Rep. Sarah Vance

I voted YES to the AKLNG
Today I voted in support of HB 381, legislation designed to help move the Alaska LNG Project one step closer to reality.

My goal is simple: I want Alaskans to have reliable and affordable energy to heat their homes and power their businesses for generations to come.

Southcentral Alaska is facing growing concerns about long-term natural gas supplies as Cook Inlet production declines. Bringing North Slope natural gas to Alaskans could help provide a stable, long-term energy source while strengthening our economy and creating jobs.

HB 381 does not guarantee that a gasline will be built. Private investment, market conditions, and many additional decisions still lie ahead. What this bill does is help pave the way by creating a predictable tax framework that makes Alaska more competitive for investment.

The Kenai Peninsula stands to play a critical role in this project. The proposed LNG export terminal in Nikiski would place one of the project's most valuable pieces of infrastructure right here in our borough. That means the potential for construction jobs, long-term economic activity, and local revenues that could benefit our communities for decades.

As with any project of this magnitude, there are important issues that must be addressed. Today I offered an amendment focused on human trafficking prevention and community safety. I believe those conversations are important, and I was encouraged by discussions with project leadership about responsible development. Ultimately, I withdrew the amendment to help ensure the bill could continue moving forward without additional controversy.

The Alaska LNG Project has the potential to be transformational for our state. While HB 381 is only one step in a much longer process, it is Alaska's opportunity to do its part in helping move the project forward.

I remain committed to supporting responsible resource development, protecting Alaska families, and ensuring future generations have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Today I offered an amendment to HB 381, the Alaska LNG Project tax bill, to address human trafficking prevention during construction of this historic project.

I strongly support the Alaska LNG Project and believe it has the potential to create thousands of jobs, strengthen Alaska's economy, and secure our energy future. My amendment was not intended to stop or delay the project. It was intended to ensure we learn from Alaska's past.

When the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was built, more than 70,000 workers participated in construction. While TAPS transformed our state economically, it also brought significant social challenges, including increased crime, prostitution, and strain on local communities and law enforcement.

Today, Alaska continues to face some of the highest rates of sexual violence in the nation. Human trafficking remains a reality in our state, with dozens of victims identified in recent years.

I believe major development projects should be accompanied by thoughtful planning to protect vulnerable Alaskans and support community safety. Economic development and public safety are not competing priorities—we can and should achieve both.

Because I believe the Alaska LNG Project is too important to become sidetracked by controversy, I ultimately withdrew the amendment to help ensure the bill continues moving forward.

While the amendment was withdrawn, the conversation it started remains important. As Alaska pursues this once-in-a-generation opportunity, I will continue advocating for policies that protect Alaska's families, communities, and children while supporting responsible resource development.

We can build this project. We can create jobs. And we can learn from the lessons of the past to build a stronger Alaska for the future.

OMW to Juneau for the Special Session and opened a new book! I’m a third of the way in and am thoroughly enjoying this rendition of our nation’s founding in 1776 by David McCullough.

📚Have you read any of his other books?

House Finance UNANIMOUSLY passes HB 381 AKLNG bill out of committee!
Next stop: House Floor

Happy Don Young Day!
Today marks Don Young Day in Alaska; a fitting time to remember the man and the Legislature’s action that made it official.

In 2023, the Alaska Legislature passed House Bill 141, establishing June 9 (Don Young’s birthday) as Don Young Day each year.

Born on June 9, 1933, in California, Don moved to Alaska in 1959. He worked as a teacher, tugboat captain, and trapper before entering politics. He served as Mayor of Fort Yukon, in the Alaska House and Senate, and then represented Alaska in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 49 years (1973–2022), longer than any other Republican in House history.

Known as a tireless advocate for Alaska, he fought for resource development, infrastructure, rural communities, transportation projects, and Alaska’s unique way of life. He chaired major committees and became the Dean of the House.
Whether you agreed with him on every issue or not, few have shaped or defended Alaska in Congress longer or more passionately than Don Young. It is an honor to have known him.

Today we honor his decades of service to our state. 🇺🇸

🎥 WATCH LIVE AKLNG Bill at 11am
House Finance Committee will be taking up amendments to HB 381 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX

I support this historic AKLNG project and pray for wisdom for my colleagues who will be debating 142 pages with of amendments!

Click here to view: 👉

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Congratulations Homer Mariner State Champs!