Trump Administration Rescinds NPR-A Protection Review

The Trump administration has rescinded a request for public input on expanding protections for sensitive landscapes in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The move, announced on Monday, reverses efforts initiated during the Biden presidency to gather feedback on whether to adjust boundaries of protected areas, consider new areas for protection, or identify previously overlooked resource values.
The NPR-A permits oil and gas drilling while safeguarding “special areas” with environmental protections for sensitive habitats. The rescinded documents included a report on public comments, which highlighted the Bureau of Land Management’s determination to recognize “subsistence” as a significant resource value in these areas. The report also noted that proposed expansions of existing special areas merited further consideration.
By removing these documents, the Trump administration has effectively halted efforts to strengthen protections for the NPR-A’s ecologically fragile regions. The decision underscores its opposition to expanded environmental safeguards, aligning with its broader agenda to prioritize energy development over conservation.

Published: 7/28/2025