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.
Zack Fields statement that the AKLNG Project makes the AK Legislature look delusional is probably the funniest statement I have seen in a long time. He obviously has not had the opportunity to watch his democrat colleagues in hearings yet! Delusional would be an improvement!! With their unbalanced budget and oil at $50 a barrel today, he better hope we get the AKLNG project started as quickly as possible.
He is angling for more political donations………………. It’s always about the money – in there pocket.
They should know. Democrat’s are experts on that subject. They are the definition of delusional!!!
Zack Fields: always putting the ‘dic’ in “radical leftist extremism”.
Zack Fields employing the overused leftist tactic of projection.
From the expert on LNG projects. Talk about “delusional”.
I don’t know where Zack Fields is from but, anyone who thinks that mining and fisheries are enough to sustain this state is sucking on a crack pipe. If he wants to continue suckling on the government teat while leg wrestling after hours in governmental, state-owned offices, he’d better hop onto the hydrocarbon train otherwise, get out.
The state really has no dog in the fight other than the fight over the people gas royalties when they start to flow . The state cannot mandate anything . They’ve pissed away billions studying it to death for fifty years while ignoring the Alaskan people’s needs for gas . You need a politician and a prostitute for the same thing , they are interchangeable . The Trump administration is going to make the construction of the gas pipeline a national security interest . The Japanese and the South Koreans will roll the steel that’s needed and sign a long term contract for the gas . The Trump team will provide the rest of the low interest financing required . The gasline will be built in 36 month window . Soon to be announced . The goofballs in Juneau won’t even be able to foul it up as they have no say so and the three Native groups have already divided up the sections and it’ll be a go !
I ,like many Alaskans and Americans would love to see the LNG pipeline built. Not only for the many electric utilities, consumers of gas to heat their homes and many others that would benefit from gas heat to get away from oil heat. However I don’t see any leaders in Alaska that have the spine, the brains and the drive this mega project requires to be completed Unfortunately all current leaders just talk while building their retirements. So let’s spend millions of dollars to do another study just to box it up and put it on the shelf in a warehouse. Good Luck Alaska. Get ready to import LNG