Extended Yukon Flats Exploration License Call for Public Comments

Notice of Intent to Evaluate Oil and Gas Exploration License ProposalThe Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G) intends to evaluate the acceptability of an oil and gas exploration license proposal for the Yukon Flats area. In accordance with AS 38.05.133, AS 38.05.945(b), and 11 AAC 82.912 and 11 AAC 82.918. The proposal was received in accordance with AS 38.05.133(b) and 11 AAC 82.909(d). DO&G requests public comments for oil and gas or gas only exploration within the Yukon Flats solicitation area. The solicitation area consists of state-owned, unencumbered land within T. 14 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 14 N., R 1-14 E., T. 15 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 15 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 16 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 16 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 17 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 17 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 18 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 18 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 19 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 19 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 20 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 20 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 21 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 21 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 22 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 22 N., R. 1-14 E., T. 23 N., R. 1-2 W., T. 23 N., R. 1-14 E., Fairbanks Meridian (refer to map).Extended Request for Comments on Exploration within the Solicitation AreaDO&G requests comments on exploration for oil and gas resources within the solicitation area. Because no competing proposals were received during the initial public notice for this proposed project, DNR is able to more clearly describe the boundaries of the proposed exploration license and identify the applicant as Hilcorp Alaska, LLC. Furthermore, the state of Alaska owns the mineral estate primarily under navigable waterways in this area, and the ongoing exploration work is occurring on privately owned land in this region. A more focused depiction of the application area is shown in the attached map in order to solicit more focused public comment on the area proposed for exploration. A successful license holder will have the exclusive right to explore state land within the license area for deposits of oil and gas for up to 10 years, and may convert all or a portion of the license area to oil and gas leases after meeting the work commitment specified in the license. Before issuing an exploration license, DO&G must, in writing, find that an exploration license in this area is in the state’s best interest (AS 38.05.133(f)).How to Submit CommentsClearly mark submittal(s) as “Comment on Exploration in the Yukon Flats Solicitation Area”, or “Agency Information on Exploration within the Yukon Flats Solicitation Area” and send to:Best Interest Findings500 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501or email to: dog.bif@alaska.gov COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 P.M., October 22, 2025 The DO&G complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990. On request, this announcement will be made available in alternative communication formats. A person is eligible to file a request for reconsideration of the commissioner’s decision and file a subsequent appeal to the Superior Court only if the person has meaningfully participated in the process by either submitting written comment during the period for receipt of public comment or has presented oral testimony at a public hearing, if a public hearing was held, and is affected by the final written finding (AS 38.05.035(i))