Press Releases

The Department of the Interior today announced new guidance for the State Orphaned Wells Grant Program, a key initiative that helps states plug, remediate and reclaim orphaned oil and gas wells on state and private land. The new guidance advances the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen American energy independence while protecting public health and the environment.

The Department of the Interior today announced the reopening of Columbus Circle following a major restoration that improves access, safety, and the visitor experience at one of the most prominent gateways to the nation’s capital.

The Department of the Interior today announced progress in implementing the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land (MAPLand) Act and the Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters (MAPWaters) Act, including the initial publication of recreation access data and the planned launch of a new public-facing mapping tool.

The Department of the Interior today announced major actions to expand hunting and fishing access across lands and waters managed by the Department, advancing President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to increasing outdoor recreation opportunities, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and supporting rural communities.

The Department of the Interior today announced that $28 million has been distributed to tribal beneficiaries following the completion of a set of probate cases through the Office of Hearings and Appeals after a probate surge event held by the Indian Affairs Probate Strike Team at Fort Berthold Agency in North Dakota. This action reflects the Department’s continued commitment to honoring trust responsibilities and strengthening service to tribal nations and their citizens.

The Department of the Interior today announced reforms to improve the efficiency, clarity, and timeliness of administrative appeals handled through the Office of Hearings and Appeals, reducing unnecessary delays and delivering a more predictable process for Americans who depend on Department decisions.

The Department of the Interior generated over $4 billion in total receipts from a Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico and Texas, underscoring strong industry demand for domestic energy development on public lands.

The Department of the Interior today announced $44.79 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act funding has been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, providing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners the ability to conserve, restore or enhance 185,203 acres of critical wetland and associated upland habitat for migratory birds across the United States. These projects reflect President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to safeguarding our landscapes and supporting local economies.

Today, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced the start of a new effort to streamline permitting for oil and gas infrastructure in the approximately 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The effort comes in response to a petition for rulemaking from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association that requested the Bureau of Land Management amend its regulations to create a new development permit program in the petroleum reserve.

During Police Week 2026, the Department of the Interior honors the courage, service, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who protect the nation’s public lands, natural resources, and communities every day. Interior law enforcement personnel serve in some of the most remote, challenging and culturally significant landscapes in the United States, ensuring visitor safety, safeguarding irreplaceable resources and supporting local communities.