Alliance Members and Friends: It’s so great to be back in Fairbanks for our 13th annual Fairbanks Industry Update Forum. This is one of my favorite events of the year! There is so much good news to share from our oil and gas industry, our mining industry, and our emerging technologies. Alaska is on track for a strong future, based on the responsible development of our resources. Of course, we know there are barriers. Electing the right people at the state level and the national level on Nov. 5 will help pave the way for our future. The Alliance will be providing information about candidates on the state and national level as we get closer to the election, so that you will know which candidates align with our industries. Please remember to vote and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same! The turnout for our primary was the third lowest in 50 years. Aside from elections, permitting reform at the national level may be the most significant thing that we can focus on in the near-term. It has been out of our grasp for so long, but in the lame duck session after the election, there is some hope that the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 can be passed. This legislation was introduced by Senator Joe Manchin (I) — West Virginia and Senator John Barrasso(R) — Wyoming in July 2024. The act is meant to enhance energy security and accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies necessary for decarbonization. Key components of the bill pertinent to our industries include: n Provisions that guarantee at least one offshore oil and gas lease sale per year in the Gulf of Mexico, from 2025 to 2029. n Closing a pathway by which the Biden administration was able to “pause” LNG export approvals. n Forcing the Energy Secretary to make an up or down decisions on LNG export applications within 90 days of environmental reviews being completed. Applications that go beyond the deadline would be deemed approved automatically. n Creating exemptions from some permitting rules for geothermal exploration, as well as some permitting relief for geothermal production. n Setting a 150-day deadline for seeking judicial review of agency actions could help limit the litigation that is one of the primary sources of project delays. We are monitoring the bill closely and will keep you apprised of its movements. If it looks like there is a chance for it to pass, it will be an allhands-on deck effort from Alaska to advocate for this important reform. I hope you enjoy your time at the forum today! Thank you for joining us. THE LINK: OCTOBER 2024 8 We remain focused on what’s best for our industries Message From CEO Rebecca Logan
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