Delegation Visit to Alaska Underscores Its Role in American Energy Security

June 9, 2025 – Last week, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum traveled across Alaska to promote President Trump’s energy agenda. The trip reinforced both Alaska’s resource potential and its importance to national energy security—priorities that align closely with Fueling Freedom’s mission.

Alaska is one of the most resource-rich regions in the world, with proven reserves of oil, natural gas, and critical minerals that are vital to both economic security and national defense. For decades, the state has played an essential role in America’s energy portfolio, and today, that role is only growing more important. The visit was more than a photo opportunity to a remote outpost. It was a signal to the world that the United States is serious about reclaiming its energy future. Alaska holds the keys to that future—if we have the vision and political will to unlock them.

At Fueling Freedom, we applaud this renewed focus on Alaska’s vital role and stand ready to support public policies that secure its place at the center of American energy leadership.

Key Takeaways from the Alaska Visit

According to the Department of Energy, the trip highlighted several crucial objectives:

• Supporting responsible oil and gas development in areas like the North Slope and the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska

• Advancing critical mineral exploration and permitting in regions that hold untapped reserves of rare earths, graphite, cobalt, and other materials necessary for advanced manufacturing and energy technologies

• Improving coordination among federal agencies to streamline permitting, respect state sovereignty, and unlock investment in infrastructure and energy projects

• Engaging with Alaska Native communities and local stakeholders to ensure energy development benefits the people who call the state home

The visit also reaffirmed the Biden-era restrictions on Alaskan development are being reconsidered or reversed in favor of a more pro-development strategy. For example, Interior Secretary Burgum signaled new support for energy leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve, while EPA Administrator Zeldin pledged to review previous permitting delays and water use regulations that have hampered development.

Why Alaska Is Critical to American Energy Security

1. Massive Resource Potential
Alaska contains an estimated 30 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil and over 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It also has enormous reserves of coal and some of the most significant critical mineral deposits in North America. Unlocking these resources will reduce U.S. reliance on foreign adversaries and provide a stable domestic supply of energy and raw materials.

2. Strategic Geographic Position
Located between the continental U.S. and key Pacific allies, Alaska is a natural hub for energy exports to Asia. Its proximity to global shipping routes and its growing LNG infrastructure make it a key player in global energy diplomacy and economic competition.

3. National Security Benefits
Alaska supports multiple military bases, strategic defense systems, and critical infrastructure. Ensuring that energy development continues in the state is essential to sustaining and expanding U.S. military readiness in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions.

4. Economic Opportunity for Rural and Native Communities
Energy development in Alaska supports thousands of jobs and provides revenues to state and tribal governments. Policies that unlock responsible development support economic mobility, self-determination, and long-term investment in some of the most underserved regions of the country.

Fueling Freedom’s Perspective

Alaska is far more than America’s last frontier. It is a cornerstone of American strength. Its resources, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships make it a vital ally in achieving energy dominance and economic opportunity.

At Fueling Freedom, we believe that Alaska is indispensable to America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy. The state is a cornerstone of the nation’s resource independence. Its energy abundance strengthens the grid, fuels American manufacturing, supports allied nations, and hardens our strategic posture in an increasingly contested world.

We support the efforts of Secretary Wright, Administrator Zeldin, and Secretary Burgum to restore common sense to federal permitting, respect for state and tribal leadership, and unleashing Alaska’s energy and mineral potential. Their visit reflects a commitment to the principles we fight for every day: American energy dominance, economic freedom, and national security through self-reliance.

Fueling Freedom applauds this renewed focus on Alaska’s potential. With the right policies in place, Alaska can help secure not just our homes and jobs, but also our position in the world.

News Coverage of the Trip