by Rep. Mia Costello
As a lifelong Alaskan, I've seen our state's heart beat strongest where the land yields its bounty. From the oil fields of the North Slope to the mineral-rich mountains of the Interior, Alaska's economic lifeblood has always been its resources. The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, crafted with the input of our Congressional delegation and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, is a game-changer, and it represents a bold step toward securing our prosperity through safe, responsible development. This isn't just a bill, it's a lifeline for Alaskans and a beacon for our future.
The federal legislation throws open the doors to Alaska's vast potential. It mandates lease sales across 1.6 million acres in ANWR, 20 million acres in NPR-A, and millions more in Cook Inlet, unlocking oil and gas reserves that will fuel our economy for decades. In addition to opening more federal land for resource development, the bill secures a 70-30 revenue split with the federal government for ANWR, NPR-A, and Cook Inlet, up from the current split of 50-50, bringing additional royalties directly back to Alaska starting in 2034.
The bill also includes $1 billion for critical minerals development, positioning Alaska as a key supplier of materials used in energy, defense, and manufacturing. We have the deposits, and now we have the federal support needed to develop them. Combined with $4 billion for Arctic infrastructure which will be used for roads, ports, and a new polar icebreaker in Juneau, the bill offers both near-term construction jobs and long-term economic stability.
These investments strengthen Alaska's role in domestic energy production and in Arctic policy. At a time when global energy markets are uncertain and international competition is increasing, this legislation ensures Alaska is part of the solution. It's also worth emphasizing that the bill doesn't relax standards or bypass environmental oversight. It supports development within existing regulatory frameworks and honors Alaska's history of balancing economic activity with environmental responsibility. We know how to develop resources the right way, and we've been doing it for decades.
The bill doesn't solve every challenge we face, but it gives Alaska a solid foundation. It reaffirms the principle that we can and should use our own resources to support our own people. This isn't about making a political statement, it's about putting Alaska in a stronger position to succeed.
Now that the bill has passed, the focus should be on implementation. We need to support lease sales, ensure permitting stays on schedule, and work with industry to get projects moving. We also need to be prepared for the legal and political challenges that will inevitably follow.
To help guide this process, I will be working with our federal delegation to establish the Alaska Development, Resources, Energy, and Modernization (AK DREAM) Commission. The Alaska DREAM Commission will be focused on the efficient and effective implementation of the pro-Alaska policies included in the federal legislation and will work to ensure coordination between agencies, accelerate project timelines, and keep the promises of the legislation on track.
Time is of the essence, and our state must come together to capitalize on this bold agenda. This bill gives Alaska the chance to lead again; let's make the most of it.
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