Rep. Bill Elam

Today, the House passed HB 381.

For those of us on the Kenai Peninsula, we've seen firsthand what affordable and abundant energy can mean for our communities. We've also seen what happens when those opportunities disappear. We've seen industries close, good-paying jobs disappear, and families leave our communities looking for opportunities elsewhere.

This bill isn't a guarantee that the project moves forward. There are still steps ahead, including action in the Senate. But I believe it's worth making the effort to see if we can move this project forward in a way that benefits Alaska.

If we're successful, this project has the potential to provide affordable energy for Alaskans, strengthen our economy, create jobs, and support communities across the state. It could help preserve the industries we rely on and create opportunities for future generations.

I want to thank the members of the Resources Committee, the Finance Committee, and everyone involved for the amount of work that went into this bill. Regardless of where people landed on every piece of it, I appreciate the seriousness this body brought to the conversation and the effort that was put into trying to get this right.

Tomorrow I’ll be returning to Juneau focused on moving the Alaska LNG project forward during the special session. As a member of the House Resources Committee, this has been a high priority throughout the legislative session because I believe it represents one of the greatest opportunities Alaska has before us.

The Alaska LNG project has the potential to provide affordable energy for Alaskans, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and strengthen our state’s economy for generations to come.

Strong public support matters. If you’re interested in learning more about the project or showing your support for Alaska’s energy future, I encourage you to attend the Build the Line Rally on June 16. It’s a great opportunity for our community to come together and send a clear message that Kenai supports building the line.

The House Finance Committee will be taking public testimony on HB 381 (Oil & Gas Property Tax; Municipal Tax) tomorrow, Saturday, May 30, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

HB 381 addresses major tax policies that will affect the Alaska LNG Pipeline project.

Whether you support or oppose the bill, public input matters. I encourage you to participate and share your perspectives with the Committee.

As we spend time with our family and friends this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. We owe a lasting debt of gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for America.

Exciting news! Santos just announced first oil at Pikka. What are your thoughts?

RUNWAY CLOSURE & TEMPORARY OPERATIONS

Kenai Municipal Airport (ENA), Kenai, Alaska

May 15 – September 30, 2026

Runway Closure and Temporary Runway Operations

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/domesticnotices/dom26015_af.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTzdTcWtQdzNNWFVvNXc1c3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5-osNb5JVJd1lsgLOvCX4WYnegiB60y5cpPybCs_Uix1B90Kh06ycE9ytsjg_aem_dU_S4h6ZABiUliUjArJxXw

⚠️ Sterling Highway Night Closures – Blasting Operations ⚠️
The Sterling Highway MP 45–47 area will be temporarily closed for scheduled blasting as part of the MP 45–60 corridor upgrades.

🗓 Closure Dates & Times:
• Thursday, April 30 | 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Thursday, May 7 | 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

🚧 What to Expect:
• No traffic allowed through the closure area during blasting
• Plan ahead for delays or use alternate routes if possible
• Follow all posted signage and instructions from crews on site

📲 Check real-time updates at 511 Alaska: https://511.alaska.gov

Public Testimony on HB 381

Tomorrow at 1:00 PM, House Resources Committee is holding public testimony for House Bill 381.
This bill will decide how Alaska balances government funding and private sector development. The real conversation being had is how will Alaskans get energy for generations. Will we buy it or will we sell it? Do we want to build the pipeline?

Call in or email to testify to show how you feel. We need your comments in support of economic growth.

Juneau: 907-586-9085
Anchorage: 907-563-9085
Toll free: 844-586-9085
Email: [email protected]

HB 321 is on the move to be heard on the floor soon, it’s not good. Here’s what’s wrong with it:

• Grants state departments authority to prohibit any use considered “incompatible” in certain areas
• Expands the state’s ability to restrict or close access to public lands
• Limits activities like target shooting within refuge areas
• Opens the door to restricting or eliminating hunting in state refuges
• Removes certain wildlife management decisions from the Board of Game
• Statutorily bans brown bear hunting in the Kamishak Bay area
• Shifts decision-making from a public process to legislative control
• Increases restrictions on hunting, trapping, and recreational use overall

Alaska’s lands are meant to be managed for use as well as conservation. This bill heavily impacts the opportunities for the people who rely on that.

Here’s the link. Give it a read and let me know what you think: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=hb%20321