AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO EXEMPT FOOD AND FOOD INGREDIENTS FROM THE EXCISE TAX LEVIED UNDER ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 75.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Johnson

SJR 19 urges Congress to give Alaska 90% of federal mineral revenues from ANWR and NPR-A, boosting state funding and supporting local communities and infrastructure.

Sine Die adjournment

Purpose and Intent

Senate Joint Resolution 19 (SJR 19) urges the United States Congress to honor the commitments made under the Mineral Leasing Act and the Alaska Statehood Act by providing the State of Alaska with a 90 percent share of all bonuses, royalties, and rentals received by the federal government from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The resolution emphasizes the importance of these resources for Alaska's economy and national security.

Key Provisions

Revenue Sharing: The resolution specifically calls for Alaska to receive 90% of revenues from federal mineral leases, which is a significant increase from the current 50% share allocated under existing federal legislation.

Historical Context: It references the historical agreements made during Alaska's statehood process, which included promises of substantial revenue from mineral resources to support the state's economy and public services.

Support for Energy Development: The resolution expresses support for ongoing projects like the Willow project in NPR-A and highlights the need for expedited permitting processes for oil and gas exploration and production.

Infrastructure Needs: It acknowledges the aging infrastructure in Alaska that requires upgrades to support increased production and transportation of resources, particularly for the proposed liquefied natural gas pipeline.

Impact

Economic Benefits: If enacted, the resolution could significantly enhance state revenues, allowing for better funding of public services and infrastructure projects in Alaska.

National Security: The resolution argues that increased resource development is vital for maintaining national security and geopolitical strength in the Arctic and North Pacific regions.

Local Communities: The resolution also notes that a portion of the revenues would support local communities impacted by resource extraction activities, although it emphasizes that the majority of the current federal allocations are not available for state use.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: February 12, 2025

Status: The resolution has been permanently filed as of July 16, 2025, after passing through various legislative stages, including committee reviews and votes in both the Senate and House.

Sponsorship: The resolution is sponsored by multiple senators, including Senators Bjorkman, Merrick, Giessel, and others, reflecting broad support across party lines.

Conclusion

SJR 19 represents a significant legislative effort to reclaim Alaska's rightful share of mineral revenues from federal lands, reinforcing the state's economic independence and capacity to manage its resources effectively. The resolution seeks to ensure that the promises made during Alaska's admission to the Union are honored, thereby enhancing the state's financial stability and supporting its development goals.

Bill