Feds Schedule First Lease Sale in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve Since 2019

The Trump administration is offering 5.5 million acres in Arctic Alaska for oil and gas exploration.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced a lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, the first such sale since 2019. The sale, mandated by a recent budget bill, will offer 5.5 million acres for oil and gas exploration and development. This marks a shift from the Obama and Biden administrations, which had more restrictive policies in the reserve.

Why it matters

The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska has long been viewed as a key area for domestic energy production, but development has been limited in recent years due to environmental concerns. The upcoming lease sale signals a renewed push by the federal government to unlock the reserve's oil and gas potential, which could boost U.S. energy independence but also raises concerns about the impact on sensitive Arctic ecosystems.

The details

The lease sale, scheduled for March 9, will be the first in the reserve since 2019. It is part of a series of sales mandated by Congress in a recent budget bill. The Trump administration's management plan opened 82% of the reserve to development, compared to about 50% under the Obama and Biden administrations. This includes the sensitive Teshekpuk Lake area, which holds important habitat for wildlife like the Teshekpuk Caribou Herd.

  • The last NPR-A lease sale was held in 2019 during the Trump administration.
  • The upcoming lease sale is scheduled for March 9, 2026.

The players

U.S. Bureau of Land Management

The federal agency responsible for managing the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and overseeing the upcoming lease sale.

The Wilderness Society

An environmental advocacy group that has criticized the Trump administration's plans to open up more of the reserve to oil and gas development, including the sensitive Teshekpuk Lake area.

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What they’re saying

“The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska plays a vital role in advancing America's energy independence, and Congress has repeatedly made clear their intent for timely leasing and responsible development in the region.”

— Bill Groffy, Acting BLM Director (alaskabeacon.com)

“The sale is part of the administration's pattern of selling off public lands 'for corporate profits at the expense of the American people, beloved wildlife, and Alaskans who depend on nearby fish and game.”

— Matt Jackson, Alaska Senior Manager, The Wilderness Society (alaskabeacon.com)

What’s next

The lease sale details will be published in the Federal Register, and bids will be opened on March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The upcoming lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve reflects the federal government's renewed focus on unlocking the reserve's oil and gas potential, despite concerns from environmental groups about the impact on sensitive Arctic ecosystems. The sale will be closely watched as a barometer of industry interest and the ongoing debate over balancing energy development and environmental protection in Alaska's public lands.