While most headlines about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” have focused on tax cuts, school choice, and border security, one of the most consequential victories for Alaska has flown under the radar. It was a quiet but powerful change to how Alaska shares in oil royalties on federal lands.
It all began in November, as Nick Begich travelled to DC for Freshman orientation, before the race was even officially called. Long before committee assignments were finalized, before most of his colleagues had even unpacked their boxes, Begich had one big idea: maximize revenues for Alaska on federal oil and gas royalties.
Alaska has lived with a 50-50 royalty split with the federal government since the days of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System legislation. At the time, Alaska’s congressional delegation tried to secure its promised 90-10 federal land royalty split in favor of the state, but had to settle for less to get the pipeline approved. Since then, generation after generation of lawmakers, including the late Congressman Don Young, tried to correct the imbalance. Each effort hit a wall.
That changed this year. In one of the most underappreciated and masterfully executed plays in the Big Beautiful Bill, Begich managed to include language that would shift the split on new leases in NPR-A, ANWR, and Cook Inlet to 90-10, with 90% of royalties staying in Alaska. He got it through the House Natural Resources Committee and passed the 90-10 split even through the full House version as written.
Then came the Senate.
The provision ran into the arcane but powerful Byrd Rule, a rule that limits what can be included in budget reconciliation bills. The Senate Parliamentarian agreed the rate could be adjusted but was negotiated there to 70-30, a 40% increase in Alaska’s royalty revenue.
The full provision represents potentially tens of billions in future revenue that will build and maintain infrastructure, and support Alaska’s future generations.
It was no small feat to keep even that version alive. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, took a meeting with Begich and agreed to support the increased formula. Alaska Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski went to bat to ensure it survived the final negotiations. And it did.
But make no mistake: This provision was Nick Begich’s brainchild, and it would not exist without his relentless work from Day One.
It’s worth contrasting this with the record of his predecessor, Rep. Mary Peltola, who not only voted against the Alaska Right to Produce Act, but showed no indication of having either the legislative vision or horsepower to advance such a technical but crucial policy.
Begich understood that Alaska’s economic engine starts with resource development. He didn’t just vote the right way — he built a plan, assembled the coalitions, navigated the legislative gauntlet, and delivered real results. And what is remarkable is how he did it: The split starts in 2034, which is how it got around the Byrd rule in the first place. It’s a creative flair that Begich thought of, that no one else had considered.
These efforts early on were a key reason Murkowski had to vote for this bill, which has President Trump’s signature on it now. The Alaska provisions were that important for our state and had the 70-30 not been in this bill, it’s likely she would have teetered the other way.
In a town where showmanship often overshadows substance, this is a case study in what quiet, focused, intelligent leadership can achieve. And for Alaska, it means more control over our destiny and a future that is finally starting to tilt back in our favor.
As the dust settles on the Big Beautiful Bill, Alaskans would do well to look past the flashy headlines and recognize this provision for what it is: a generational win.
Without a doubt. What occurred here for Alaska needs more attention. Hopefully, we can protect that money from the public sector unions. If we can’t, those funds will be used against our liberty and resources in Alaska. It might very well become a sword against the throat of successful Alaskans.
Amen! 🤜🤛🙏
Now, let’s get rid of RCV!
I’m on board with that!
Billions for Alaska from the Republicans in the Senate and the house with no line item veto by the president. Trump wants the oil and gas. He is overwhelmingly onboard for those energy items having nothing to do with any elected official from Alaska. The vote counted when the elected from Alaska, (Murkowski) realized what they would personally lose.
The worse problem the residents of Alaska has to face today is a governor that has overstepped every boundary on the use of the natural resource wealth in Alaska and wasted every opportunity to better this state and the people residents of Alaska. Once we get rid of him and vote a responsible person in that has a healthy sense of business and committed attitude that shows in every bit of work and respect of purpose, the state of Alaska may have a chance again to grow and develop.
So, no, it was the whole of the Republican elected in Congress and the president that made sure this state will once again be functional for the nation and the people that live here.
Great work To him. Hopefully the monies get used wisely now.
Bravo! 👏
Nicholas is a master thinker and hard working member of US Congress. Don Young might have had a hard time achieving these outcomes, even when he was the Chairman of US House Committee on Resources back in the 90’s.
So proud of Nick. The entire Begich clan of him.
And that why we will work our tails off to get him re-elected in 2026 and beyond.
Go Nicholas! You are going to carry the torch for our family. Your grandpa and you are now at the top of the Begich legacy.
I think this article missed what really happened ! Frank Murkowski and Ted Steven’s changed the royalty share twenty five years ago trying to help promote drilling in ANWR . This actually short changed the State of Alaska out of the royalty share we had since statehood .
Then came the destroyer, Lisa Murkowski in and out of every resource package and ANWR deal with Trump’s first term and panting at the end of her short leash for Biden. But, Gov. Parnell did real dirt by changing the formula for the benefit of the oil companies, his former employer, and putting the PFD in jeopardy for the residents of the state. So, don’t hold your breath, Dunleavy and his lying, mealy mouthed Adam Crumb are not gone yet. Pay attention and use your votes to prevent destruction before Dunleavy is gone and hopefully, a well put together business person elected as governor to manage these resources for the future next term.
Great article!!! Go Congressman Nick Begich!!!
When I saw Begich on the campaign, I knew he was an intelligent hard working candidate. But I never expected this. Begich has done more than most elected officials do in there career and he did it as a freshman in 6 months without ever holding office before.
Good work Nick. Appreciate you.
And he’s just getting started. Go NB3 !!!
Yes! Who cares about the debt?! Doesn’t matter because it will be our grandchildren that will have to pay the bill.