Last month, in a welcomed invitation to job creators, Governor Dunleavy issued an unprecedented directive to all state agencies to identify and repeal unnecessary regulatory burdens by 25% by the end of 2027.
The Governor’s directive, known as AO 360, represents a significant shift in government policy within Alaska. Every executive branch agency has been directed by the Governor to undertake a complete inventory of departmental regulations that fall within the rulemaking authority of the administration and that possibly exceed the intent of federal or state laws. Future cuts in regulation will be measured from this current inventory, consisting mostly of Alaska Administrative Code.
Transparency is achieved by quarterly progress reports from agencies which culminate in an annual compilation of progress called the State Unified Regulatory Plan, a process which is intended to inform businesses as to what regulations are slated to be added or repealed.
In a Press release, Governor Dunleavy conveyed his goal to make Alaska more competitive within our market-based system of free-enterprise: “AO 360 institutionalizes a culture of ongoing regulatory review,” he stated, “ensuring that the body of state regulations will not only be reduced in the short term but also kept in check over the long term. By requiring agencies to justify and regularly revisit their rules, the order aims to prevent the slow accumulation of red tape that can stifle growth and innovation.”
Many state agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Law, and Environmental Conservation, have already announced implementation steps, appointed regulatory liaisons, and have begun soliciting the public for their ideas and recommendations. By early 2026, agencies hope to publish their initial findings based on public input.
In a statement released to MRAK, Alaska’s Attorney General Stephen Cox expressed his support for the Governor’s goals of public outreach and transparency when conducting regulatory reform: “Having helped lead regulatory reform efforts during the first Trump Administration. I know how powerful it can be when government takes seriously its responsibility to cut unnecessary red tape. And let me stress: regulatory reform matters most for small businesses. Large corporations may have in-house counsel offices and compliance departments, but Alaska’s small businesses shoulder these costs directly. Cutting red tape gives them a fairer chance to grow and thrive.”
Alaska’s businesses are all-to-familiar with the term “regulatory dark matter”—used to describe the growing volume of interpretive advice, “how-to” forms and guidance documents that are presented as reflecting law but are not always scrutinized for consistency or legislative intent. Now, under AO 360, agencies are required to publish all such guidance documents on the Alaska Online Public Notice System (“AOPNS”).
AO 360 specifically targets one of Alaska’s persistent challenges: permitting delays. Departments typically burdened by permit applications, such as DNR and ADF & G, have been directed to streamline their permitting processes, to unify interagency coordination, and to adhere to deadlines. Applicants and the general public will be able to view the status of their permit application online.
In stark contrast to prior administrations, Governor Dunleavy is emphasizing direct citizen outreach. Department heads are directed to host meetings and to proactively solicit recommendations from the public. Regulated parties are even being encouraged to submit proposals. According to Cox, “The most helpful ideas will (1) identify where a regulation goes beyond statutory requirements, (2) specify which requirements could be cut, reduced, or eliminated, and (3) offer a cost-benefit analysis for the action.”
Cox emphasized his desire to lead by example by publishing his reform plans, posting revised documents and his success metrics. “Our Department of Law intends to be a model in this process,” Cox said. “We will set the standard for transparency, accountability, and engagement as every agency works toward Governor Dunleavy’s 25 percent reduction goal.” The DOL is receiving public recommendations concerning AAC’s Title 9 through Oct. 31, 2025. Notices from other agencies seeking stakeholder feedback are posted on the Alaska Online Public Notices.
Read the entire Administrative Order 360 here.