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EXCLUSIVE: Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy believes his state can lead the way in addressing some of the nation’s most pressing issues, including energy independence, job creation, and the reduction of federal debt.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital during the National Governors Association and Republican Governors Association winter meetings, Dunleavy expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to advance these initiatives in Alaska.
Dunleavy highlighted Burgum’s experience from North Dakota, stating that his commitment to realizing Trump’s vision for an energy-independent America will be beneficial for the country. The governor emphasized the need to use federal lands for sustainable resource development rather than as exclusive parks.
“What President Trump is doing is steering us back towards the original purpose of these lands, which is responsible resource management,” he remarked. The governor continued by stating that focusing on natural resource stewardship could help mitigate various national challenges, including economic debt and overreliance on foreign nations.
He expressed hopes of collaborating with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to expand hydroelectric infrastructure in the Tongass National Forest, a critical area situated along the Inland Passage between Juneau and Petersburg. This initiative resonates with the late Rep. Don Young’s advocacy for resource development in the region.
Dunleavy pointed out that, unlike the National Park Service managed by the Interior Department, the U.S. Forest Service under Agriculture is better equipped to develop forest resources sustainably. He believes that the Department of Agriculture’s original mission included resource utilization alongside farming in the continental U.S.
Among Alaska’s regions with substantial resource potential is Ambler, located at the foot of the Brooks Range. This area, known for its strategic location adjacent to the Dalton Highway, poses significant opportunities for infrastructure development.
The governor noted that a critical 30-mile section of the route between Ambler and the Dalton Highway traverses federal land, advocating for Alaska’s legal rights to access resources and implement infrastructure projects within this framework.
“Legislation grants us access through federal land to our leases unless explicitly prevented,” he said. With optimism, he anticipates that Trump’s administration will facilitate this access and allow for the responsible exploitation of the region’s rich mineral resources.
Dunleavy criticized the previous administration’s actions regarding oil efforts, indicating that decisions hindered progress in Alaska’s energy sector. He believes that sustainable management of national forests and resources could play a pivotal role in strengthening the state’s economy.
The governor specifically mentioned the ANWR-1002 oil lease, which was expected to generate investment but suffered from what he referred to as a
