Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska has voiced strong criticism against President Joe Biden's decision to restrict resource development on over 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska (NPR-A). In a CBS News interview and an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, Sullivan expressed concern that the administration's actions disregard the unanimous opposition from Alaska Native North Slope leaders.

Sullivan argued that these restrictions pose national security risks by hindering domestic energy production while allowing Iranian oil exports to flourish. He stated, "This President won't sanction the Iranian oil and gas regime... But he has no problem sanctioning Alaska."

The senator highlighted that Congress had directed competitive leasing in NPR-A since 1980, accusing the Biden administration of reinterpreting this mandate to impose new restrictions. Sullivan also emphasized the frustration among indigenous leaders who have unsuccessfully sought meetings with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to express their opposition.

Sullivan described Biden's recent decisions as "suicidal" and "lawless," claiming they undermine American strengths in natural resources and critical minerals. He accused the administration of issuing numerous executive orders targeting Alaskan development, impacting local constituents.

In response to Margaret Brennan on CBS News' "Face the Nation," Sullivan criticized what he perceives as a misrepresentation of indigenous support for these measures. He remarked, "The leaders of the North Slope of Alaska were unanimous in opposition... And then the President says, 'I did it because the indigenous people of Alaska wanted it.' That is a lie."