Three top Trump officials visit Alaska this week to fulfill the administration’s pledge to unlock the state’s resource wealth. The group includes Energy Secretary Chris Wright, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
On Sunday, they joined energy stakeholders for a roundtable focused on the challenges of boosting energy output while protecting the environment. Zeldin emphasized that the administration sees no conflict between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Zeldin began his EPA tenure with what he called the most significant deregulatory announcement in history, which included rolling back over two dozen environmental rules. His position signals a continued shift toward deregulation as a strategy for energy development.
Burgum highlighted Alaska’s strategic value, pointing out that the Interior Department manages over half the state’s landmass. The officials stressed Alaska’s vital role in meeting national energy demands and international partnerships.
Their visit to the North Slope on Monday includes a stop at Prudhoe Bay to tour the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pump station. They will also meet with executives of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.
The trip aligns with Governor Mike Dunleavy’s upcoming sustainable energy conferences, which begin Tuesday in Anchorage and continue through Thursday. The officials are expected to speak at the event and further explore Alaska’s potential in the global energy market.
