For decades, Alaska has been trying to get a natural gas pipeline built. It’s now more than ever very clear why a pipeline to provide the abundant and relatively environmentally friendly natural gas Alaska is rich in would go a long way to provide security to America and our allies from despotic regimes like Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Both federal and state land in Alaska have huge reserves of gas that only need a vehicle to get it to market. It’s always been a question of how and who pays for a pipeline to make it happen. Why can’t some of the infrastructure money recently passed by the Biden administration be used for that needed pipeline? It’s a matter of national security, and arguably is in line with the Biden administration’s desire to become greener environmentally.
Both the federal government and the state of Alaska would benefit financially from royalties, and in the long run, the pipeline would pay for itself. With 35 trillion cubic feet proven and as much as 200 trillion cubic feet estimated to be in reserve, it would meet America’s needs and even provide a substantial contribution to our Pacific allies in particular for many years.
— Fred Klouda
Anchorage
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