SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with U.S. Representative Nick Begich, have introduced the Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act. This legislation aims to facilitate a land exchange between the federal government and Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach). The proposed exchange seeks to resolve existing conflicts between the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council’s Habitat Protection Program goals for federal habitat conservation of surface lands impacted by EVOS and promises made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) for economic development of subsurface rights.

The legislation proposes that Chugach will trade 231,000 acres of subsurface estate for 65,403 acres of fee simple land owned by the federal government. These lands were identified in a study directed by Congress in Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act.

Senator Murkowski stated: “The effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Native people in the Chugach region are still felt – environmentally, socially and economically... I am proud to reintroduce this legislation, which is a ‘win-win’ for Chugach and the federal government’s EVOS program goals.”

Senator Sullivan emphasized: “In the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill... our legislation will help address the evolving needs of Prince William Sound communities and create economic opportunities... as intended under ANCSA.”

Congressman Begich remarked: “This land exchange corrects a decades-old misstep that has kept Chugach shareholders from fully benefiting from their own land and resources... I am proud to lead this legislation in the House.”

Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Chugach Board, expressed gratitude towards Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Representative Begich for their leadership: “Their decision to reintroduce this legislation underscores the significance of this exchange resolving long-standing split-estate conflicts in the region — not only for our corporation but for broader public interest.”

The Exxon Valdez oil spill on March 24, 1989 discharged approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. The disaster caused significant social and economic harm to the Chugach Region. Despite recovery efforts over three decades later, both people and environment continue to recover.

Under Section 1113 of Public Law 116-9 sponsored by Murkowski in 2019, Congress required an assessment on social and economic impacts due to EVOS Trustee Council’s Program on Chugach lands. It also sought identification of viable federal lands suitable for exchange with Chugach.

Funds acquired from responsible companies allowed purchase titles or easements covering substantial acreage within Village Corporations conveyed under ANCSA; however restrictions limit surface development inconsistent with wilderness preservation thus hindering meaningful economic benefits promised through ANCSA without alternative solutions like proposed exchanges being realized effectively.