In response to the new rule issued by the Biden Administration that prohibits petroleum development in 13 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A) and 2.8 million acres of the Beaufort Sea. Representative Thomas Baker (R-Kotzebue) of District 40 issued the following statement:
The Secretary of Interior and the Biden Administration have failed to represent the interests of the Indigenous people of Alaska, especially the Inupiat people residing within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Earlier this winter the organizations in my District spoke in unanimous favor of withdrawing the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed ruling and requested that the agency truly engage with the impacted communities. They requested that an economic analysis be conducted as required by law and agency policy. The BLM and Department of Interior refused the requests of the representative organizations of my district, the same kind of tribal organizations that the Biden Administration has pledged to respect and work with.
The placation of special interest groups who do not reside in the North Slope, let alone Alaska, over proper consultation, and inclusion of the original stewards of our lands is disheartening to say the least. We as Inupiat people should have the first and final say in what happens to the land we have inhabited and coexisted with for thousands of years. Our voices should no longer be ignored.
Rep. Baker concluded: I will continue to do everything in my power to represent the interests of those who reside in my District, to fight for what is right.
The Alaska House Majority will continue to advocate for responsible resource development throughout the state by working with fellow legislators and our federal delegation.
Alaska House Majority
Juneau, AK
AFP-Alaska urges lawmakers to act swiftly on education freedom
Americans for Prosperity – Alaska expresses deep concern over the recent ruling by the Alaska Superior Court, which implies that correspondence school reimbursements are unconstitutional. This decision, with its potential to impact almost 25,000 correspondence school students in Alaska, poses a significant threat to educational choice and the well-being of families across the state.
The ruling, which deems the statutes supporting correspondence school allotments unconstitutional, could have far-reaching implications for Alaska’s public education system. Americans for Prosperity – Alaska urges swift action from the legislature to address this issue and protect the rights of families to choose the educational path that best suits their needs.
“It is deeply troubling to see the fundamental rights of families and students undermined by this ruling,” said Bethany Marcum, state director. “Educational choice is essential for ensuring every child receives a quality education tailored to their individual needs.”
Americans for Prosperity – Alaska calls on lawmakers to prioritize the resolution of this matter, providing clarity and stability for families and students enrolled in correspondence programs. With the legislative session nearing its end, it is imperative that swift action is taken to safeguard the educational opportunities of Alaska’s children.
This ruling not only threatens the existence of correspondence programs but also raises questions about the future of educational freedom in Alaska. AFP-Alaska urges the legislature to act decisively to protect the rights of families and uphold the principles of educational choice.
As the State of Alaska considers its next steps, AFP-Alaska remains committed to advocating for educational freedom and supporting initiatives that empower families in their educational decisions.
Americans for Prosperity – Alaska
Juneau, AK
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