State of Alaska addresses road access issue on the North Slope

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – On July 15, the State of Alaska filed a brief addressing an ongoing road access issue on the North Slope.

Since 2019, oil companies such as Conoco Phillips and Santos, have engaged in a dispute on whether or not Santos is permitted to use gravel roads on lands Conoco Phillips is leasing from the state. Santos needs the roads to access their lease.

In 2021, Santos offered $1 million a year over 30 years for road access, plus additional funds to help maintain the path. Conoco Phillips responded by requesting $20 million a year.

In April of 2022, The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) granted Santos access to the land. Conoco Phillips appealed the DNR’s decision in December of 2023 and during the appeal process, Santos has maintained access to the gravel roads.

In the brief released on July 15, the State of Alaska justified the decision saying, “the denial of such access implicates the delay of development of millions of barrels of oil and billions of dollars of public revenues.”

Also in the brief, the State of Alaska references Alaska statutes regarding oil and gas leasing, affirming the state owns the land. It also says oil and gas leases should “maximize the economic and physical recovery of the resources.”

Conoco Phillips now has the opportunity to respond to the brief before oral arguments are heard in front of a judge.

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