The US Department of the Interior has launched a comprehensive review of protected natural areas. A total of 157 sites in 33 states are to be assessed for potential oil or gas extraction – including in national parks. This is reported by the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.
- We are conducting an evaluation to strengthen American energy independence, says Doug Burgum, who is the Secretary of the Interior in the Trump administration.
The evaluation is based on a new executive order entitled "Unleashing American Energy". It does not directly mention the historic "Antiquities Act" from 1906, which protects natural areas from mineral extraction, but its consequences could be far-reaching.
- I have serious and legitimate concerns that people will just drive their Jeeps through the areas because they think no one is watching anymore, says Alex Wild, a former ranger in the National Park Service.
He was one of the 1,000 employees laid off in February 2025 as a result of cuts in the Trump administration. According to Wild, it could have both safety and environmental consequences if the areas are no longer monitored.
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