Congressman Nick Begich Condemns President Biden’s New Restrictions on Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 19, 2025 – In one final attack on Alaska, President Biden’s Department of Interior (DOI) issued new management protections and expanded “Special Areas” within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). These “protections” will severely restrict future development and hinder any meaningful progress for Alaska. Congressman Nick Begich released the following statement in response:
“In one final assault on the state of Alaska, President Biden has expanded so-called ‘Special Areas’ in the National Petroleum Reserve, making it even harder for Alaska to continue as a national resource development leader. These restrictions only serve to drive up costs, limit job creation, and keep Alaska’s natural resources locked away from both Alaskan’s and the American people who stand to benefit from them the most,” said Congressman Begich.
“The legacy of this administration will be remembered as one that erected countless barriers to American prosperity. The good news is that the Biden administration’s radically motivated fight against America’s working families is nearing its end. My team and I, along with the incoming White House, are already at work dismantling the damage Biden’s team has wrought and is hard at work restoring opportunities for Alaska’s hardworking families,” Begich continued.
The House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) strongly condemned DOI’s decision.
“In the dying days of an administration that has waged economic war on Alaska, radical extremists beholden to special interest groups are attempting to put one last nail in the coffin of Alaskan families and native communities. This decision not only disregards the law and native voices but also threatens the development of resources critical to our nation’s security and economic future. Fortunately for Alaskans and all Americans, the Trump administration will put an end to disastrous Biden policies, unleash Alaska’s incredible resources, and support the needs and desires of the local communities that Biden’s war on Alaskans has targeted,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman.
As part of his commitment to Alaska’s future, Congressman Begich has vowed to fight to dismantle the Biden Administration’s assaults on Alaska that have threatened Alaska’s energy independence and economic prosperity.
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