The Trump administration in the United States is vigorously pushing forward an energy expansion plan. Three high-ranking cabinet officials visited the important oil field of Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s North Slope on Tuesday, June 2nd, emphasizing the crucial role of expanding oil and natural gas production in achieving energy independence and economic growth.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on-site that the Trump administration aims to double Alaska’s oil exports and promote the construction of a major natural gas pipeline that will run parallel to the existing oil pipeline. He described this plan as the “big, beautiful twin,” symbolizing the simultaneous development of the two major oil and gas projects.
Wright said, “Let’s double our oil production, create a massive natural gas plan, this massive and beautiful twin plan will inject momentum into the world, make the country stronger, and make every family happier.”
Accompanying the inspection were Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. This visit is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to promote Alaska’s resource development policies, covering oil and gas, mining, and logging industries.
The Interior Department also announced plans to lift certain development restrictions on parts of the Alaska National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A) imposed by the Biden administration. These areas were previously protected due to wildlife, ecological, or indigenous resource concerns.
Located west of Prudhoe Bay, the reserve is one of the few oil and gas resource areas globally that have not been fully developed. The 800-mile oil pipeline running through Alaska has been the economic lifeline of the state since the 1970s. However, with the main oil fields gradually depleting, insufficient new field development, federal policy restrictions, and intense market competition, oil exports have significantly declined from around 2 million barrels per day in the 1980s peak to about 465,000 barrels in 2024.
The trip also attracted government and industry representatives from Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Takehiko Matsuo, Deputy Minister of International Affairs at the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, attended the meeting, reflecting the international community’s high interest in Alaska’s natural gas export plan.
The plan aims to not only meet local demand but also export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asian markets. Trade negotiations between the US and its Asian allies are seen as essential leverage for the Trump administration to involve foreign investment in this project.
Alaskan Senator Dan Sullivan and Governor Mike Dunleavy also joined the inspection to express strong support for federal development policies. Some leaders of indigenous communities in Arctic areas like Utqiagvik thanked the Trump administration for finally paying attention to development issues.
Local politicians have long criticized the federal government for excessive development restrictions on about 60% of Alaska’s land. Senator Lisa Murkowski stated at the Anchorage conference, “We want to be partners, not a forgotten group.”
The Interior Department announced that the proposal to lift development restrictions will undergo public consultation to hear various perspectives.
Trump administration officials are expected to continue attending the annual energy conference hosted by Governor Dunleavy in Anchorage on Tuesday, to promote their energy expansion blueprint.
(Adapted from relevant reports from the Associated Press)