The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has approved gas exploration licenses for the Susitna Valley, allowing Alaska Natural Gas Corporation to explore for natural gas on state-owned lands in the region.

The department's Division of Oil and Gas issued a final written finding on April 9 determining that awarding the exploration licenses is in the best interests of the state. The licenses cover unencumbered state lands within designated license areas in the Susitna Valley.

Only people who meaningfully participated in the public process and are affected by the decision may file an appeal. Appeals must be filed according to state law AS 38.05.035(i).

The final best interest finding document is available on the Division of Oil and Gas website at dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Services/ExplorationLicensing. The department will provide the document in alternative formats upon request.

For questions about the finding, contact the Division of Oil and Gas Best Interest Findings group at 907-269-8800 or [email protected].

The exploration licenses allow the company to search for gas deposits but do not authorize production or development. Any future production would require separate permitting and review.