Over the past four years, Alaska’s economic potential has been stifled by the Biden Administration’s full-scale assault on the state’s vast resources. With President Trump back in office, there is a tangible shift in direction. In just his first few weeks, the administration acted decisively— signing an executive order designed to unlock Alaska’s “extraordinary resource potential” and appointing an Alaskan environmental commissioner to a pivotal EPA role. Notably, Japan is already considering backing the $44 billion LNG pipeline from the North Slope to Nikiski, according to industry reports.

During my tenure as U.S. Secretary of Energy in President Trump’s first term, I witnessed firsthand an unwavering commitment to advancing Alaska’s prosperity. Alaska’s success is a linchpin for national energy independence, and if decisive action is taken now, the impact could be transformative.

A top priority must be addressing Alaska’s domestic natural gas shortage. The reality is stark: without prompt intervention, there is a near-certain risk of higher energy prices and perhaps even rolling blackouts. The Dunleavy administration is working on long-term strategies to harness Alaska’s natural gas resources, while recognizing the urgent need for immediate measures. In the near term, importing LNG to cover production shortfalls—particularly from Cook Inlet—is not merely a stopgap; it is a critical, strategic move that fortifies Alaska’s energy future. Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) supports the view that timely LNG imports can stabilize market fluctuations and ensure reliability.