded last year.
State leaders, including U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and Governor Mike Dunleavy, both Republicans, joined the Trump officials during their Monday visit. The preceding Sunday, they participated in meetings in Anchorage and Utqiagvik, hoping to galvanize support for the administration’s energy policies.
In Utqiagvik, where sunlight prevails for 24 hours during this season, several Alaska Native leaders expressed support for expanded drilling in the petroleum reserve and the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil development. They voiced their approval of the current administration’s approach, feeling previously overlooked by former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Alaska’s political landscape often manifests frustrations over what is perceived as federal overreach regarding land management; the federal government controls about 60% of Alaska’s territory, and local leaders consistently complain about what they see as restrictive policies under the Biden administration.
Senators Sullivan, Dunleavy, and Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s senior senator, have often articulated the desire for a more collaborative relationship with the federal government. Murkowski, who has been a vocal critic of Trump at times, expressed an eagerness for Alaska leaders to be treated as equals at the negotiation table during a recent session in Anchorage.
Environmental advocates responded sharply to the proposed relaxation of restrictions by the Interior Department, arguing that a balance should exist between oil development and the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.
Sullivan insisted that the repeal of restrictions is a crucial priority, claiming that Congress had intended for development in the petroleum reserve. However, critics point to the significance of preserving delicate ecosystems amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
Erik Grafe, an attorney with Earthjustice, voiced strong concerns over the Trump administration’s focus on fossil fuels, dubbing it “very frustrating and heartbreaking to see” in a state facing the immediate effects of climate change.
The Interior Department has indicated that it will accept public comments regarding the proposed repeal, inviting feedback on the controversial plans.
In the following days, the three Trump officials are scheduled to address participants at Dunleavy’s annual energy conference in Anchorage, further solidifying their push for Alaska’s resource development initiatives.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/06/03/nx-s1-5421353/trump-officials-alaska-oil-field-drilling
