Congressman Begich Commends President Trump’s Action to Advance Ambler Road Access

Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2025 - Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) released the following statement applauding President Trump's decision directing federal agencies to reinstate permits for the Ambler Road project and reverse the Biden Administration's 2024 Record of Decision disapproving access to lands owned by the people of Alaska.

"The Ambler Mining District is a strategic asset for Alaska and an important pathway to critical mineral development in the United States," said Congressman Begich. "By advancing this access, we are creating new opportunities for Alaskans while strengthening America's supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for our critical mineral needs. I applaud the President's decision to support this appeal, and I look forward to working with the Administration, state leaders, and Alaska Native communities to ensure this project moves forward in a way that benefits all Alaskans."

Background
The Ambler Access Project is a road that will provide surface transportation access to the Ambler Mining District in Northwest Alaska. The district contains world-class deposits of copper, cobalt, zinc, germanium, and other critical minerals essential for America's technology manufacturing and national security.

Congress guaranteed access to the Ambler District in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) passed in 1980. That law explicitly requires the Secretary of the Interior to permit access from the Ambler Mining District to the Alaska Pipeline Haul Road.

The road was first approved in 2020 under President Trump, following years of environmental review, public engagement, and comment. In 2022, the Biden Administration sought and received a court remand that revoked the 2020 approval and required additional environmental review and public comment. Then, in 2024, the Biden Administration issued a new Record of Decision unlawfully denying access to state lands.

President Trump's executive order reverses that decision, directing federal agencies to reinstate the Ambler Road permits and move forward with access. The action follows AIDEA's Section 1106 appeal and signals a renewed federal recognition of Alaska's right to responsibly develop its lands and resources.

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