A legislative resolution voicing strong support for the long-envisioned Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (AKLNG) Project cleared a key hurdle this week, passing the House Resources Committee with overwhelming backing, save for one dissenting vote from Anchorage Democrat Rep. Zack Fields, who described the hopes for the project as “delusional” during the committee hearing.
Fields said he doesn’t want to give the world the impression that the project is actually going to move forward and he worries that the resolution makes the Legislature look “delusional.”
Here’s what Fields, former union labor organizer who is endorsed by the major labor unions in Alaska, said:
House Joint Resolution 18, which now moves to the House floor, is a formal appeal to President Donald Trump, Interior Secretary Douglas Burgum, and Congress, urging federal agencies to take all necessary steps to expedite the AKLNG Project, and calling it essential to Alaska’s economic future, American energy independence, and national security.
According to the resolution, the AKLNG Project has moved from concept to credible investment thanks to recent developments in permitting, financing discussions, and rising international interest.
Proponents cite President Trump’s second-term executive order “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential” signed on his first day in office, and his recent remarks before Congress as signs of high-level federal commitment. Just this week he met with Gov. Mike Dunleavy, and the expected topic was the gasline.
“This isn’t just good for Alaska — it’s vital for America,” the sponsor statement reads, arguing that the project would create thousands of jobs, generate billions in revenue, and bolster U.S. strategic influence in global energy markets. “It provides energy
independence, strengthens national security by offering our allies alternatives to adversarial energy sources, and reinforces the U.S. as a reliable energy exporter on the Pacific stage.”
Despite Fields’ objections, the resolution is expected to garner broad bipartisan support on the House floor and among Alaska’s congressional delegation. Backers like Gov. Mike Dunleavy say federal momentum, particularly under the Trump administration, has brought the project closer to realization than ever before.
Commenting on the proceedings, Brett Huber, speaking on behalf of Power the Future, said he was glad to see the resolution pass the committee with such strong support, but he detected a note of partisanship from Rep. Fields.
“The Alaska gasline should be a no-brainer for anyone who cares about jobs, energy security, and common sense,” said Huber. “It’s disappointing — but sadly not surprising — that Rep. Fields would rather grandstand than support a project that benefits every Alaskan. Apparently, asking him to rise above partisanship is a bridge too far.”
The sponsors of the resolution are House Minority Leader Rep. Mia Costello and Representatives George Rauscher, Cathy Tilton, Bill Elam, Kevin McCabe, Frank Tomaszewski, Rebecca Schwanke, Chuck Kopp, Julie Coulombe, and Dan Saddler.
