Trump's New Alaska Order Raises Environmental Concerns
President Donald Trump has once more stirred debate over the future of Alaska's natural resources by signing a comprehensive order that has alarmed environmentalists and indigenous communities, reports NewsBox.
On the first day of his second term, Trump initiated a program aimed at "maximally leveraging Alaska's natural potential". The order focuses on expanding mineral extraction and boosting the state's energy sector, paving the way for large-scale development, according to CNN.
This move has been welcomed by industry representatives and local authorities hoping for economic growth driven by oil, gas, and mineral extraction. However, environmentalists and many indigenous Alaskans have expressed concerns about its potentially devastating impact on the environment and traditional ways of life.
One of the key aspects of the order is the revival of the "Ambler Road" project — a 211-mile industrial route in northwest Alaska. This transportation line is intended to access rich deposits of copper and cobalt, crucial for battery production and electronics.
Trump's decision overturns a June 2024 ruling by the Biden administration that had blocked the project for environmental reasons. The new order reinstates the approval initially granted in 2020 during Trump's first term.
The Department of the Interior has confirmed that it is already working on implementing the presidential order. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy had previously approached Trump with a proposal to include Ambler Road in the list of priority projects, with support from Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski. Furthermore, developing Alaska's industrial infrastructure is highlighted in the "2025 Project," a strategic plan by Republicans for the new presidential term.
Nonetheless, the initiative may face legal hurdles. Alex Johnson, director of the National Park Association's campaign, stated: "This road jeopardizes ecosystems, water resources, wildlife, and the very residents of the region. The consequences could be catastrophic."