Dear Alaskans,
It has been an eventful week, both in Alaska and in Washington, D.C. These newsletters are a great way for me to keep Alaskans up-to-date with my work on their behalf in Congress. This week, Alaska received approval on two key initiatives that will help grow our economy and create new jobs. These exciting developments are detailed below. I hope you will take a moment to read my newsletter and share it with a friend or family member. As always, should you have any questions or concerns on legislation being considered by Congress, do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
Tongass Roadless Rule
The Tongass Roadless Rule exemption has officially received the green light from the U.S. Forest Service!
This is great news for the State of Alaska, our economy, and Alaskans' right to govern themselves. For years, I have said that the one-size-fits-all Roadless Rule was a disaster for Alaska. This Congress, I have been working closely with the President and senior White House staff to secure a Roadless Rule exemption for the Tongass. Not only has the Roadless Rule put an unconscionable economic and social burden on Southeast Alaska, it also violates the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and the ‘no more’ clause by locking up land from the people of Alaska.
Today's record of decision is incredible news for our state and our economy, particularly in Southeast. I want to thank the Administration for working with me, our Congressional Delegation, Governor Dunleavy, and, most importantly, for listening to Alaskans. We know that this is the right thing to do, both for our economy and the health of our forests. I very much look forward to lifting the Roadless Rule and unleashing our state’s full potential. In Congress, I will always stand up for our right to manage our own lands. Click here to read more.
Securing Another Icebreaker for Alaska
Following my advocacy, the United States Coast Guard announced that for the first time since 1984, it will send a U.S. icebreaker, the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10), north of the Arctic Circle for an 82-day deployment in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Following the loss of the USCGC Healy's operational capability on August 18th, Alaska was left with only one operational icebreaker.
After we lost the USCGC Healy, I sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf, urging him to consider leasing a U.S. flagged icebreaking vessel to provide icebreaking assistance to the region until the USCGC Healy can be returned to service. By dispatching an icebreaker, the Coast Guard has demonstrated their commitment to the Arctic, and I am proud to have advocated for the Polar Star.
The U.S. is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, and icebreakers are essential not only for keeping our waters safe for mariners, but also for our broader national security needs. I want to thank the Coast Guard for dispatching the Polar Star to the Arctic, particularly as threats from Russia and China continue to grow. Click here to read more.
Approval for the Willow Plan in NPR-A
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for the Willow Master Development Plan in the NPR-A! The Willow project represents immense potential for our state, and this ROD comes at a critical time. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our economy. We must continue moving forward on projects like Willow that could bring good-paying jobs, significant revenue, and the resources we need to make America energy independent.
This milestone is an important one, not only for Alaska but for the countless families who depend on the oil and gas industry to make a living. I am grateful to everyone at BLM, who helped deliver today's ROD. I also want to thank ConocoPhillips for making crucial investments in our state, workforce, and economy. I look forward to our continued progress on this critical project. Read more about this exciting news by clicking here.
Supporting Individuals with Disabilities
Our fellow citizens living with disabilities deserve the same access to employment and economic opportunity as everyone else, and I have been proud to advocate on their behalf for my entire career. This week via Zoom, I was presented with a Distinguished Service Award from the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation in recognition of my support for vocational rehabilitation. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I am proud to fight for a bright and prosperous future for our fellow Americans, regardless of physical or intellectual ability.
Facilitating Travel Between Alaska and Canada
COVID-19 has impacted every area of our daily lives, and has made travel between Alaska and the Lower 48 even more difficult for Alaskans. This is an especially urgent issue for Alaskans who may need to travel to the Lower 48 for medical care. We must work together to create a plan to allow our citizens to travel freely while protecting the health and safety of people on both sides of the border. Senators Murkowski, Sullivan, and I sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urging him to work with us to help facilitate Alaskans' travel through Canada. To read our full letter, click here.
