The US Department of the Interior (DoI) has announced a proposal to expand oil and gas leasing in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve, potentially opening up as much as 82% of the 23 million acre area for development.

This move aligns with the Trump administration's Energy Dominance agenda and aims to bolster US energy independence.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a draft environmental assessment for public comment, reflecting the latest data and focusing on maximising Alaska's resource potential.

The assessment supports a new alternative of the 2020 plan, which could significantly increase the area available for oil and gas leasing.

US DoI Land and Minerals Management acting assistant secretary Adam Suess said: “This plan is about creating more jobs for Americans, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and tapping into the immense energy resources the National Petroleum Reserve was created to deliver.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are cutting red tape and restoring commonsense policies that ensure responsible development and good stewardship of our public lands.” 

The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska was designated by Congress for oil and gas exploration during the 1970s energy crisis, highlighting its importance to the national energy strategy.

Managed by the BLM under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, the reserve is subject to a mandate for competitive leasing while protecting key surface resources.

The proposed plan is part of the department's broader efforts to streamline regulations and promote energy production.

It includes reversing the 2024 rule that limited leasing in the reserve, to ensure the US can meet its current and future energy requirements.

The public has been invited to review and provide feedback on the draft analysis through the BLM National NEPA Register.

In April 2025, the US DoI announced a policy update that may considerably boost offshore oil production in the Gulf of Mexico.