Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential

Today, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on unleashing Alaska's natural resource potential, which will create jobs, spur economic growth nationwide, help meet future resource needs and reduce dependence on foreign adversaries. Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) issued the following statement in response:

"Republicans in Congress recently passed a resolution repealing harmful actions taken by the Biden administration to hinder Alaska's ability to unleash its natural resources by locking up its lands. I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican colleagues and the Trump administration to unleash Alaska's extraordinary resource potential, ensuring these natural resources continue to enrich not only Alaska and its people, but America as a whole."

Background

With expedited permitting and deregulation, Alaska's oil and gas, mineral and timber resources can help bolster our national security and meet rising energy demand. Domestic production of oil and natural gas on federal lands is key to the economies and livelihoods of local communities across Alaska, as well as our nation.

Under the Biden administration, the federal government stifled future energy production by cutting off access to resources, suspending quarterly lease sales required by law, slowing the approval of drilling permits, locking up federal lands and waters to development and increasing costs on producers. President Biden's anti-energy policies were especially harmful to the state of Alaska, where the administration made more than 70 attempts to curtail energy development.

President Trump and congressional Republicans are working to return responsible management to Alaska's resources. On Jan. 20, 2025 Trump issued Executive Order 14153, "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential," which directed federal agencies to exercise all lawful authority and discretion to further resource development in Alaska.

During today's hearing, members heard testimony from a variety of experts and Alaskans to learn more about the ways resource development can fulfill future resource needs and stimulate economic growth nationwide.

Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) recently returned from an historic bipartisan trip to Alaska with 10 committee members to learn more about Alaska's unique natural resources and issues facing the state, and meet with local stakeholders. Highlights included a roundtable discussion with numerous Alaska Native representatives, panel discussions at the Alaska Oil and Gas Conference, meetings with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service and a meeting with Governor Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska).

Members also toured the Greens Creek Mine located on Admiralty Island National Monument and the Swanson River oil and gas production sites within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.