https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-phaz8-1adf57a On this episode of Energy and Business from Must Read Alaska, host Todd sits down with John Hendrix — President and CEO of HEX LLC, Homer native, civil engineer, and recently named Outsta…
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Alaska Oil & Gas
Monitoring oil and gas exploration, production, pipeline infrastructure, regulation, and market developments affecting Alaska.
Intelligence Brief
speculative
skeptical
The Alaska energy sector is grappling with contentious debates over tax incentives crucial for advancing the Alaska LNG project amid a resurgence in oil production and exploration activities.
Executive Summary
Recent developments in Alaska's oil and gas sector have focused on ongoing legislative debates over tax incentives for the Alaska LNG project, with Governor Dunleavy placing significant political capital on securing these incentives to move the project forward. Concurrently, there has been notable momentum in oil production at the North Slope, reflecting a broader industry 'renaissance' influenced by supportive federal policies. However, conflicting fiscal assessments and public division highlight the complexities of progressing these large-scale energy initiatives.
Main Themes
- Intense legislative focus on tax breaks for the Alaska LNG project
- Resurgence in North Slope oil activities
- Public and fiscal uncertainty over energy project costs
What Changed
Heightened debate and legislative activity surrounding the Alaska LNG pipeline tax incentives, marked by a special legislative session, indicate increased urgency and contention compared to prior reports.
Narrative Frames
Legislative gridlock
dominant
Numerous articles discuss the special legislative session and contentious debates on tax incentives for the LNG pipeline.
Industry renaissance
emerging
Several sources highlight new oil discoveries and increased production on the North Slope.
Fiscal prudence
contested
Differing opinions on the financial viability and cost assessments for the Alaska LNG project are prominent.
Emerging Angles
- Potential geopolitical and market impacts on Alaska energy exports
- Heightened fiscal scrutiny regarding LNG project's cost estimates
Consensus
- Oil production activities are reinvigorating the North Slope.
- State-backed incentives are viewed as critical for LNG project viability.
Disagreement
- Viability and necessity of substantial tax breaks for the LNG project
- The estimated costs associated with the Alaska LNG project
Coverage Asymmetries
- Increased focus on political maneuvering within the Alaska Legislature regarding energy tax policies
- Limited coverage on potential ecological and indigenous impacts of new drilling activities
Watch Items
- Outcome of legislative sessions on LNG tax incentives
- Market responses to increasing North Slope oil production
Sentiment / Tone
Coverage displays a speculative and cautious tone as stakeholders assess the potential economic impacts of ongoing legislative decisions and burgeoning energy projects.
Article Stream
50 articlesAs recently as Tuesday, Glenfarne refused to release its estimates, a sticking point for skeptics. But on Wednesday, the company said it expected the project would cost $44.5 to $54.5 billion.
By Dana Raffaniello The following article was originally published in the author’s personal Substack on June 4, 2026. On May 27, 2026, Nicholas Fulford, Senior Director for LNG and Energy Transition at GaffneyCline, appeared before th…
By the Senate Republican Caucus On June 3, 2026, Glenfarne (the company spearheading the development and construction of the Alaska LNG Project, provided detailed financial information in the Senate Finance Committee meeting regarding the c…
On June 3, the Senate Finance Committee got the Alaska LNG Project cost estimates it has been demanding from Glenfarne Alaska since the special session began - and that committees before it demanded during the regular session. The numbers t…
A May 22 certificate of determination by the State Assessment Review Board has raised the 2026 oil and gas property tax assessment for the trans-Alaska pipeline system from $10,318,214,790 set by the Department of Revenue assessor to $13,01…
The response effort to the Western North Slope rig move incident that occurred on Jan. 23 continues in its final and third stage with a focus on containment and monitoring through the summer, the Unified Command reported on June 1. Unified …
Build Line rally
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Fairbanks area residents attend a "Build the Line" rally meant to promote the construction the Alaska LNG project and for the Alaska Legislature to provide a substantial tax break on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins advocates for an affordable Alaska LNG project, along with a Fairbanks spur line, during a "Build the Line" rally at Golden Heart Waste Management on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Rex Canon LNG update
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Rex Canon, co-president of Alaska LNG project's holding company, 8 Star Alaska LLC, provides a brief update on the project status during a "Build the Line" rally at Golden Heart Waste Management on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Fairbanks Councilmember Valerie Therrien poses a question to Rex Canon, president of the 8 Star LLC, the holding company for the Alaska LNG project, about potential impacts to local services that the megaproject would cause for hub communit…
Natural gas pipeline and export megaproject and its benefits took center stage at the 2026 Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – "Alaska is entering into a period of unprecedented opportunity." This was the mess…
As Becky Windt Pearson moves on, City Hall veteran Bill Falsey will take over as municipal manager.
Trump taps housing finance director Pulte as acting director of national intelligence after Gabbard
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Trump cited Bill Pulte’s work at the Federal Housing Finance Agency and his role as chair of the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as indicating that his real estate work would overlap with the skills needed to coordinate 18 federa…
Parent company HEX is spreading its brand across Furie Operating Alaska, the Cook Inlet natural gas producer it acquired in 2019. The post HEX Rebrands Inlet Operator Furie Under Parent Company Colors appeared first on Alaska Business …
Dozens of Alaskans were split between supporting and opposing the proposed Alaska LNG pipeline during nearly three hours of public testimony to the House Resources Committee on Saturday.
President Trump on Tuesday morning announced he would appoint Bill Pulte to replace outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte moves from his role as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. On Capitol Hill, Secr…
Support for North Slope gas should not mean accepting HB 381 without fair taxes, public disclosure and protections for communities.
The costs could fall between $23 million and $173 million, depending on new housing construction, according to a report prepared for the Anchorage Community Development Authority.
Alaska and three of its municipalities could be in line for an extra $60 million in oil industry tax revenue after a new ruling in a long-running feud over the value of the trans-Alaska pipeline system. A state appeals board this week deter…
By SUZANNE DOWNING June 1, 2026 – Hundreds of Alaskans are expected to gather Tuesday... The post Fairbanks rally aims to show grassroots support for Alaska LNG pipeline appeared first on Alaska Story .
Port MacKenzie is creating logistics and transportation opportunities for Upper Cook Inlet, and the Mat-Su Borough has plans for so much more. The post A New Ballgame for Port MacKenzie appeared first on Alaska Business Magazine .
By Rep. REBECCA SCHWANKE May 31, 2026 – Does the Alaska LNG project need property... The post Rep. Rebecca Schwanke: Does Alaska LNG need property tax breaks? appeared first on Alaska Story .
Alaska and three of its municipalities could be in line for an extra $60 million in oil industry tax revenue after a new ruling in a long-running feud over the value of the trans-Alaska pipeline system. A state appeals board this week deter…
Yesterday, May 28, Candidate for Chugach Electric Board of Directors Todd Lindley shared his thoughts on energy policy on two well-loved Alaskan podcasts: “I’m Glad You Said That” hosted by Jim Minnery, President of the Al…
The following is a reprint of a press release provided by HEX, LLC on May 28, 2026. Alaska’s strategic asset and only locally owned natural gas producer and operator, HEX LLC (HEX), is unifying its operations under a single HEX brand. Furie…
  (Bethel, AK) –Wednesday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a favorable opinion for the State of Alaska in ConocoPhillips Alaska v. Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC), agreeing that State laws requiring disclos…
The proposed trans-Alaska natural gas line faces a narrow road to profitability, even with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed multibillion-dollar tax break, according to estimates presented to state legislators.
New oil projects and national security concerns are reminding policymakers why Alaska still matters to America’s energy future.
But the decision is likely to head to be appealed to the courts.
Alaska gubernatorial hopeful Adam Crum has chosen health care executive Robert T. Craig III as his lieutenant governor running mate.
Guest Editorial
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Legislators are being held after school this month and the state is paying for the extra time because the governor did not do his homework. If that seems backward, you’re right. Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered lawmakers to stay late after class …
Ships pass; ANS dips
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Alaska North Slope crude plunged $3.14 May 26 to close at $110.41 per barrel as a few oil tankers and other ships were able to traverse the Strait of Hormuz into open water after being stranded since hostilities began in late February. West…
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has published its 2026 assessment of undiscovered offshore oil and gas resources in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. The assessment covers several Alaska basins with oil and natural gas potential,…
Before the 34th Alaska Legislature gaveled out on May 20, Gov. Mike Dunlevey had called them back into a special session beginning May 21 to address a property tax reduction for the Alaska LNG Project. The governor introduced bills March 20…
On May 20, 88 Energy Limited (ASX: 88E, AIM: 88E, OTC: EEENF) reported a material update to the prospective resource estimate for its South Prudhoe Project on Alaska's North Slope immediately south of the Prudhoe Bay and Kuparuk River …
Haley Paine, director of the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas, has approved the 2026 plan of development for Hilcorp Alaska's North Cook Inlet unit, a major Southcentral gas producer. In April, the most recent month for which Alaska Oil …
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources' Division of Oil and Gas has approved Hilcorp Alaska's 2026 plan of development for the initial participating area at Prudhoe Bay. The Prudhoe Bay unit was formed in 1977, the division sa…
Alaska North Slope production averaged 463,323 barrels per day in April, up 2,768 bpd, 0.6%, from a March average of 460,555 bpd but down 3.05% from an April 2025 average of 477,907 bpd. ANS crude production averaged 414,019 bpd in April, 8…
April jobs in the Alaska oil and gas sector were up by 1,000, 11.1%, from April 2025, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development said May 22. The sector had 9,900 jobs in April, up from 9,500 in March and up from 8,900 in Apri…
Alyeschem LLC, project partners, elected officials, North Slope stakeholders and Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority board members and staff gathered May 15 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Alyeschem's chemical and fue…
North Slope winter off-road tundra travel has closed for the season, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Mining, Land and Water said May 20, with any travel in progress required to be complete by May 23. Only the eastern …
The company can finalize lending if tax legislation that supports the project passes, Glenfarne’s Brendan Duval said.
Brendan Duval, chief executive of the company leading the megaproject, also discussed confidentiality around the cost of the project in an interview.
Sitka Sen. Bert Stedman is right. The claim that the Alaska LNG project would cost $46.2 billion is “complete garbage.” On Wednesday, Stedman asked Nick Fulford, the consultant hired by the Legislature, what capital expenditure cost esti…
By ROBERT SEITZ May 27, 2026 – The governor’s Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference was definitely... The post Robert Seitz: Find a way to get behind the Alaska LNG project and other things good for Alaska appeared first on Alaska…
New Trump administration proposal aims to accelerate drilling amid Alaska oil industry’s revival
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As major oil companies eye new drilling on Alaska’s North Slope, the Trump administration is now working to accelerate their projects by streamlining environmental reviews on federal land. It’s a move that could boost production amid what l…
The House Finance Committee met May 26, 2026, to discuss HB 381 version T, a bill to restructure tax burdens for the Alaska LNG project. Senior Director of GaffneyCline Nicholas Fulford presented economic models and argued for a property ta…
The proposed trans-Alaska natural gas line faces a narrow road to profitability, even with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed multibillion-dollar tax break, according to estimates presented to state legislators. The more the pipeline costs, the …
Two officers fired, including one with 10 months of experience at the North Slope Borough Police Department, Alaska State Troopers said.