On October 23, local time, a reporter learned that the U.S. government is advancing an energy expansion plan, preparing to open almost all U.S. coastal waters and the coastal plains of the Alaska Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for new oil and natural gas extraction.

U.S. media that the move sparked opposition from multi-state governors and environmental groups, fearing the risk of oil spills could jeopardize the coastal economy that relies on tourism.