The Alaska House Republican Caucus today celebrated the decision by a federal appeals court to uphold approval of the Willow oil project, calling the ruling a major victory for Alaska jobs, energy independence, and North Slope communities.
In a decision released Friday, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected attempts by environmental groups to overturn the federal government’s 2023 approval of the project. The court acknowledged a procedural issue but determined it did not merit blocking the project’s development, citing the severe consequences that would follow.
Willow, a ConocoPhillips development located in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), is a cornerstone project for the state’s energy future. Construction of key infrastructure — including gravel roads, bridges, and pipelines — is already underway, employing Alaskans and investing in long-term economic growth for rural communities.
“This is a decisive win for Alaska,” said House Minority Leader Mia Costello (R-Anchorage). “Willow means thousands of good-paying jobs, vital revenue for our state, and a lifeline for North Slope communities. This court decision affirms what we’ve known all along — that the project was legally and responsibly approved. The Alaska House Republicans will continue to fight for responsible development of our natural resources.”
Representative George Rauscher (R-Sutton), a senior member of the House Resources Committee, also welcomed the news. “In today’s 9th Circuit decision, the court got it right by refusing to cancel the Willow Project and seeing through yet another round of anti-development lawsuits. This ruling affirms that responsible resource development in Alaska—especially projects like Willow—can and should move forward.”
The Willow project has enjoyed strong bipartisan support in Alaska, including backing from Governor Mike Dunleavy, Alaska’s congressional delegation, and Native organizations representing the North Slope. Local leaders see the project as essential to providing revenue for infrastructure, health care, and education in remote communities.
The Alaska House Republicans remain committed to defending responsible resource development that creates jobs, strengthens our economy, and secures a prosperous future for all Alaskans.