Alaska LNG ROW Conversion - Written Public Comment Deadline

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an Analysis and Proposed Decision to convert two conditional right-of-way (ROW) leases for the Alaska LNG project into full ROW leases under AS 38.35.100(a). The leases involved are the Alaska LNG Point Thomson Transmission Line (ADL 421296) and the Alaska LNG GTP-Mainline-LF (ADL 421297). These leases were originally issued as conditional in 2021, and the current proposal follows a 2026 application by 8 Star Alaska LLC on behalf of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC). The DNR Commissioner determined that AGDC has met the 'fit, willing, and able' criteria required for conversion. The analysis highlights AGDC's role as a public development corporation rather than a traditional pipeline operator, noting its success in securing federal permits, establishing project development agreements with Glenfarne, and securing gas supply precedent agreements with ExxonMobil, Hilcorp Alaska, and ConocoPhillips. The conversion does not authorize construction; AGDC must still obtain specific Notices to Proceed (NTP) for various project phases. Public hearings are scheduled for November 23, 2026 (virtual) and November 24, 2026 (in-person in Anchorage). Written comments are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2026. The decision remains subject to ongoing conditions, including a prohibition on transferring or assigning the leases without prior written approval from the Commissioner.