Expansion of Oil and Gas Drilling in National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

planned

The Trump administration announced a plan to open nearly 82 percent of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to oil and gas development, including ecologically sensitive areas. This expansion increases the land available for drilling from about 11.7 million acres to more than 18.5 million acres, including parts of special areas designated to protect wildlife. The plan aims to increase U.S. oil drilling and reduce regulations on the industry, but poses risks to wildlife habitats, indigenous communities, and the climate.