Congressman Nick Begich has been named Vice Chair of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, a key position that will allow him to advocate for strengthening transportation infrastructure, enhancing energy security, and expanding economic opportunities in Alaska, and throughout the nation.

“This role presents a tremendous opportunity to advance critical infrastructure projects that will strengthen Alaska’s economy, improve supply chain efficiency, and support energy development,” Begich said in a Feb. 25 statement

Begich has repeatedly said that it is a priority of his to advance the state’s long-held goal of connecting Alaska to the Lower-48 via a railroad. Currently, Alaska remains unconnected the rest of the North American rail network, a gap that limits economic growth and trade opportunities.

“Alaska has immense resource potential, but we must have the infrastructure to move goods and energy efficiently,” Begich noted. “Expanding our rail and pipeline networks will lower costs, create jobs, and strengthen our state’s position in the global economy.”

Begich is also expected to be a leading advocate for the Alaska LNG pipeline, an 800-mile project designed to unlock the vast natural gas reserves of the North Slope and bring them to market – a project that could create thousands of good-paying jobs for Alaskans, reduce energy costs for homes and businesses and strengthen U.S. energy independence and national security.

The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has jurisdiction over the Surface Transportation Board (STB), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

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