ANCHORAGE, Alaska – With the understanding that the Department of the Interior’s review of the Willow Master Development Plan (“Willow Project”) is now complete, ConocoPhillips Alaska is issuing the following statement.
“Although the final decision on the Willow Project is still pending, clearing the DOI review represents a very significant milestone for this project,” Erec Isaacson, president of ConocoPhillips Alaska, remarked. “We believe the permitting process satisfied all the legal requirements for Willow and are pleased that the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of the Interior, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recognize the robust, thorough, and extensive process completed over the last two-plus years. This is a great example of collaboration and thorough preparation enabling a rational, fact-based decision.”
Isaacson continued, “We would also thank the Alaska Congressional Delegation – Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, and Congressman Young – for their tremendous efforts in advocating for the Willow Project and working with the Biden administration to achieve this favorable outcome on the review.” Several local trade union associations have also emphasized the importance of the Willow Project to their National Associations in Washington D.C.
The Willow Master Development Plan allows for the construction and operation of infrastructure needed to develop certain federal oil and gas resources under leaseholds in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). These leaseholds exist because Congress directed the Department of the Interior to conduct an oil and gas leasing program in the NPR-A. To that end, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) established which lands in the NPR-A would be open for leasing, and then held lease sales and issued leases for the Willow area lands.
“I also extend my thanks to the employees of ConocoPhillips Alaska for their continued diligence in working with the BLM and other agencies,” continued Isaacson. “Our employees worked cooperatively with multiple government agencies, including those of the State of Alaska and the North Slope Borough, to advance the Willow Project. I’m grateful for their responsiveness to the North Slope residents in designing a project that meets the highest environmental standards.” “In addition,” said Isaacson, “the coordinated support of the Alaska Native Regional Corporations, the Alaska Federation of Natives, the VOICE of the Arctic Inupiat and several village councils has had a significant impact on the thoroughness of the permitting process and is appreciated.”
The Willow Project was approved after years of preparation, analysis, and consultation with cooperating agencies including the BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Permits were issued only after significant public input and the completion of an environmental impact statement and biological opinion.
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ConocoPhillips has been leading the search for energy in Alaska for more than 50 years. The company is committed to responsibly developing Alaska’s resources, providing economic opportunity for Alaska, operating at the highest safety standards and being good stewards of our communities. For more information, visit www.conocophillipsalaska.com.
Media Contact
Rebecca Boys (Alaska)
907-263-4115
rebecca.a.boys@conocophillips.com
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