Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he plans to introduce legislation at the start of the 32nd Alaska Legislature requiring state entities to end relationships and partnerships with financial institutions who opted to stop financing oil and gas development in the Arctic.
“If a group of financial institutions want to make a political statement with their investment strategy, that is their prerogative, but if Alaska does not have a robust oil and gas industry our future is not bright,” Dunleavy said Monday, Dec. 14. “It is my job to protect Alaska and its economic future.”
The governor’s statement made no specific reference to any particular relationships and partnerships with any financial institutions. According to Dunleavy aide Jeff Turner, draft legislation with details will come out early in 2021.
The governor said oil and gas exploration in the Arctic has created thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue over the years to the benefit of Alaska and the nation.
“It makes no sense for Alaska to allow financial institutions to benefit handsomely from Alaska’s financial activities on one hand, while working against our interests on the other,” he said.
