By the Senate Republican Caucus
The following is a reprint of a press release from the Senate Republican Caucus, released May 21, 2026.
JUNEAU – As we begin the special session focused on legislation to create a competitive environment for the gas line, the Senate Republican Caucus reiterates our commitment to developing and building a project that provides affordable energy to Alaskans, boosts local economies, and upholds our state Constitution.
Throughout the Legislative Session, our members heard from Glenfarne, local governments, consultants, oil and gas producers, and of course – most importantly – everyday Alaskans from all walks of life.
As we move forward into the Special Session here are our three caucus priorities:
Energy: Alaska is facing an energy crisis. As Cook Inlet natural gas supplies dwindle, nearly every community in Alaska is affected. Southcentral feels the immediate effects, however, they are not alone. Fairbanks has also seen energy rates skyrocket, largely because of the loss of cheap power from Cook Inlet natural gas. As prices in the state’s larger cities continue to climb, the Power Cost Equalization program will also be affected, driving up prices in rural communities. Reducing energy costs within our state will have positive ripple effects across the entire economy.
Economy: The are massive economic benefits from building a megaproject. As thousands of workers are hired locally or move their families to our state, restaurants, shops, and small businesses will see a boom. Cities, municipalities, and boroughs are rightfully concerned regarding the potential financial impact of the gasline construction process on roads, housing, and other infrastructures. Alaska’s population has been stagnant for years, and the gasline provides us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reverse the trend – for the benefit of our communities and state.
Constitution: Section 2 Article 8 of the Alaska State Constitution establishes “the state’s general authority over natural resources… for the maximum benefit of its people.” When Alaskans have access to our resources, they have high-paying jobs, bustling economies, and hope for the future. While utilizing a modest amount of state revenue from the project, Alaskans gain schools that guide their children to excellence, homes on well-maintained roads, state parks with boundless recreational opportunities, and more. However, another reality remains – if we do not build the gasline, there will be zero new revenue, no new jobs, no affordable energy, and no new opportunities for Alaskans.
Alaska is facing an existential crisis. Despite our boundless resources, changing markets and the exhaustion of legacy Cook Inlet natural gas fields are conspiring to limit our future.
Working with the developer and our local gas producers to craft legislation that champions Alaskans and our homegrown energy is the only way forward.
The Legislature faces a simple choice – pay a premium to import LNG to one of the most resource-rich states in the world, or take ownership of our land, rights, and destiny by crafting a compromise to bring the next gold rush to the Last Frontier.
Our pledge to you is simple – for the next 30 days of special session, we will dedicate ourselves to seeing the gasline bill to the finish line.
