Alaska environmental rules rolled back by Trump administration

The Trump administration has implemented new rules in Alaska that roll back several environmental protections. The Department of the Interior has reversed a previous ban, allowing bear baiting to resume for sport hunting in Alaska’s national preserves. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the move restores deference to Alaska-specific management and respects the state’s role in wildlife management.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized a rule change through 2031 that shields fossil fuel companies from legal liability regarding the “incidental, unintentional” killing of polar bears and Pacific walruses. This rule applies to oil and gas activities in the Beaufort Sea and the adjacent northern coast of Alaska. The change was a priority for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. While the rule allows for these incidental killings via letters of authorization, it has faced significant opposition, with reports indicating tens of thousands of public comments were filed against the measure.