Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

April 11, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, we discuss the current legislative proposals regarding the natural gas pipeline. A gas pipeline from the North Slope could bring revenue to the state and help secure gas for Alaskans. But significant questions remain.

The Anchorage Municipal Election was Tuesday, April 7th and some preliminary results are available.

Please read on for more information.

Alaska Gasline Update

The proposed Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Pipeline (AK LNG) could deliver natural gas for Alaskans and generate millions in revenue for the state through sales to Asian buyers. But there are significant questions about the viability of the project. The proposed project would be constructed in three parts: a gas processing plant, a 700-mile pipeline, and a liquefaction facility to enable exports. Past analyses estimated the total cost for the project at $44 billion, but the state does not have an updated analysis that accounts for inflation and the cost is likely higher.

Last year, the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) entered into a partnership with Glenfarne, giving that company 75% ownership in the project and maintaining a 25% state share. The details of that agreement, including financial liabilities and contractual responsibilities, are confidential and have not been released.

And the cost of gas that could be delivered by the pipeline is also unknown. The pipeline will deliver gas to Alaskan utilities and homeowners, as well as to Asian markets. Without more information, it is extremely difficult to knowing what the gas will cost.

The Senate Resources Committee is considering legislation to enable the gasline and ensure that the developers build it responsibily.

Senate Bill 275, by the Senate Resources Committee, allows for greater transparency and project oversight by the Legislature and restructures project taxes. It would allow project partners to enter into non-disclosure agreements with Legislative offices and gives the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee oversight over AGDC. And it establishes a $.15 surcharge for every 1,000 cubic feet of gas processed in the state.

Senate Bill 280, by the Governor, would significantly reduce property taxes on the project. It would replace the state and local property tax with an Alternative Volumetric Tax that would result in a roughly 90% reduction in revenue to local governments. On March 27th, five borough mayors testified that the proposed legislation needs additional work.

The project has not yet reached a final investment decision (“FID”).

Senate Bill 41: Mental Health Education

On Friday morning, the Senate passed Senate Bill 41: Mental Health Education, sponsored by Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson.

Alaska continues to experience the highest rates of suicide in the nation, including disproportionately high rates among young people. SB 41 seeks to address this urgent issue by introducing early education focused on mental health awareness, coping strategies, and suicide prevention for students. By equipping young Alaskans with tools to recognize and manage emotional challenges, the legislation aims to foster resilience, reduce stigma, and ultimately save lives.

SB 41 passed the Senate by a vote of 19 yeas, 1 nay. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

You can watch my Senate Floor remarks about the importance of mental health education in the video below.

Municipal Election Update

The Anchorage Municipal Election was Tuesday, April 7th. Election results are not yet official, and the Municipality will continue to count ballots as they arrive. The deadline for mail-in ballots to arrive and be counted is April 23rd. Official election results will be published after election certification by the Anchorage Assembly on April 28th. Preliminary results released showed over 47,000 votes or 20% turnout.

For election results and more information, click here.

National Donate Life Month

This week, my office sponsored a presentation on organ donation from LifeCenter Northwest.

April marks the beginning of National Donate Life Month, designated to raise awareness on organ, eye, or tissue donation. On Wednesday, April 8^th, my office sponsored a presentation from LifeCenter Northwest. LifeCenter Northwest is a nonprofit organ procurement and tissue recovery organization. Ashlei Lind, the Director of External Affairs, explained what makes organs eligible for donation, the donation to transplant process, and the importance of talking to loved ones about organ donation. The loved one of an organ donor was invited to give their experience with the organ donation process.

You can watch the presentation here.

Community Events

Anchorage Transportation Fair

When: Wednesday, April 22th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM

Where: Alaska Airlines Center, Main Arena

Learn about road, rail, pedestrian, air, and safety projects being planned and designed in Anchorage! Stop by anytime between 3-7p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Center, Main Arena. This is a free event for the public to learn about featured projects from the Alaska Department of Transportation, Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska Railroad, and more. To get there by bus, ride routes 10, 20, or 55.

For more information on the event and featured projects, click here.