On Thursday, the Department of the Interior announced it will open the coastal plain of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for oil and gas leasing, reversing the block imposed under the Biden administration.

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From The Epoch Times:

After taking office for a second term on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing the reinstatement of the leasing program in the 1.56-million-acre coastal plain.

The DOI said in a statement that, in accordance with Trump’s order, it has now issued a new record of decision reopening the area to oil and gas development.

The department also stated that it will restore oil and gas leases to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), after a court ruling in March found the Biden administration had unlawfully canceled seven leases awarded to AIDEA under Trump’s first term.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said that, by reopening the Costal Plain, the Trump administration was “strengthening energy independence, creating jobs and supporting Alaska’s communities while driving economic growth across the state.”

The Biden administration had reportedly restricted oil and gas activity to “preserve fish and wildlife habitats,” according to the Times. In the same vein, the Times notes that the environmental group Sierra Club opposed the DOI’s decision, accusing it of prioritizing the interests of oil and gas companies over “Alaska’s wildlife and natural heritage.”

Secretary Burgum also signed an agreement allowing a land exchange between his department and the King Cove Corporation, an Alaska native village corporation. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy praised the agreement, saying it would enable the state to construct a road linking King Cove and Cold Bay. This road would allow the residents of King Cove to access Cold Bay’s all-weather airport.

The DOI’s decision is in line with President Trump’s focus on revitalizing and restoring American energy. Let’s thank God for this decision, and let’s pray that our leaders would continue to take advantage of the resources the Lord gave our nation!

What do you think of this decision? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

(Excerpt from The Epoch Times. Photo Credit: Evans on Unsplash)