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HJR 6

Supporting oil and gas leasing and development within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska; and urging President Biden and the United States Department of the Interior to approve the Willow Master Development Plan.

33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by Jamie Allard and 43 co-sponsors

Alaska legislature urges Biden administration to approve ConocoPhillips' Willow oil development project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

(H) PERMANENTLY FILED 2/28 LEGIS RESOLVE 2
#alaskanatives #economicdevelopment #economy #environmentalconcerns #funds #governmentorganization #intergovernmentalrelations #land #nativeorganizations #oil&gas #pipelines #resources #revenue #subsistence
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Bill Summary · HJR 6

Legislative bill overview

HJR 6 is a Alaska state resolution that expresses support for oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) and specifically urges the federal government to approve ConocoPhillips' Willow Master Development Plan. The resolution passed both chambers of the Alaska legislature in February 2023 and was transmitted to the governor.

Why is this important

This resolution reflects Alaska's economic interests in oil and gas development, as petroleum revenues historically fund a significant portion of the state budget and provide employment. However, it also represents a direct state-level push against the Biden administration's climate and conservation priorities, creating tension between state economic development and federal environmental policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: The resolution urges federal action, but ultimate approval authority rests with the U.S. Department of Interior; Alaska cannot compel federal policy decisions
  • Climate and environmental concerns: The Willow project would develop significant oil reserves in a sensitive Arctic region, contradicting federal climate commitments and conservation goals
  • Indigenous and subsistence impacts: NPR-A development affects Alaska Native communities' traditional lands and subsistence practices, which are inadequately addressed in the resolution's framing
  • Long-term economic dependency: The resolution reinforces Alaska's reliance on fossil fuel revenues rather than encouraging economic diversification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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