VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 1 | MARCH 2026
"The spirit of Alaska has always been defined by determination, grit, hard work and the belief that by working together for a common purpose, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome." — Scott Habberstad, President, RDC
LET OUR SHARED IDEALS SHINE
I OFTEN REFLECT ON THE INCREDIBLE RESPONSIBILITY AND OPPORTUNITY THAT RESTS WITH ALASKA’S ELECTED OFFICIALS. Each day, these dedicated individuals are called upon to make decisions that shape not only the present but also the future of gener- ations to come. On a recent legislative fly-in for RDC, I found myself thinking about the challenges our leaders face, the importance of mutual respect even in disagreement and the shared goal we all hold dear: growing Alaska’s economy and ensuring a brighter future for our great state, the next generation and gen- erations to come. Serving as an elected official in Alaska is a demanding and often underappreciated calling. Our leaders are tasked with balancing a diverse array of interests ranging from rural to urban community needs, from subsistence users to industry stakeholders. Every deci- sion — whether related to natural resource management, infrastructure development or education funding — requires careful consideration of its impacts, both immediate and long-term. The weight of public scrutiny is ever-present. The need to act transparently and responsibly is paramount to maintaining public trust. Elected officials must navigate complex challenges, such as budget constraints, rap- idly changing economic conditions and the unique logistical hurdles presented by Alas- ka’s vast geography. They do so while striving to honor the voices of all Alaskans, recogniz- ing that consensus is not always possible … but compromise and thoughtful leadership are always essential. In this environment, thoughtful decision-making is not only a skill but a necessity. The courage to make difficult choices — sometimes in the face of Alaska-sized criticism — is a testament to the character and resilience of those who serve.
also means building partnerships — between government, industry, our Alaska Native organization, and local communities — that are based on trust, transparency and a mutual commitment to Alaska’s prosperity. The decisions we make today will echo for decades, shaping the lives of our children and grandchildren. Our commitment to future generations must remain at the forefront of every policy, every project and every part- nership we pursue. Working together, we can create opportunities that empower Alaskans to thrive — now and in the years ahead. This commitment requires ongoing col- laboration. It calls on each of us to reflect on our dialogues with elected officials, from the local school board to the legislature. We must work with those officials so that together we can set aside our differences, listen to each other with empathy, and all act with integrity. This means recognizing that while our chal- lenges are real, our potential is even greater. The spirit of Alaska has always been defined by determination, grit, hard work and the belief that by working together for a com- mon purpose, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. As we look ahead, we should all reaffirm our dedication to unity, respect and the ongo- ing work of building a stronger Alaska. Our elected officials shoulder immense responsi- bility, and they do so with the knowledge that their actions affect us all. By supporting them with respectful dialogue and a willingness to collaborate, we honor not only their service but also the ideals that make Alaska unique. Together, let’s champion a future defined by shared prosperity, stewardship and hope. Let’s strive to leave Alaska better than we found it — for ourselves, for each other and for those who will inherit this great land. Working together, we can achieve anything.
In the current climate, where opinions can be deeply divided about almost every topic, it is more important than ever to foster an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect. Disagreement is an inevitable part of the democratic process, but it does not have to lead to division. Instead, it can offer an opportunity for growth, understanding, and innovative solutions. When we engage in respectful dialogue, we demonstrate our commitment not only to our own beliefs but to the values that unite us as Alaskans. Civil discourse is the foundation of a healthy democracy. It enables us to listen, to learn and to find common ground even when our perspectives differ. By treating one another with respect — regardless of political affiliation or viewpoint — we honor the spirit of collaboration that has allowed Alaska to overcome challenges throughout its histo- ry. We need to remember that every voice matters, and that each conversation holds the potential to move us closer to our shared goals. At the heart of our collective efforts is a unified vision: the sustainable growth and de- velopment of Alaska’s economy for the benefit of all who call this state home. We recognize the immense potential of our natural resourc- es, from energy and minerals to fisheries, forests and tourism. Responsible development of these resources can generate jobs, sup- port families and provide the foundation for strong communities. Economic growth must be pursued through responsible resource development. This ensures that Alaska’s natural beauty and abundance are preserved for the next gener- ation and for generations to come. It means investing in education, infrastructure and innovation so that our state remains com- petitive and resilient in a changing world. It
Unlocking More Oil and Jobs on State Lands At Santos, we are proud to develop the world-class Pikka Project on Alaska’s State Lands - creating more revenue and more jobs for Alaskans. Pikka is unlocking 400 million barrels of Alaska’s oil. It has already created thousands of construction jobs and will provide hundreds of permanent jobs. This is just the beginning. By July, 80,000 barrels per day will be added to the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. Santos is building the future of energy in Alaska.
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ALASKA RESOURCE REVIEW MARCH 2026
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