Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act

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Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act
Great Seal of the United States
Other short titlesMineral Leasing Act of 1920 Amendments
Long titleAn Act to amend section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, and to authorize a trans-Alaska oil pipeline, and for other purposes.
NicknamesFederal Lands Right-of-Way Act
Enacted bythe 93rd United States Congress
EffectiveNovember 16, 1973
Citations
Public law93-153
Statutes at Large87 Stat. 576
Codification
Titles amended30 U.S.C.: Mineral Lands and Mining
U.S.C. sections amended30 U.S.C. ch. 3A § 185
Legislative history

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act of 1973 is a United States federal law signed by US President Richard Nixon on November 16, 1973, that authorized the building of an oil pipeline connecting the North Slope of Alaska to Port Valdez. Specifically, it halted all legal challenges, which were filed primarily by environmental activists, against the construction of the pipeline. In accordance with Nixon's request, the act contains no amendments allowing for federal and state agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, or the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to regulate the construction of the pipeline.[1]

The act was supported by Alaska's congressmen, Don Young, Ted Stevens and Mike Gravel; however, since they all lacked major seniority, the act was introduced by long-time Washington Senator Henry M. Jackson. The act partially helped in solving the world-wide 1973 oil crisis.

The act is found in Title 43, Section 1651 of the United States Code (43 U.S.C. § 1651). The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was eventually built as a result of the act.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Nixon supports construction of the Alaskan oil pipeline". HISTORY. A&E Television Networks. February 26, 2019. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2021. ...he [Nixon] asked Congress not to attach amendments to the bill that would have given federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Game regulatory power over the pipeline's construction.

External links[edit]