Alaska Senate urges federal action to advance gas pipeline project

The Alaska Senate voted 20-0 Wednesday for a resolution urging federal support to expedite an Alaska natural gas pipeline project.

House Joint Resolution 18 asks Congress, President Donald Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and federal agencies to take necessary actions to advance the Alaska liquefied natural gas project. The resolution urges federal officials to take all necessary actions to expedite the project while recognizing its importance to the state's economy, energy independence, and national security.

The Senate adopted a Resources Committee substitute, then passed a related title-change resolution 19-1 to reflect the committee's amendments.

Sen. Robert Myers, R-North Pole, said the state is no longer discussing a hypothetical project. He cited a developer prepared to build, talks involving purchase of Alaska Gasline Development Corp. assets, and international interest in Alaska LNG.

Myers said time matters. He said each delay means uncertainty for Alaskans, missed economic opportunity, and risks to future energy security.

Supporters framed the resolution as a signal that Alaska wants federal agencies to move quickly on permitting, coordination, and project support. They said the project could bring North Slope gas to market, supply Alaska communities, support exports, create jobs, and generate long-term revenue.

The vote came as Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called lawmakers into a special session on gas pipeline property taxation.