In a sign of improving U.S.-Japan energy cooperation, President Donald Trump announced a joint venture on Alaska oil and gas between the two nations during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House on Friday. The announcement ismilestone for the long-anticipated Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project, a strategic initiative aimed at expanding American energy exports to Asia.
During a press conference, President Trump underscored the importance of the project, stating, “Japan will soon begin importing historic new shipments of clean American liquefied natural gas in record numbers…We’re talking about the pipeline in Alaska, which is the closest point of major oil and gas to Japan by far…We’re talking about a joint venture of some type between Japan and us having to do with Alaska oil and gas.”
Alaska U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and Gov. Mike Dunleavy praised President Trump’s leadership in advancing the project, emphasizing its potential economic benefits for Alaska and the nation.
“While Alaskans are praying for those who were on the missing Bering Air flight last night, we did have some very good news today on the Alaska LNG Project,” said Sen. Sullivan. “With his leadership, we will get the Alaska LNG Project built, which will create thousands of good-paying jobs, reinvigorate our American steel industry, significantly reduce our trade deficit in Asia, and deliver clean-burning Alaska gas for Americans, our military, and our allies in the Asia-Pacific, like Japan.”
Gov. Dunleavy echoed these sentiments, highlighting Alaska’s long-standing role in providing clean-burning natural gas to Asian markets.
“President Trump has been a steadfast supporter of Alaska and its ability to be the solution to many of America’s issues through its vast natural resources, its geopolitical position in the Arctic and Pacific, and Alaska’s ability to help its Asian neighbors such as Japan, with 60 years of clean-burning natural gas,” said Dunleavy. “As we move this project along, we look forward to working with President Trump, Japanese officials, and others to put project agreements in place ASAP.”
Sullivan has been actively championing the Alaska LNG Project for years, briefing President Trump and members of his administration on its strategic importance.
With a document titled “America’s Gasline,” Sullivan has highlighted the project’s benefits for national security, economic growth, and energy independence. President Trump’s commitment to the initiative was evident from day one, when he signed the executive order “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” prioritizing the Alaska LNG Project.
Congressman Nick Begich said, “My team and I have been working with the Trump Administration and industry partners, along with many others in the delegation and the Governor’s office to ensure that Alaska’s energy and mineral resources are fully developed. Today’s announcement with Japan underscores the commitment that the Trump Administration, in conjunction with America First colleagues in Congress, have towards achieving energy dominance in our Nation again. We look forward to continuing to support transformational projects for the benefit of Alaskans and our Nation as a whole.”
With the backing of the Trump administration, Japanese investment, and private-sector collaboration, Alaskans are optimistic about finally realizing a decades-long vision of bringing their natural gas resources to global markets.
Watch the press conference here: