Interior revokes 2024 rule
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Petroleum News
The Department of the Interior recently announced a final rule rescinding the 2024 Bureau of Land Management rule governing the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, a major step in unlocking the energy potential of the roughly 23-million-acre reserve.
By reversing Biden-era restrictions for the petroleum reserve the Trump Arctic drilling policy unlocks access to billions more recoverable oil.
"By rescinding the 2024 rule, we are following the direction set by President Trump to unlock Alaska's energy potential, create jobs for North Slope communities and strengthen American energy security," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "This action restores common-sense management and ensures responsible development benefits both Alaska and the nation."
Since 1923, the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska, or NPR-A, has been set aside as a petroleum reserve to support the nation's energy security. By reversing the 2024 rule, the department is taking action to strengthen American energy dominance and reduce reliance on foreign oil.
The final rule implements direction President Donald J. Trump issued on his first day in office through Executive Order 14153 and responds to calls from Alaskans, including North Slope leaders, to restore the previous regulatory framework.
Interior said it can now focus on expanding responsible development in the reserve to fuel Alaska's economy, support national security and increase domestic energy production.
Interior's Bureau of Land Management can move forward with managing the reserve under new 2025 regulations that align with those originally established in 1977. Reversing the 2024 rule reduces regulatory burdens and positions the reserve to deliver full economic benefits for the nation and communities on the North Slope.
This action is part of a broader effort by Interior to modernize resource policy in Alaska. It complemented recent withdrawals of three restrictive policy documents that had expanded special-area restrictions, reflecting the department's commitment to responsible development while protecting the environment.
The final rule published in the Federal Register on Nov. 17
-PETROLEUM NEWS.
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