Alaska lawmakers applaud DOE authorization of Alaska LNG project

The Alaska Congressional delegation voiced their support for the Department of Energy’s order authorizing the Alaska LNG project to export liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The Alaska LNG Project is an 800-mile pipeline project that includes a treatment facility and a liquefaction facility. It is the nation’s largest energy infrastructure project.

“A final export license from DOE is an important asset for Alaska LNG,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said. “After the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the project earlier this year, all the pieces of the federal permitting puzzle are coming into place. The project should soon have all of the major federal authorizations it needs to ship LNG overseas. Even when markets are unstable and times are tough, permitting progress on what could be one of the largest projects in the world is encouraging. I thank the Department of Energy team and congratulate AGDC on this important step in their efforts to commercialize Alaska’s North Slope natural gas.”

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Rep. Don Young (R-AK) also backed the authorization.

“This is another milestone for the Alaska LNG project that offers great potential for the long-term economic future of our state,” Sullivan said. “We are also one step closer to unleashing North Slope natural gas—for the benefit of all Alaskans, our nation’s energy security, and that of our critical allies in the Asia-Pacific. I thank Secretary Brouillette and Deputy Secretary Menezes for their diligent work that has led us to this approval.”

All federal reviews and approvals for the project are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020.

“Alaska’s LNG represents significant potential for our state’s economy,” Young said. “Pursuing new energy sources requires a clear assessment of the safety of any project, both for the environment and for our communities. Today’s authorization by the DOE is a critical step toward responsibly exporting LNG to help power America and to provide good-paying jobs right here in Alaska. I want to thank Secretary Dan Brouillette and the Administration for their attention to this important Alaskan resource, and I look forward to seeing Alaska lead the way in LNG development and export.”

FERC authorized the project in May 2020.

“I am proud to sign this export authorization that allows a path for the otherwise stranded gas resources on the North Slope of Alaska to be made available both to the people of Alaska and to the export market,” DOE Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes said. “Major infrastructure investments like the Alaska LNG Project will bring long-term benefits to Alaskans, the United States, and to importing nations.”