By Suzanne Downing 
Congressman Nick Begich is pressing ahead with efforts to lock in long-term energy policy for Alaska’s North Slope, as the House moved forward with his resolution to restore full access to the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas development.
Begich’s measure, H.J. Res. 131, would overturn the Biden administration’s Record of Decision that closed 1.16 million acres of the North Slope 1002 Area, returning to the Trump-era plan supported by North Slope communities. The resolution reinstates the 2020 environmental review and reopens the entire coastal plain for responsible leasing, rolling back rules and terms that had effectively halted development.
Congress originally set aside the 1002 Area specifically for oil and gas potential, and twice has directed that leasing proceed. Local support has remained strong throughout, including from Native communities that rely on industry revenue to sustain schools, jobs, and essential local government services. Oil and gas production makes up roughly 95% of North Slope Borough tax revenue and fuels Alaska’s Permanent Fund dividends, which paid $1,702 per resident in 2024.
Geologists estimate the coastal plain holds 10.4 billion barrels of recoverable oil, making it one of the most strategically important untapped energy basins in the country. Supporters of Begich’s resolution say restoring access is critical to strengthening national energy security, reducing dependence on adversarial foreign suppliers, and ensuring sustained investment and employment in Alaska.
H.J. Res. 131 mirrors and reinforces the administration’s energy policy under President Donald Trump, including Executive Orders 14153 and 14154, which focus on unleashing Alaska’s resources and expanding domestic energy production. Begich and other Alaska advocates argue that codifying these policies in statute is essential to preventing future administrations from shutting down development through regulatory action, as President Biden did early in his term.
With the passage of H.J. Res. 131 in the House, the effort now moves to the Senate, where Alaska’s delegation has pushed for years to secure long-term certainty for the 1002 Area and the state’s broader resource economy.
Will be interesting to see whether the Princess has the cajones to pass a clean concurring piece of legislation.
Besides pushing for oil and gas development
There are other industries that should be set up on Alaska
If our State government wasn’t so big, dysfunctional, and dependent people on government jobs and services.
But no new industrial leaders would set up new businesses when they see they’d just be taxed to death
Being an Arctic state where world leaders eyes are looking north. We should be developed and using innovative technologies
It’s worth noting that Acts of Congress cannot be overridden by Executive Order, thus the original Act(s) of Congress still hold the force of law since they weren’t vetoed by the sitting President when the Act was passed by Congress.
I wish I had 1/4 the brains of my nephew.