U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with U.S. Representative Nick Begich, have introduced the Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act. This legislation aims to facilitate a land exchange between the federal government and Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) to address conflicts stemming from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council’s Habitat Protection Program.
The proposed exchange involves Chugach trading 231,000 acres of subsurface estate for 65,403 acres of fee simple land owned by the federal government. The lands identified for this exchange were outlined in the Chugach Region Land Study and Report to Congress from December 2022, which was mandated by Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act.
Senator Murkowski emphasized the ongoing impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Native people in the Chugach region, stating: “We must continue to take steps to move forward with recovery and that includes fulfilling the promises of ANCSA to Chugach.” She described the legislation as a “win-win” for both Chugach and federal EVOS program goals.
Senator Sullivan highlighted past restrictions faced by Chugach due to federal policies: “Our legislation will help address the evolving needs of Prince William Sound communities and create economic opportunities and cultural benefits for thousands of Alaska Native shareholders in the Chugach region.”
Congressman Begich noted that this exchange would correct longstanding issues preventing Chugach shareholders from benefiting fully from their land: “With this legislation, we’re protecting our resources while restoring the rights of Alaska Native landowners.”
Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Chugach Board, expressed gratitude towards Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Representative Begich for their leadership: “Their decision to reintroduce this legislation underscores the significance of this exchange resolving long-standing split-estate conflicts in the region.”
The background context includes details about how on March 24, 1989, approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil were spilled into Prince William Sound due to an accident involving Exxon Valdez. The disaster had severe environmental impacts and led to significant social and economic harm in the Chugach Region.
Through Section 1113 of a legislative act sponsored by Murkowski in 2019, Congress directed a study assessing these impacts on Chugach lands. Under existing restrictions related to conservation efforts following EVOS, development on certain lands is limited unless they are exchanged as proposed under this new act.
