Congressman Nick Begich and House Leadership Applaud Historic NPR-A Lease Sale

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March. 18, 2026 - Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) applauded the Bureau of Land Management's oil and gas lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A), calling it a true milestone in restoring Alaska's role as a cornerstone of American energy production. The lease sale - offering more than 600 tracts across approximately 5.5 million acres - marks the first sale in the NPR-A under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and represents a major step forward in unlocking Alaska's vast resource potential.

"Alaska has always had the capacity to lead in energy and resources, but federal barriers prevented us from realizing that full potential. For decades, we were restricted. Those restrictions cost us opportunity, investments, and energy security. Today marks a true milestone in restoring Alaska's role as a cornerstone of American energy production. This historic lease sale is proof that the world is ready to invest in Alaska when the path is clear," said Congressman Nick Begich. "This was the result of focused effort from my team who began laying the groundwork early in this Congress. From day one, we fought relentlessly to ensure Alaska had a seat at the table. I'm grateful for Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, and Chairman Westerman for recognizing early on that Alaska is central to America's prosperity and energy security, and for ensuring our state was a priority in this effort. For the first time in decades, Alaska has the wind at our back. We are ready to run."

"The Biden Administration's failed anti-American energy policies put our energy and national security at risk while raising costs on American families. Thankfully, President Trump and Republicans have put an end to their madness. With the passage of our historic Working Families Tax Cut, which includes requirements for additional lease sales in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, we followed through on our promise to restore American energy dominance," said Majority Leader Steve Scalise. "Today's historic NPR-A lease sale marks a significant step towards unlocking Alaska's vast energy potential. I'm grateful to my good friend, Rep. Nick Begich, for being a relentless advocate for Alaska and all his hard work to bolster America's energy security by unleashing Alaska's natural resources."

"Republicans are unleashing American energy dominance like never before, and Alaska plays a major role in doing that", said Majority Whip Tom Emmer. "Thanks to Congressman Begich's leadership, today's NPR-A lease sale is the next step toward ensuring our nation's energy security and stability. The days of federal overreach stifling American energy are over."

"As part of the Working Families Tax Cut law, House Committee on Natural Resources Republicans required lease sales in the NPR-A to secure Alaska's and America's energy future," said House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. "Today's lease sale is a major victory for Alaska's workers, its economy, and for American families who will benefit from a greater supply of affordable and reliable American energy. I commend Congressman Begich for his efforts on this provision and his tireless advocacy for the people of Alaska."

A Once-in-a-Generation Turnaround

This lease sale follows a series of legislative victories led by Congressman Begich and the Alaska delegation that have reshaped federal energy policy in Alaska.

Congressman Begich played a central role in advancing the Alaska provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act,which mandated expanded leasing opportunities in the NPR-A. As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Begich worked from day one to ensure Alaska was a central pillar of the legislation.

The legislation requires the Bureau of Land Management to conduct at least five lease sales in the NPR-A over the next decade, each offering no fewer than 4 million acres - ensuring long-term certainty for investment and development.

Revenues generated from these leases directly benefit Alaskans. Under current law, revenues are split 50/50 between the federal government and the State of Alaska, with Alaska's share increasing to 70% beginning in 2035 - a provision secured by Congressman Begich and advance through the House Natural Resources Committee.

Restoring Access to Alaska's Resources

Today's lease sale would not have been possible without overturning restrictive federal policies that limited development in the NPR-A.

Congressman Begich also championed S.J. Res. 80in the House - led in the Senate by Senator Dan Sullivan - which overturned a Biden-era rule that had closed nearly half of the NPR-A to responsible development.

That rule conflicted with federal law and undermined Alaska's ability to produce energy.

Strong Industry Interest Signals Alaska's Future

This lease sale has drawn significant interest from some of the world's largest energy producers. Early results from today's lease sale point to a significant increase in industry participation and investment compared to the last NPR-A lease sale in 2019.

In 2019, the Bureau of Land Management offered 350 tracts, receiving 92 total bids with no competitive bidding on any tract and generating approximately $11.3 million in total high bids.

By contrast, the 2026 lease sale is demonstrating dramatically stronger interest.

The Bureau of Land Management offered more than 600 tracts across approximately 5.5 million acres, with over 400 bids received covering more than 130,000 acres and generating approximately $163 million in total high bids far surpassing the entire 2019 sale.

Major industry leaders including ConocoPhillips, Exxon, Shell, and North Slope Exploration led the way, alongside a strong showing from companies such as Epic, Beacon, Oil Search, and Paratos. The participation of both established producers and new entrants signals renewed confidence in Alaska's energy future.

The strength of this lease sale is obvious:

• High-value tracts with strong development potential now being brought to market
• Increased industry confidence that projects can move forward - driven in part by recent legislative action restoring certainty in the NPR-A
• New entrants into Alaska's energy sector, including companies that have not previously held NPR-A leases, demonstrating renewed belief in Alaska's long-term growth potential

The NPR-A spans more than 22 million acres, making it one of the largest undeveloped energy reserves in the United States. Federal law requires the area to be managed for expeditious leasing and responsible development, balancing resource production with environmental stewardship.

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