Alaska development agency approves $190 million budget for Arctic refuge oil exploration, leasing

By: Max Graham, Northern Journal

Outlets: Alaska Beacon

Published: May 15, 2026

Words: 642

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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The board of Alaska’s economic development agency on Wednesday approved spending up to $190 million to advance contentious plans for oil exploration and leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The budget, proposed by staff, includes up to $175 million for a type of preliminary exploration called seismic testing, which employs sound waves to identify oil and gas deposits deep underground.

Board members also authorized the agency to spend up to $15 million to …

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