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Alaska is a pivotal player in the quest for American energy independence. This 49th state is equipped with vast resources that can enhance national security, drive economic growth, and solidify the United States as a leader in energy production.
Home to approximately half of the nation’s coal reserves, Alaska ranks fourth in crude oil reserves and holds the second-largest natural gas reserves in the country, second only to Texas. These resources present a significant opportunity for the U.S. to achieve energy dominance.
Presidential Action Unleashes Potential
On the inaugural day of his administration, President Donald Trump recognized Alaska’s untapped potential. He signed an executive order aimed at unlocking the state’s formidable energy resources, titled Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential.
The president asserted that harnessing Alaska’s energy could alleviate costs for American families while providing high-quality jobs and contributing to economic stability. By reducing dependence on foreign energy sources, the U.S. can eliminate trade imbalances and elevate its standing in global energy markets.
Avoiding Dependence on Foreign Energy
Relying on foreign energy has profound risks, making Americans vulnerable to fluctuating markets and geopolitical tensions. The memories of the 1973 Arab oil embargo, characterized by gasoline shortages and long lines at filling stations, serve as a stark reminder of this vulnerability.
Increasing domestic production of oil, gas, and coal can lead to lower energy costs. This reduction would enable Americans to enjoy more affordable goods and services, bolstering the economy as a whole. Energy stability is crucial, and Alaska’s resources can play a vital role in achieving it.
Recent Visits Highlight Alaska’s Rich Resources
During a recent tour of Alaska, I had the opportunity to explore with key figures, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Governor Mike Dunleavy. This journey across the Arctic Coastal Plain and North Slope revealed the abundant potential for energy development.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska may hold an astounding 160 billion short tons of coal—potentially increasing to 5.5 trillion short tons. Currently, only one coal mine, the Usibelli mine, operates, supplying about 1.2 million tons annually for domestic and international markets.
Critical Minerals: A Growing Need
Coal mining in Alaska also presents an opportunity to harvest critical minerals essential for various technologies. President Trump recognized this during his tenure, emphasizing the importance of securing these minerals for national security.
Alaska is a treasure trove of critical minerals such as graphite, lithium, tin, tungsten, rare earth elements, and platinum-group elements. For example, while flake graphite is vital for lithium-ion battery production, the U.S. currently imports 100 percent of its supply. However, Alaska is well-positioned to provide these materials domestically.
The Oil and Gas Landscape
Though Alaska boasts a significant oil and gas industry, much of its natural gas remains untapped due to inadequate pipeline infrastructure. During Trump’s first term, the oil and gas sectors in Alaska supported over 47,000 jobs and contributed a staggering $19.4 billion to the state’s GDP, which accounted for more than 35 percent of its total economic output.
Conversely, the prior administration largely curtailed oil and gas drilling on the North Slope, revoking critical leases crucial for energy production. This shift stifled economic growth, reduced energy security, and limited the availability of affordable power for Alaskans and Americans alike.
Embracing Energy for All Alaskans
The vision to unlock the full potential of Alaska’s energy resources under President Trump’s direction could generate billions in revenue and create thousands of high-paying jobs. Allowing this extraction would align with Trump’s broader vision of American energy dominance.
On my visit, I met with members of the Chenega Regional Development Group and members of the Chenega tribe. Their kindness and resilience highlighted a shared eagerness for energy development in their state.
While more than half of Alaska’s residents populate the cities of Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks, many native Alaskans reside in remote regions. The Inupiat Eskimos in Northern Alaska have expressed a desire to avoid being trapped in a bygone era, one characterized by a lack of essential utilities such as electricity and running water.
Access to reliable electricity and heating is critical not just for comfort but for survival in harsh Alaska winters. The struggles of these communities remind us that energy access is a matter of urgency, equity, and national security.
Finding Balance Between Energy and Environment
America can produce energy, foster economic growth, and protect the environment. This is not an either/or situation but rather a pressing issue that affects millions of Americans. Alaska’s significant energy resources can facilitate the Great American Comeback, ushering in a new era of prosperity.
The potential unlocked by Alaska’s energy resources can lead America toward its Golden Age—a time of unprecedented economic success and self-sufficiency.
