Alaska leasing returns
The federal government has scheduled its first oil and gas lease sale in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve since 2019, reopening millions of acres on the North Slope for potential energy development.
Daily Alaska staff · February 12, 2026 · Anchorage
Daily Alaska staff · February 12, 2026 · AnchorageAlaska oil leasing is back on the table.
Federal officials have scheduled the first oil and gas lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska since 2019. The sale opens millions of acres for potential development on the North Slope.
This marks a major shift after years of pauses, lawsuits, and policy changes around Arctic drilling. Energy companies will be able to bid on leases later this year.
The reserve has long been a flashpoint between energy production and environmental protection. Supporters see the lease sale as a move toward energy security and Alaska jobs. Opponents worry about impacts to wildlife and nearby communities.
Either way, this puts Alaska back into the national energy conversation.