Alaska LNG Pipeline Bill Collapses Amid 'Intractable Differences'

The proposed Alaska LNG pipeline bill has collapsed after House Majority leadership said it lacks the votes needed to pass. The governor's push for tax exemptions to clear the way for the gas line failed, citing 'intractable differences' over a property tax relief provision in the bill.

Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, had expressed concerns about transparency and the project's ballooning cost estimates, which she said were significantly higher than what the developer Glenfarne projected. The governor had previously cited a cost of north of $65 billion to $70 billion, but later denied he misspoke.

The bill's collapse comes during the third consecutive special session on the Alaska LNG project and has been met with disappointment from Governor Mike Dunleavy, who called it 'deeply disappointing' and warned that delaying action would increase risk, raise costs, and limit future options. The governor urged lawmakers to reconvene in Juneau on Aug. 20 to act on the legislation.