Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both Republicans from Alaska, and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola, a Democrat from Alaska, have expressed gratitude towards the Alaska Legislature for passing a bipartisan resolution. This resolution demands that the Biden administration withdraws a proposed rule by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which aims to impose restrictions on resource development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).

Senator Murkowski stated, "For the second year in a row, the Alaska Legislature has registered its overwhelming support for responsible energy production in our petroleum reserve." She emphasized that the BLM's draft rule is unlawful and harmful to state and national interests.

Senator Sullivan appreciated the unity shown by Alaskan legislators across party lines in supporting resource development opportunities. He voiced concerns about Secretary Haaland potentially ignoring Alaskan voices while favoring outside influences. "Now, as the Biden administration pushes forward another outrageous and unlawful rule to lock up the NPR-A," he said.

Representative Peltola criticized outside groups for influencing decisions without consulting local stakeholders. "They ignored precedent. They ignored the Inupiat of the North Slope - and made this decision without any actual tribal consultation," she remarked.

Governor Mike Dunleavy thanked legislators for opposing what he termed an environmentally extremist proposal from Washington. He described it as legally flawed and detrimental to economic development.

House Joint Resolution 20 (HJR 20), led by Representative Thomas Baker, was passed with bipartisan support. It highlights Alaska's commitment to safeguarding economic interests and ensuring energy independence.

North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Aullaqsruaq Patkotak highlighted broken promises regarding consultations about NPR-A's future: "Time and time again, the North Slope has been promised a seat at the table."

The Voice of Arctic Iñupiat President Nagruk Harcharek pointed out that new rules were announced without proper consultation with Indigenous communities: "Despite President Biden himself highlighting...our elected North Slope Iñupiat leadership were excluded."

Doreen Leavitt of the Iñupiat Community of Arctic Slope criticized federal actions that ignore Indigenous rights: “The Biden administration’s September actions betray...the government-to-government relationship.”

Rex A. Rock Sr., President of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, praised Representative Baker for introducing HJR 20: “ASRC is grateful...for reinforcing...meaningful engagement with Tribes.”

Kati Capozzi from Alaska Chamber of Commerce condemned BLM’s proposed rule as legally defiant: “We commend...Alaska’s economy depends on responsible resource development.”

A.J. “Joey” Merrick II of Alaska Petroleum Joint Crafts Council emphasized oil production’s importance: “Union members applaud...responsible resource development in NPR-A.”

Kara Moriarty from Alaska Oil and Gas Association questioned BLM management shifts conflicting with Congressional intent: “HJR 20 reaffirms...a fair regulatory approach for NPRA.”

Leila Kimbrell from Resource Development Council called upon federal alignment with state direction: “We now call upon...withdraw this proposed rule-making.”

Rebecca Logan from The Alliance noted potential harm from new regulations: “Alaska’s oil, gas and mining support companies applaud...urging withdrawal.”

In September 2023, DOI proposed rules revising purposes for NPR-A—a move seen as disregarding legal mandates for expedited energy leasing.