A proposed Alaska LNG marine mammal rule could allow companies developing a natural gas pipeline to take marine mammals in Cook Inlet. The rule submitted July 29 by 8 Star Alaska, an Alaska Gasline Development Corporation subsidiary, seeks a five-year authorization.
If approved, the rule would permit incidental harassment of marine mammals during construction, though officials stressed no fatalities are expected. Current law prohibits taking marine mammals unless companies secure federal authorization for specified activities within designated areas, tied directly to specific projects.
Governor Mike Dunleavy confirmed Friday that he updated President Donald Trump, predicting forward momentum on the long-delayed Alaska LNG pipeline by December. Dunleavy stated that a final investment decision could follow in January, potentially leading to contracts that finally launch project construction.
Environmental groups, however, expressed alarm about possible harm to the federally endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, whose population remains dangerously small and fragile. Cooper Freeman of the Center for Biological Diversity warned that noise pollution from pile driving tugs and other vessels could devastate marine mammals.
Federal records show Cook Inlet belugas numbered 331 in 2022, a slight increase from 2018, yet recovery prospects remain highly uncertain. The Marine Mammal Commission emphasized that slow growth combined with industrial activity raises serious concerns about the population’s ability to rebound successfully.
An Alaska LNG spokesperson countered that regulators thoroughly vetted the project, finding benefits outweigh risks, and called the proposal a straightforward permit renewal. Company representatives argued that federal oversight had repeatedly concluded that the project served the public interest due to the energy and economic benefits for Alaska and beyond.
