U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola, 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 existing conflicts related to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council’s Habitat Protection Program.
The proposed exchange involves Chugach trading 231,036 acres of subsurface estate for 65,403 acres of fee simple land owned by the federal government. The lands identified for this exchange were part of a study conducted in December 2022.
Senator Murkowski stated, “The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill forever changed the lives of Alaskans, particularly those living in the Chugach region. Chugach’s subsurface rights were restricted and subjugated to the EVOS Program’s environmental conservation goals, which unfairly prevents Chugach from realizing the economic benefits of its mineral interests under ANCSA.”
Senator Sullivan emphasized that since its original passage in 1971, ANCSA has been amended several times to meet emerging needs. He noted that “the Chugach Land Exchange Act should be no exception,” adding that it would help create economic sustainability and cultural benefits for thousands of Alaska Native shareholders.
Representative Peltola remarked on ongoing discussions about serving Prince William Sound’s people and environment: “A patchwork of conflicting surface and subsurface rights has left everyone unable to effectively use the land.” She described the act as a commonsense solution providing clarity on land use and management.
Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Board at Chugach Alaska Corporation, expressed gratitude for legislative support: “Introducing this bill represents a meaningful and long-awaited step on the path towards healing for the Chugach region.”
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in March 1989 discharged approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. It remains one of history’s most environmentally damaging disasters. The spill caused significant social and economic harm to the Chugach Region.
Under Section 1113 of an act sponsored by Murkowski in 2019, Congress mandated a study assessing EVOS Program impacts on Chugach lands. The study identified accessible federal lands suitable for exchange with Chugach.
The EVOS Program acquired surface estate lands from Village Corporations but not from Chugach itself; however, restrictions imposed prevent development inconsistent with wilderness preservation efforts—prompting calls for alternative lands enabling economic benefits promised under ANCSA.
