North Alaska News

Alaska's Governor, Mike Dunleavy, marked Alaska Day with a strong statement on Twitter, asserting the state's commitment to defending its rights and holding the Department of Interior accountable for what he deemed an illegal cancellation of ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) leases by the federal government.

"In honor of Alaska Day, AIDEA defends Alaskan rights and holds the Department of Interior accountable for illegally cancelling ANWR leases. The federal government is determined to strip away Alaska’s ability to support itself, and we have got to stop it. Alaska does responsible oil and gas development in the Arctic under stricter environmental standards than anywhere else in the world. Yet the federal government is focused on trying to stop our ability to produce oil and gas. Each action they take demonstrates a failure to comprehend the worldwide demand for oil and gas. If Alaska continues to be denied its constitutional right to safely develop resources, countries with much lower environmental standards will gladly fill that void with significant environmental impacts. The State of Alaska will continue being bold in defending our rights. We will not allow illegal actions to occur against Alaska and I fully support this lawsuit." - Mike Dunleavy, Office of Governor of Alaska

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Interior (DOI) for illegally canceling leases in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) 1002 area and the detrimental impact this action has had on the Alaskan communities involved.

Tweet/X by Governor Mike Dunleavy | Tweet/X

The cancelation of leases by the Department of the Interior shows arbitrary and capricious disregard for Federal law. President Biden believes his 2019 political campaign statement allows him to ignore Federal law. AIDEA is holding DOI accountable for this illegal act. Section 20001(b)(2)(A) of Public Law No. 115-97, known as the “Tax Act,” clearly states, “The Secretary shall establish and administer a competitive oil and gas program for the leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain.”

About AIDEA:
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority is a public corporation of the State of Alaska. AIDEA's purpose is to promote, develop, and advance the general prosperity and economic welfare of the people of Alaska.