Alaska Congressman Nick Begich has been appointed Vice Chair of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, a position that will better enable him to champion efforts aimed at strengthening transportation infrastructure, boosting energy security, and expanding economic opportunities in Alaska and the nation.
After being in office for less than eight weeks in Congress, Begich is now on three committees and eight subcommittees, and is vice chair of two subcommittees. His predecessor, Mary Peltola, served on just two committees and was on four subcommittees, with no vice chair positions during her two years in office.
“I am honored to be named Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and look forward to working with Subcommittee Chairman Webster and my colleagues to modernize and expand our nation’s transportation networks,” said Congressman Begich in a statement. “This role presents a tremendous opportunity to advance critical infrastructure projects that will strengthen Alaska’s economy, improve supply chain efficiency, and support energy development.”
House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves commended Begich’s appointment, emphasizing the importance of his leadership in key infrastructure sectors.
“Congressman Begich is an excellent choice to serve as vice chair of our subcommittee with jurisdiction over railroads and pipelines – infrastructure networks that are critical to Alaska and the entire country. I look forward to working with Nick and Subcommittee Chairman Webster to reauthorize pipeline safety programs, improve rail transportation, and foster America’s energy independence,” Graves said.
A major priority for Congressman Begich in this new role is advancing the long-held goal of connecting Alaska to the Lower 48 via a railroad. Currently, Alaska remains disconnected from the North American rail network, a gap that limits economic growth and trade opportunities.
“Alaska has immense resource potential, but we must have the infrastructure to move goods and energy efficiently. Expanding our rail and pipeline networks will lower costs, create jobs, and strengthen our state’s position in the global economy,” Begich stated.
In addition, Begich has been a vocal advocate for the Alaska LNG pipeline, an 800-mile project aimed at unlocking the vast natural gas reserves of the North Slope and bringing them to market. The pipeline is expected to create thousands of good-paying jobs for Alaskans, reduce energy costs for homes and businesses, and bolster U.S. energy independence and national security.
By leveraging previously untapped resources and facilitating LNG exports, the Alaska LNG pipeline would play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s economic future.
The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has jurisdiction over essential transportation agencies, including the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The Subcommittee is responsible for ensuring the economic and safety regulation of railroads, pipelines, and hazardous materials transportation—industries that are particularly vital to Alaska’s economy.
As vice chair of the subcommittee, Congressman Begich will advocate for pro-growth, pro-energy policies to enhance Alaska’s infrastructure.
Begich’s assignments are, to date:
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources (vice chair)
- Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Subcommittee on Aviation
- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
- Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials (vice chair)
- Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
- Subcommittee on Energy
- Subcommittee on Environment
- Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight