President Trump immediately signed executive orders on Monday after his inauguration targeting climate policies, immigration, and federal regulations. One significant order prioritizes fossil fuel development in Alaska, including the ANWR coastal plain and millions of federal acres.
Governor Mike Dunleavy praised Trump’s decision, calling it incredible and claiming the president is Alaska’s greatest ally in history. Dunleavy emphasized that removing Biden-era restrictions ensures economic growth and energy security for Alaska and the nation.
One executive order promotes constructing a liquid natural gas pipeline while rolling back bans on oil and gas exploration in Alaska. Alaska Department of Natural Resource Commissioner John Boyle declared the state faces an energy emergency and highlighted urgent needs for energy development in Cook Inlet.
“I’m more concerned about my house being warmed and the lights turning on and. Alaskans have a more secure energy future than I am about a couple of whales in the inlet,” stated Boyle, justifying environmental trade-offs. Similarly, Frank Richards of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation applauded Trump’s support for local natural gas development and energy independence.
Another executive action allows building a road through the Ambler mining district while reversing limits on Tongass National Forest logging. Attorney General Treg Taylor suggested these orders protect Alaska’s sovereignty, enabling responsible resource development while easing federal restrictions.
Critics, including conservation groups, condemned Trump’s initiatives, pledging to challenge efforts threatening Alaska’s pristine wilderness and native wildlife. However, all three of Alaska’s congressional delegation members strongly backed the action.
Additionally, Trump proposed renaming Denali to Mount McKinley, its previous designation honoring the 25th US President. Dunlevy expressed interest in discussing the change with Trump, acknowledging cultural sensitivities tied to the peak’s name.
As federal litigation diminishes under these new orders, Trump’s actions continue to polarize Alaskan residents. Supporters argue that development bolsters the economy, but opponents claim environmental risks outweigh short-term benefits.
This news article was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
