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On May 19, the Governor called the Alaska Legislature into a Special Session to continue work on the Alaska LNG Project. The Special Session officially began on May 21. The focus of the session is House Bill 381, relating to local contributions to public school funding, municipal property tax relief, reporting requirements for natural gas pipeline projects and more.
This legislation is essential to our state because the Alaska LNG Project would transport natural gas from the North Slope through a pipeline to Southcentral Alaska, where it could provide a reliable source of energy for Alaskans and support future liquefied natural gas exports. The project is expected to create jobs, strengthen Alaska's energy security, and generate long-term economic opportunities for communities across the state.
Over the past few weeks, the House Finance Committee has held numerous meetings with Glenfarne, the project's developer, as well as local municipalities, labor organizations, and other key stakeholders. These discussions have helped legislators better understand the project, address concerns, and work toward legislation that balances economic opportunities with the interests of Alaskans and affected communities. Several amendments were offered and passed during the Committee meetings.
On June 12, House Bill 381 was heard on the House floor. After adopting one amendment, the House passed the bill by a vote of 35–4. The legislation is now being considered by the Senate Finance Committee.
The Senate returned to Juneau on Monday to prepare for a vote on the bill once the Finance Committee moves the bill out. The Senate Finance Committee is meeting twice daily to continue working on this legislation with a goal of ensuring that any legislation supports responsible development of the Alaska LNG Project while protecting the communities directly affected and safeguarding the interests of Alaskans.
The Senate Finance Committee is continuing to hear from the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, Glenfarne, Regulatory Commission of Alaska and others regarding House Bill 381 today, June 16. It is anticipated that the Committee will have amendments to the bill prior to a vote of the Senate. If any changes are approved, the bill will go back to the House for concurrence. With the Special Session scheduled to end on June 19, legislators have a limited amount of time to complete its work.
Although I am in Juneau during the Special Session, my staff remains available at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office and is ready to assist constituents by phone or email.
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