The state of Alaska could spend nearly $200 million on oil exploration, leasing in Arctic refuge

By: Max Graham, Northern Journal

Outlets: Alaska Beacon

Published: May 12, 2026

Words: 932

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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Alaska’s industrial development agency this week is set to vote on spending $190 million on controversial plans for oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The budget, drafted by staff and still pending approval by the agency’s governor-appointed board, includes up to $175 million for advanced geologic testing, plus as much as $15 million to bid on new areas of the refuge in an upcoming federal lease sale.

If approved, the plans from …

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