Anchorage, AK—The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced today the partial revocation of Public Land Orders (PLO) 5150 and 5180, opening approximately 2.1 million acres of land within the Dalton Utility Corridor north of the Yukon River for potential transfer to the State of Alaska. The decision, welcomed by Alaska’s congressional delegation, prioritizes land slated for transfer under the Alaska Statehood Act, with remaining federal lands designated for multiple use.
Senator Lisa Murkowski emphasized the long-standing impact of the PLOs, stating they have “locked up tens of millions of additional acres of Alaska” and hindered both state land selections and resource development. “I’m glad these PLOs are on their way out,” Murkowski said. “These revocations will help facilitate opportunity for Alaskans by enabling the rightful transfer of these lands to Alaska.”
Senator Dan Sullivan highlighted the significance of the decision for critical infrastructure projects, noting that the affected lands include portions of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, the Dalton Highway, and the proposed route for the Alaska LNG pipeline. “Lifting PLO 5150 has long been a priority,” Sullivan stated, adding that the move brings Alaska closer to controlling lands vital for resource development on the North Slope.
Congressman Nick Begich framed the action as a win for Alaska’s energy future and energy independence. “The pipeline is Alaska’s economic lifeline,” Begich said, “and because of the perform of this Congress and this administration the pipeline will continue to create jobs, opportunities, and important state revenue for the next generation of Alaskans.”
The PLOs, initially implemented in the early 1970s, unilaterally withdrew vast tracts of Alaskan land by the Department of the Interior. Despite the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in 1980, which formally withdrew over 100 million acres for conservation and affirmed sufficient protection for Alaska’s natural values, these earlier withdrawals remained in effect.
Alaska’s congressional delegation has consistently advocated for the lifting of PLOs. While some revocations occurred during the Trump administration, the Biden administration initially rejected the removal of PLOs across 28 million acres, citing conservation efforts. This decision was reversed following a directive from President Trump upon returning to office, outlined in Executive Order 14153, which specifically called for evaluating the rescission of PLO 5150.
The DOI, under Secretary Doug Burgum, initiated a public process to assess the revocation of PLO 5150 and PLO 5180, culminating in today’s announcement. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted the review, considering input from stakeholders.
The delegation continues to push for the lifting of remaining PLOs across the state, referencing the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act of 2004 and a subsequent 2006 BLM report. That report found that 95 percent of all land withdrawals in Alaska—approximately 152.18 million acres out of 158.96 million—”could be lifted consistent with the protection of the public’s interest.”
