Alaska leaders cheer Trump oil and gas drilling executive order

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.

Alaska snow-covered plain

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.

Kaktovik Lagoon and the Brooks Range mountains

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. 

You May Also Like
Former ABC7 Chicago anchor, reporter Suzanne Rico's podcast 'The Man Who Calculated Death' to be considered at Ambies awards

Suzanne Rico, a past ABC7 Chicago anchor and reporter, has her podcast ‘The Man Who Calculated Death’ up for consideration at the Ambies awards.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Podcasts have exploded in popularity over the last several…
Netanyahu accuses Israeli police of trying to 'topple' his government

Netanyahu claims that Israeli police are attempting to overthrow his government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Israeli police of attempting to undermine…
New evidence discovered at site of Jesus' resurrection corroborates the Bible

Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection supported by recent evidence found at the site

An archaeological discovery at the site where Jesus is believed to have…
Chicago shooting: 15-year-old boy charged after tourist shot near AMC theater on Illinois Street in Streeterville, CPD says

Teenager Arrested for Shooting Tourist Near AMC Theater on Illinois Street in Streeterville, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection with…
Glamorous married teacher turns gray as she's arrested for raping boy, 15, while confused husband watches

Elegant married educator arrested for assaulting 15-year-old boy, leaving her husband shocked.

Shocking footage from a police body camera shows the moment a married…
David Beckham poses with Tom Brady, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami WAGs at his star-studded 50th birthday party

“Star-studded 50th Birthday Party: David Beckham with Tom Brady, Lionel Messi, and Inter Miami WAGs”

David Beckham celebrated his upcoming 50th birthday with star-studded guests like Lionel…
Little House on the Prairie actress Patty Maloney dead at 89

Patty Maloney, known for her role in Little House on the Prairie, passes away at 89

Little House on the Prairie actress Patty Maloney has died at the age…
'The Rookie' actor Richard T. Jones reflects on 7 seasons on hit ABC TV series - so far!

Richard T. Jones shares his reflections on 7 seasons of ‘The Rookie’ on ABC – and counting!

HOLLYWOOD — Richard T. Jones is always happy to talk about “The…
Harrison Ford indulges in very rare PDA with Calista Flockhart as millionaire pair brave subway

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart show rare PDA while riding the subway

Harrison Ford indulged in a rare public display of affection with his…
CPS Update: Chicago Teachers Union tentative with Chicago Public Schools to head to CTU's House of Delegates for approval

Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools Reach Tentative Agreement, Pending Approval by CTU’s House of Delegates

CHICAGO (WLS) — After lengthy discussions, the Chicago Teachers Union has reached…
Screen legend who survived WWII to star in Oscar-winning movie and 80s TV phenomenon celebrates 98th birthday

Celebrated actor from WWII era stars in award-winning film and popular 80s TV show, marks 98th birthday

He is a screen legend who starred in an Oscar-winning movie and a…
Hawaiian doctor’s wife describes moment she realized husband was allegedly trying to kill her

Wife of Hawaii doctor shares the moment she discovered her husband was allegedly plotting to harm her

Freshly revealed information pertaining to a Hawaiian physician accused of trying to…