The Trump administration has announced plans to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, restoring leases previously canceled by President Biden. Despite the push, major oil companies show little interest, leaving the state-funded Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to spend millions propping up the effort. Indigenous leaders decry the move as a violation of their rights and a threat to sacred lands.
On October 31, 2025, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced a 'sweeping package of actions' to declare 'Alaska is open for business,' including plans to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge—roughly the size of South Carolina—to drilling. Burgum restored seven oil and gas leases that the state corporation Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) bid on in the final days of Trump's first term, which Biden revoked in 2023 citing 'fundamental legal deficiencies' and inadequate greenhouse gas emissions analysis.
The refuge's development fight dates back to its establishment in 1960 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The latest push stems from a 2017 tax bill under Trump mandating two lease sales within seven years. The 2021 sale drew only AIDEA as a major bidder, generating less than $12 million against a projected $2 billion over a decade. The 2025 sale received no bids. Major oil firms like Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and BP's successor have distanced themselves: Chevron paid $10 million in 2022 to exit leases, and Exxon stated it has 'no plans for exploration or development' there. Banks and insurers also refuse financing due to environmental risks.
A federal court recently ruled Biden's cancellation improper, following Trump's spring executive order for reinstatement. AIDEA, lacking capital and expertise for development, has authorized nearly $54 million for seismic testing and permitting, including Ambler Road—a 211-mile project to mineral deposits, with the administration holding a 10% stake in Trilogy Metals' site. Post-announcement, AIDEA added $50 million for Ambler. Critics like Suzanne Bostrom of Trustees for Alaska argue AIDEA sidesteps oversight by redirecting funds, with a poor track record: it lost $38 million on the Mustang field, requiring a $22 million bailout, and an analysis shows the state could be $11 billion ahead investing elsewhere.
AIDEA's Randy Ruaro called the analysis a 'hit piece,' citing strong recent performance and economic benefits from projects like the Red Dog Mine. Ambler Road costs are estimated at $500-850 million, buildable in phases, with bonds potentially repaid by tolls—a plan Bostrom deems unrealistic.
Indigenous voices highlight cultural threats. Gwich’in leader Kristen Moreland called Burgum's claim of benefits to northern communities 'a slap in the face,' saying, 'They’ve never reached out to us to listen to how this would affect our livelihood.' She fears contamination and caribou herd disruption in the sacred calving grounds. Nauri Simmonds of Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic noted, 'There’s this wide consensus that [Iñupiat] people all want the oil and gas projects. It’s not true,' amid fears of retaliation for opposition.
Some local support exists: North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Patkotak praised the announcement, saying, 'When Uncle Doug [Burgum] calls, I answer,' as 95% of borough revenue funds services via industry. Governor Mike Dunleavy likened the actions to 'Christmas every morning.' Yet, with oil prices below $60 per barrel—under the $62 breakeven—economist Robert K. Kaufmann doubts profitability, noting U.S. production won't lower consumer prices amid global influences.