Alaska
Lawmakers skeptical as developer of Alaska LNG megaproject sets rapid construction timeline
JUNEAU — The developer of the giant Alaska LNG project is telling federal regulators that it expects to begin construction in April, as part of a plan to build construction camps, access roads and close to 100 bridge crossings to support pipeline construction.
It’s part of Glenfarne’s ambitious schedule to start laying the steel pipe for the 800-mile gas line by the end of this year.
Some Alaska lawmakers are skeptical the work can happen by then, if at all.
Glenfarne has not announced a final investment decision to build the project, though it’s expected to cost at least $44 billion. That longtime cost estimate has recently been updated, but Glenfarne has said it won’t publicly release that information.
Glenfarne last month announced that it had signed several preliminary deals with gas producers and gas line builders, atop other preliminary deals with potential gas buyers. The agreements are nonbinding, but are viewed as key steps that could one day lead to binding agreements.
[Alaska LNG says it expects to start laying pipe as early as December]
Alaska lawmakers who are increasingly focused on the proposed project say they believe Glenfarne still needs to take important steps that could delay the project.
They say Glenfarne has not sought any support from the Legislature for Alaska LNG, though the company said in a statement Wednesday that it is pursuing “property tax reforms” with state and local leaders.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a project supporter, has said he plans to introduce a bill that would reduce the state’s oil and gas property taxes by 90% to assist the project.
A consultant for the Alaska Legislature, GaffneyCline, has said a property tax reduction could save the developer important money up front while additional state benefits that provide the project with “fiscal stability” may also be needed from the Legislature. GaffneyCline is a subsidiary of oil field service giant Baker Hughes, which has said it plans to provide equipment for the project and make a “strategic investment” in it.
Major questions for the project include: Who will pay for it? What steps must the Legislature take to support it? And when will binding contracts with gas buyers and suppliers be signed?
Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, a Republican, said she doesn’t believe Glenfarne will keep to its schedule.
Glenfarne’s target of laying pipe by year’s end “is completely unrealistic,” she said told reporters Tuesday.
One hurdle the company has yet to pursue is certification from the Regulatory Commission of Alaska of its financial and managerial fitness, Giessel told reporters. That takes six months, she said.
The company also hasn’t provided the Legislature with any fiscal information that would help lawmakers understand more about the project, she said.
“There’s a lot more to know,” she said.
“I’m not even sure they can come to a final investment decision, in light of the fact that we haven’t even determined what our tax structure will be for this project,” she said.
Glenfarne’s filing, made with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last week, does not represent a final schedule, said Tim Fitzpatrick, a spokesperson for Glenfarne, in an email Wednesday.
Rather, it shows how “early works” — initial construction — will be sequenced, he said.
He said the project is moving toward a final investment decision. That had originally been expected late last year.
Fitzpatrick also said Glenfarne faces no financial-fitness certification requirement before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
“Alaska LNG is a FERC-regulated project so this RCA certification requirement is not applicable in this instance and as such has no bearing on Alaska LNG’s schedule,” Fitzpatrick said.
“Pending FERC authorization, we are moving forward with Early Works on a pace that will enable Alaska LNG to rapidly deliver reliable, affordable energy to Alaskans,” he said.
Tons of bridges and access roads
In its first phase, Alaska LNG would deliver North Slope natural gas to Railbelt Alaskans through an 800-mile pipeline, if it’s built. The cost has been estimated at $11 billion.
The final, more expensive phase would include construction of a plant and marine terminal in Nikiski, where gas can be super-chilled into liquefied natural gas, or LNG, for shipment to Asian markets.
The state of Alaska, through its Alaska Gasline Development Corp., is a 25% partner in the project. The state will also have the option to invest up to 25% in the project’s major facilities, each of which will cost several billion dollars.
Glenfarne, based in New York, disclosed its pipe-laying plans last month.
The filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission provides new details about more immediate plans.
The company said construction for “early works” will start April 15, the filing shows.
Those activities include installation of 20 main construction camps and 46 sites to store pipes.
They include 98 bridge crossings that are up to 90 feet long, along with six specialized bridges.
Temporary and permanent access roads must also be built from ice and “granular fill material,” which can include sand or gravel.
Early construction includes 619 segments of access road, the filing says.
The information required to support the early activities will be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on March 15, in an effort to obtain authorization, the filing says.
Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, a Democrat and chair of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, said she hasn’t heard of any support the Legislature might be asked to provide, if any, to support those early activities.
“With respect to man camps or access roads, I’m not aware of any requests from Glenfarne for any state support,” she said in an interview Tuesday.
“A lot of what they’re doing has been so secret and confidential,” she said.
She’s cautiously optimistic the project can be built, but she said she doubts Glenfarne can meet its rapid timeline.
“I’m certainly not out of touch with reality,” she said.
Alaska lawmakers have said they’re uncertain what steps they may be asked to take to provide the full project with long-term fiscal stability, if any.
They say they’re awaiting the governor’s property tax proposal.
Giessel told reporters on Tuesday: “Glenfarne has told us, ‘Don’t worry, this is a private-sector project. We will bear all of the cost. We will get investors. We will take all of the overruns and delays. We’ll take all that responsibility.’”
Fitzpatrick, with Glenfarne, said the company “continues to make progress toward a final investment decision for Alaska LNG.”
That includes “engaging with state and local policymakers on property tax reforms that will enable Alaska LNG to proceed and successfully unlock billions of dollars in royalty, tax, and other economic benefits for Alaskans,” he said.
“State and borough officials have recognized that Alaska’s high property taxes are an impediment for a North Slope natural gas project for more than a decade, and this issue has repeatedly been raised before the legislature including in testimony from Glenfarne and the legislature’s oil and gas consultants,” he said.
Asked about the need for state permits for early construction such as the proposed roads or bridge crossings, Fitzpatrick said, “Permitting requirements are fully accounted for in our construction plan.”
Glenfarne is working on smaller LNG export projects in the Lower 48, including Magnolia LNG in Louisiana and Texas LNG.
Giessel told reporters that Glenfarne has not reached a final investment decision for those projects.
“In fact, they’ve not reached FID on any North American project yet, and that Texas project has been in the works now for a couple of years,” she said. “So I am skeptical about any of those timelines they had in that FERC document.”
Should Alaska invest?
House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, a Republican, said he’s optimistic the Alaska LNG project will be built this time after decades of unsuccessful attempts by earlier, similar projects.
“I do appreciate that all the capital risk has been on them to this point,” Kopp said of Glenfarne.
“The spend rate, whatever it is, I really don’t know,” he said. “But I know (Glenfarne has) spent a lot and the state has not.”
Kopp said the state might want to consider investing 5% in the pipeline, at a potential cost of around $600 million, from the $3 billion Constitutional Budget Reserve savings account.
“If we had an investor interest, we would have access to everything another investor could rightfully see before they made that decision,” he said.
An investment could increase revenue to the state through tariff income that would come alongside production taxes, royalties and other income, he said.
The project is important because it has the potential to support future generations of Alaskans, he said.
The idea of a state investment in the project is something he’s discussing with colleagues, he said.
Kopp said he believes the lack of information from the company to lawmakers may relate to upcoming details that could push the project forward.
Perhaps President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech, set for Feb. 24, includes more federal support for the project, perhaps even a direct investment, Kopp said.
“I don’t have any insider baseball on this,” he said. ”But it would be consistent with how this administration likes do things. And the president has said Alaska is a national energy and a national strategic priority.”
“So there could be a massive commitment that pushes this into FID,” or final investment decision, he said.
Rep. Ky Holland, an independent and co-chair of the House Energy Committee, said he — along with many other Alaskans — would love to see the project built.
He said it has received state attention and funding in the past that has prevented state investment in other opportunities, including in renewable energy that could support stable utility costs, such as the Susitna-Watana Dam project or wind projects.
In that way, it’s been a “drag on the economy,” he said.
It’s hard to say if Alaska LNG will be built, he said.
“I’m still waiting to see clear ship-or-pay binding agreements for someone to buy gas,” he said. “Absent that, I appreciate the level of enthusiasm the current developers have.”
Holland said state agencies don’t appear to be staffed up with needed manpower and finances to support the project’s permitting requirements, while budgets for workforce training or contractor assistance appear inadequate. Thousands of workers will be needed to build the pipeline.
“The (state agency) budgets I’ve seen look like business as usual, which is barely keeping the wheels on the bus,” he said.
Alaska’s eight prettiest downtown strips sit in towns as different from each other as the landscapes around them. Skagway draws cruise ship visitors to its Gold Rush history. Sitka pairs Russian Orthodox history with totem-lined trails just beyond downtown. Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in the state. Each downtown is worth spending time in, though Sitka, Ketchikan, and Wrangell are the only ones on this list accessible solely by air or water. In winter, clear dark nights can bring Northern Lights over several of these towns. After a day out, fresh seafood is never far away.
Skagway
Skagway is located in Alaska’s panhandle and is known as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush and a major cruise ship destination. For those who love nature and history, visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and hike part of the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail, the historic route between Dyea, Alaska, and Lake Bennett, British Columbia. Backpackers can stay at designated campsites along the route, with permits required in season. For food, check out Skagway Brewing Company, which offers craft beers and American comfort foods. Another seasonal Skagway option is Salty Siren, whose menu features Alaskan golden king crab, seafood chowder, fish and chips, and pulled-pork sandwiches.
Sitka
Sitka sits on Baranof Island and is known for its rich Tlingit and Russian heritage, gorgeous outdoor scenery, and variety of wildlife. Sitka is only accessible by sea or air and is a popular stop on cruises. The area offers lots of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Tourists like to visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a National Historic Landmark whose original 1844-1848 building was reconstructed after a 1966 fire. For a short walk through Sitka’s layered history, visit Sitka National Historical Park, where visitors can enjoy a scenic coastal trail lined with totem poles. Grab a bite to eat at Beak Restaurant for delicious seafood. Or if you’re craving pizza or wings, visit Mean Queen for some comfort food.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a historic place in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Borough, famous as a gateway to Denali, North America’s highest peak, which welcomes tourists and climbers from all over the world. Beginning as an Alaska Railroad headquarters, this historic location has an artistic vibe and a vibrant art scene despite its small population. Locals and visitors enjoy flightseeing, rafting, fishing, and delving into the unique history, including Stubbs, the late honorary cat mayor who held the ceremonial role until his death in 2017. For those hoping to see the Northern Lights, Talkeetna’s dark winter skies can be a good base when skies are clear and aurora activity is strong. Once you’re hungry, grab some friends and visit Homestead Kitchen for some traditional rustic options like burgers and flatbreads. Then grab a craft beer at Denali Brewpub in their rustic setting.
Homer
Found on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is famous for its gorgeous views of Kachemak Bay, the Homer Spit, and distant volcanoes. Here’s a perfect spot for those hoping to see wildlife and enjoy other outdoor activities, like hiking and fishing. Across the bay, Kachemak Bay State Park is reached by water taxi or air taxi and offers views of the mountains and the ocean. Or head to Bishop’s Beach, which is dog-friendly, and enjoy the soft sand with your four-legged best friend. After experiencing the beautiful scenery of Homer, grab some dinner at the Twisted Goat and dig into some comfort food, including pizza, fish and chips, and burgers. On a nice day, visitors won’t want to miss a local favorite, Water Rudders, which offers a beautiful view from its patio.
Seward
Located about 120 miles south of Anchorage, Seward is a scenic port town at the head of Resurrection Bay. It’s loved for its beautiful views of the mountains, marine wildlife, and glaciers, and it serves as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, visitors can take a hike, join in on ranger-guided tours, kayak, and so much more. For those wanting an aerial view, Seward Helicopter Tours offers flights over glaciers and other beautiful sites. For those looking to camp, Waterfront Park offers RV and tent sites with views you can’t beat. After enjoying sightseeing, grab some seafood or steak at Ray’s Waterfront with a wood-paneled dining room overlooking the marina and mountains. Or get some comfort food at The Highliner Restaurant, where the menu includes crab cakes and fish tacos, just to name a few.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, known for its rich native culture, totem poles, and salmon fishing. The town is a popular cruise ship destination and is only accessible by boat or plane. Here, visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, especially in the summer months. For a beautiful site, look into Misty Fjords National Monument and see sheer granite cliffs, towering 3,000-foot rock walls, deep saltwater fjords, and waterfalls within Tongass National Forest. Locals and visitors enjoy spending time at Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built on pilings over the creek, which is now filled with shops, cafes, and galleries. Grab a bite to eat at The Alaska Fish House with beautiful views out the window and live music. Or order crab and seafood at Ketchikan Crab & Go, a seasonal spot at Salmon Landing that caters to the cruise-season crowd.
Valdez
Found in Southcentral Alaska, Valdez is known for its stunning mountain views, water scenery, and being the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This former Gold Rush town is a popular destination for fishing, glacier tours, and wildlife viewing, and is accessible via the Richardson Highway from Anchorage and Fairbanks. For shore views of icebergs and the face of Valdez Glacier, head to Glacier View Park at the end of Airport Road. For an easy family-friendly outing near town, try Dock Point Trail, a short coastal loop with ocean and Duck Flats views. In summer, The Potato serves handmade comfort food and beer or wine from its harbor-view location in Valdez. Or get some pizza or fish and chips at The Fat Mermaid. It has a laid-back setting and views of the marina.
Wrangell
Wrangell is found in Southeast Alaska, located on Wrangell Island in the Inside Passage, and is known for its Tlingit culture, variety of wildlife, and access to the Stikine River. This is one of Alaska’s oldest towns and offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, glacier exploration, and fishing, and is only accessible by air or the Alaska Marine Highway. Anan Wildlife Observatory is a must-visit to see bears, both black and brown, who call it home. You’ll have to take a boat or a floatplane to get there. Access the Stikine River from Wrangell for more wildlife viewing. For food, try Filipino, Thai, sushi, and other Asian dishes at Michelle’s Taste of Asia, a casual, family-run restaurant. Or grab pizza at Hungry Beaver Pizza and Marine Bar by Wrangell’s Inner Harbor.
These eight towns show a side of Alaska that operates at a different pace from the state’s most visited destinations. The downtowns are small, the history runs deep, and the wildlife has a way of showing up whether you plan for it or not.
Alaska Airlines has given its chief financial officer, Shane Tackett, another responsibility — president.
Tackett will assume his additional role at the SeaTac-based airline on June 29, according to a news release Wednesday.
Tackett will continue leading the organization’s finance, fleet management, investor relations, supply chain, internal audit and information technology functions, according to the release. His new responsibilities as president include oversight of Alaska Airlines’ commercial division.
Tackett previously held positions in labor relations, e-commerce and financial planning at the company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“I started at Alaska more than 25 years ago, and over that time we’ve built a stronger, more resilient airline with a clear strategy for the future,” Tackett said in a statement.
He said he is excited to lead more of the organization in his new role and deliver to guests, employees and owners.
In a statement, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said Tackett has led the company through challenges and helped it grow over his 25-year tenure.
“Bringing commercial and finance leadership together under Shane will strengthen alignment and accelerate our priorities as we continue advancing our strategy and creating long-term value for our stakeholders, said Minicucci, who also serves as CEO and president of the airline’s parent company, Alaska Air Group.
Tackett’s promotion comes as the airline navigates challenging macroeconomic factors, including rising fuel costs and weakening consumer demand for travel.
Alaska Air Group — which includes Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, as well as regional carrier Horizon Air and ground support company McGee Air Services — saw its profits drop 70% in 2025 year over year. It continued to face financial woes in 2026.
The company lost $193 million in the first three months of 2026 as it dealt with skyrocketing jet fuel prices due to the war in Iran.
Alaska study sees mixed results on links between kelp farms and CO2 levels
Published 5:30 am Thursday, June 18, 2026
A study into the amount of CO2 absorbed at a pair of Alaska kelp farms is throwing some cold water on hopes that seaweed could be an answer to climate change.
Alaska kelp farms, which have been viewed as a potential boon for reducing local carbon-dioxide levels, have surprisingly murky effects on atmospheric CO2 removal, according to a new study.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks-led project measured the amount of CO2 that was emitted and absorbed at two kelp farms in the Gulf of Alaska during the 2023-2024 growing season. The outcome was mixed — one farm slightly reduced carbon dioxide in the local environment while the other added more to it.
Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) has been touted as a potential strategy to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, with the ocean serving as a sink for human-produced CO2.
The study, which was recently published in the journal Ocean Science, is the first to measure mCDR in Alaska waters. It focused on kelp farms, which can draw down CO2 through the process of photosynthesis.
“It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon that seaweed is going to change the world, but ultimately we want to be honest to the public,” said Amanda Kelley, an associate professor at UAF’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and a contributor to the study.
“Really, it’s very nuanced, and there are a lot of factors that affect kelp’s ability to do that.”
Josianne Haag, who led the project as a UAF doctoral student, installed sensors both inside and outside kelp farms in Windy Bay near Cordova and Kalsin Bay on Kodiak Island. From seeding to harvest, hourly data was collected on ocean chemistry, temperature, salinity and oxygen levels.
The two sites had numerous differences, including the type of seaweed being planted, the timing of their growing seasons and the size of the farms. Also, Windy Bay’s tides are more extreme than Kalsin Bay’s.
The results were striking and varied. The farms flipped between absorbing and releasing carbon dioxide depending on the amount of sunlight and the time of day. Extreme low tides affected CO2 levels by flushing groundwater into the area, briefly raising carbon dioxide levels.
A film of marine fauna grew on some of the farm equipment in Kalsin Bay, leading to a burst of carbon dioxide production through their respiration.
Overall, the Windy Bay farm slightly reduced nearby atmospheric marine carbon dioxide levels while the Kalsin Bay farm boosted them. Measurements will continue at the farms for at least two more years, but the first season revealed that a kelp farm’s recipe for carbon intake and output is surprising and complex.
“It’s really not doing much in either direction,” Haag said. “The farms aren’t necessarily harming anything, but we shouldn’t be blowing out of proportion that they’re going to save us from climate change.”
The study was part of the Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium project, which is an ongoing effort to look at the impacts and benefits of mariculture in Alaska. Mar ReCon research is funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council.
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