In a new opinion published by The Washington Post, an Alaska native argues that the state’s economy and population trends have been hindered by federal environmental regulations that delay or block resource development projects critical to local jobs and infrastructure.
Written by energy policy analyst Sarah Montalbano, the piece recounts her personal decision to leave her hometown of Wasilla for opportunity elsewhere, noting that regulatory “green tape” and prolonged permitting battles have discouraged investment in Alaska’s natural resource sectors.
Montalbano highlights long-sought projects such as the Ambler Road, which would provide access to mineral reserves in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough, and the Alaska LNG pipeline, designed to deliver natural gas to homes and businesses statewide. Although both projects have significant local support and legal backing, shifts in federal policy have repeatedly delayed progress over multiple administrations.
She argues that these regulatory hurdles have contributed to population decline as young Alaskans pursue careers elsewhere, noting state demographic trends showing fewer residents remaining after college. According to Montalbano, streamlining federal review and allowing responsible resource development could create jobs, bolster the economy, and offer incentives for families to stay or return to the state.
While acknowledging the importance of conserving Alaska’s natural environment, she calls for a balance that allows economic growth alongside environmental stewardship, a shift she says recent federal policy changes have started to address.
Also Read: Nominations Open for Alaska Conservation Achievement Awards
The op-ed underscores a broader debate in Alaska and across the United States about how to reconcile economic development, energy security, and conservation in regions rich with natural resources.
