President Trump’s latest executive order has turned heads in Alaska, reigniting a heated debate over the future of the state’s pristine wilderness and natural resources. The order, signed on his first day back in office, aims to tap into Alaska’s untapped energy and mineral potential “to the fullest extent possible.” While state officials and industry leaders are celebrating the move, environmentalists and Indigenous communities are sounding the alarm.

At the heart of the controversy is the Ambler Road project, a proposed 211-mile industrial route slicing through northwest Alaska. The road would open the door to mining operations targeting critical minerals like copper and cobalt. This marks a sharp reversal from a Biden-era decision that paused the project due to environmental concerns. Trump’s order reinstates a 2020 approval, sparking fears about irreversible damage to wildlife, clean water, and Indigenous subsistence lifestyles.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and Republican Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski have enthusiastically backed the order, arguing it will boost the state’s economy. But critics warn the project could devastate the region’s ecosystems and cultural heritage. Alex Johnson from the National Parks Conservation Association called it a “disastrous” move, highlighting the potential harm to local communities and national parks.

Alaska is home to 49 of the 50 minerals deemed “critical” for the U.S. economy and national security, making it a focal point for efforts to build a domestic supply chain. These minerals are essential for everything from electric vehicle batteries to military equipment. Yet, the U.S. still relies heavily on imports, often from countries with questionable labor practices. The Ambler Road project aims to change that, but at what cost?

The project faces major hurdles, including legal challenges and opposition from Indigenous groups like the Tanana Chiefs Conference. Karmen Monigold, an Inupiaq subsistence provider, fears the road would destroy her tribe’s way of life. “Our culture relies on this land,” she said. “This road would devastate us.”

Proponents argue the project will bring jobs and economic growth to the region. But for many, the potential environmental and cultural costs are too high. As Alaskan caribou biologist Jim Dau put it, “How much is an Indigenous culture worth? How much is a caribou herd worth?” The debate over Alaska’s future is far from over.