Alaska Energy Conference Sparks Protests Over New Oil and Gas Drilling

Protesters held signs with slogans such as “Alaska is Not for Sale” and “Protect our Public Lands” at the Alaska Energy Conference, criticizing the conference's focus on new oil and gas drilling.

Environmentalists have long been critical of the Alaska gas project, citing concerns over its impact on the environment and the potential for increased greenhouse gas emissions.

The conference aimed to promote new oil and gas drilling and turn away from the climate crisis, which has been a major concern for environmentalists and protesters.

The Alaska gas project, as proposed, would include a nearly 810-mile (1,300-kilometer) pipeline that would funnel gas from the North Slope to port, with an eye largely on exports of liquefied natural gas.

Governor Mike Dunleavy has continued to embrace fossil fuels, despite touting other energy opportunities in the state.

The conference featured a friendly question-and-answer period led by Governor Dunleavy, during which Zeldin said wildlife he saw while on the North Slope didn’t appear to be victims of their surroundings and seemed “happy.”

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized policy “in the name of climate change” that he said would have no impact on climate change.

Representatives from Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates, were being courted to support the Alaska gas project.

The project's costs have been pegged around $44 billion for the pipeline and other infrastructure, and are in the process of being refined before a decision is made on whether to move forward.

Several dozen protesters attended the conference, criticizing the conference's focus on new oil and gas drilling and holding signs with slogans such as “Alaska is Not for Sale” and “Protect our Public Lands.