President Donald Trump signed numerous executive orders on his first day in office to support oil and gas drilling, mining, and logging in Alaska. While this decision is being hailed by state political leaders, environmental organizations view it with concern.
State political leaders see development of the fossil fuel industry as critical to Alaska’s economic future.
“What do they mean?” Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy said on X about the executive orders. “It means Alaska is back in business!”
Proponents of the move believe that it will allow for a revival of the timber industry in the Tongass National Forest and enable Alaska to gain control of its remaining federal land. They anticipate a potential increase in job opportunities as a result of this decision.
The snow-covered coastal plain area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Lindsey Wasson)
Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan expressed optimism about the executive order, stating, “It is morning again in Alaska.” He encouraged Alaskans to familiarize themselves with the details of President Trump’s order.
The Kaktovik Lagoon and the Brooks Range mountains of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Lindsey Wasson, File)
Cooper Freeman, Alaska director at the Center for Biological Diversity, told The Associated Press that the president “just can’t wave a magic wand and make these things happen.” Environmental laws and rules must be followed, and legal challenges to Trump’s plans are virtually certain, he said.
“We’re ready and looking forward to the fight of our lives to keep Alaska great, wild and abundant,” Freeman said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
