President Trump’s top energy and environmental officials’ recent visit to Alaska underscores the administration’s commitment to restoring American energy leadership.

For the first time in years, administration officials toured the North Slope, a critical area for safe and responsible oil and natural gas development. The visit by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Energy Secretary Chris Wright reflects a strategic national policy shift with far-reaching implications for U.S. security, economic strength and global influence.

Alaska shows the world that America is once again open for energy investment. From Prudhoe Bay and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska to Cook Inlet, the state is home to some of the nation’s most valuable untapped resources that can be developed safely and responsibly. The Trump administration is working closely with Alaskan leaders to expand access to these strategic assets — a partnership already generating projects that will meet rising energy demand, create high-paying jobs and deliver vital revenue to state and local communities.

At the heart of this approach is the Trump administration’s recognition that America’s strength lies in the abundance and diversity of its energy resources. Restoring American energy dominance requires a forward-looking, pro-growth strategy that prioritizes oil and natural gas while advancing innovation in carbon capture, geothermal and emerging fuels. Together, these resources contribute to our energy security and economic prosperity and create a diverse and resilient energy portfolio that reinforces America’s leadership.

Congress should play its part to encourage long-term investment in U.S. energy infrastructure by advancing a predictable policy framework. Industry is ready to lead, but it needs clear, consistent policies that provide the confidence to invest at scale. This is especially important as lawmakers consider updates to energy tax provisions in the ongoing reconciliation negotiations.

Significant progress has already been made in advancing the president’s energy dominance agenda. Through reconciliation, Congress has proposed expanded lease sales, modernizing permitting, reversing the punitive methane fee and preserving competitive tax incentives. These measures will help put American energy back on a trajectory of leadership and innovation.

Across the country, and particularly in states like Alaska, companies are putting American capital and ingenuity to work building infrastructure that drives economic growth and enhances energy security. Some of the most promising efforts underway involve scaling up lower-emission technologies that pair naturally with traditional energy such as hydrogen and carbon capture, which can be advanced using American natural gas. These are some of several tools that can enhance U.S. competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global energy market.

Republican leaders in the Senate recognize what’s at stake. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and others recently wrote, “many American companies have made substantial investments in domestic energy production and infrastructure based on the current energy tax framework.” They understand that the consequences of changing these provisions extend beyond local economies. These investments are vital to America’s broader security and long-term competitiveness.

Alaska offers a blueprint for what’s possible when smart policy meets American resourcefulness. The state’s vast reserves and innovation-friendly leadership support not only traditional energy development, but also encourage advancements in hydrogen, carbon capture and integrated energy systems. Lawmakers can take American energy leadership to the next level by incentivizing the use of these cutting-edge technologies.

At the American Petroleum Institute, we believe leadership begins with producing energy at home, removing regulatory roadblocks, and providing the certainty needed to invest long term. The best energy strategy is one that values both legacy resources and emerging technologies and gives each the space to thrive.

As Congress returns to the negotiating table on President Trump’s tax and budget priorities in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” lawmakers have a historic opportunity to restore American energy dominance. With the right policy framework, the U.S. can unleash innovation, attract private investment, and reassert its leadership on the world stage.

Now is the time to double down on American energy abundance. The world is watching. Our allies are eager for cleaner, U.S.-made fuels. Our competitors, especially China, are racing to control the energy supply chains of the future. Meanwhile, American workers are ready to build the infrastructure that will power the next generation.

We have the resources. We have the technology. With the right policy, we can lead the world.

Mike Sommers is president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.

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