Alaska to Block New NPR-A Rules

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – On July 3, the Alaska Department of Law filed a lawsuit challenging restrictive oil and gas leasing regulations in the Alaska National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A).

These latest regulations were passed without stakeholder input. The state is joining with Alaska Native stakeholders and local industries to try to reverse the new changes.

“The state of Alaska wants federal agencies to uphold the law,” says Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor.

“Rulemaking must allow for input from diverse perspectives and be fair. This new rule circumvents Congress’s mandate to develop and manage NPR-A lands for oil and gas. This lawsuit seeks to prevent abuse by federal agencies that disregard Alaska’s rights,” Taylor continued.

“The inmates are really running the Biden administration’s sanctuary,” said John Boyle, commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.

“This National Petroleum Reserve rule is nothing more than a consolation prize for radical environmental groups who are angry about Willow’s decision. And the people of the state of Alaska are left holding the bag and suffering the terrible consequences,” Boyle added.

The state of Alaska submitted its comments and concerns, and the newly introduced legislation was quickly passed to avoid potential changes to congressional oversight.