Committee adopts CS supporting Alaska gas pipeline project after debate over wording
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Summary
Representative Mia Costello presented HJR 18 urging legislative support for an Alaska gas pipeline/project; industry witnesses backed the resolution and the committee adopted a committee substitute 5–2 after debate over references to 'LNG' versus 'pipeline' and tone changes.
Representative Mia Costello presented House Joint Resolution 18 to the Senate Resources Committee as a legislative expression of support for a natural gas pipeline/project in Alaska. She framed the resolution as a way for the Legislature to speak on a long‑running effort to move North Slope natural gas and noted federal and gubernatorial alignment with the project.
Industry and trade witnesses testified in favor. Pete Black (president, Alaska Support Industry Alliance) said the project is "generational," arguing it could create long‑term jobs and economic activity; Heidi Olsen (Associated General Contractors of Alaska) told the committee that large projects sustain the construction workforce and support local suppliers. Matt Kissinger (commercial director, Alaska Gasline Development Corporation) said AGDC supports the resolution and was available to answer questions.
Senators debated a redline CS that removed polarizing language and altered references to the project (including several edits replacing references to "liquefied natural gas" with "pipeline" and adding more cautious language such as "could" in some benefit statements). Senator Rauscher pointed to multiple deletions of "liquefied natural gas" wording; Senator Myers criticized the softened tone and the shift from explicit LNG export language to a narrower "pipeline" phrasing, arguing the economic case depends on export economics. Senator Kawasaki and others highlighted language added about a spur to Fairbanks and noted existing federal authorizations referenced in the draft.
After discussion, Chair Giesel removed her objection and the committee adopted the Senate Resources committee substitute as the working document by roll call: Wilikowski yes; Kawasaki yes; Rauscher no; Dunbar yes; Clayman yes; Myers no; Giesel yes (5 yeas, 2 nays). The committee set an amendment deadline for HJR 18 at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 7.
What happens next: The CS is the committee's working document; the committee will accept amendments by the stated deadline and may consider additional changes at a future meeting.
