Changes to federal law that's been driving costs would be in Alaska's interest, alongside America's • Alaska Beacon

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As local government leaders, we stand fully behind the goal of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA). It is designed to reinvest in American manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen our domestic supply chain – an “America-first” policy that is vital for the future of our nation. We applaud the intent, and we want to see this country’s industries thrive. But as staunch advocates for Alaska, we also have a commitment to ensuring that policies designed to bolster America don’t come at the expense of Alaska’s progress. Unfortunately, BABA in its current form is doing just that.

For states with limited manufacturing or industrial capacity – like Alaska – BABA is effectively a policy that transfers wealth and jobs to other parts of the country. While other states may benefit from BABA’s mandates, in Alaska it’s driving up costs, causing delays, and threatening critical infrastructure projects in some of our most vulnerable communities. The unique geographical challenges of our state mean that the cost of materials, especially those that must comply with BABA requirements, can soar to unsustainable levels.

In principle, we believe in the vision of BABA. We want to see a future where Alaska can increase its manufacturing capacity, producing its own materials and contributing directly to national supply chains. But we are not there yet. And the economic landscape we face makes it clear that, without a waiver, Alaska is at risk of falling further behind while other states reap the benefits of this well-intentioned policy.

Here’s the practical reality: the additional costs imposed by BABA can make or break projects in Alaska’s most disadvantaged communities. We are talking about vital infrastructure – projects that provide clean water, energy, roads, and resilience against natural disasters. Federal policy, particularly with this Administration’s focus on equity and environmental justice, must consider the unintended consequences of well-meaning rules that worsen the disparities Alaska already faces. Without a waiver, BABA threatens to undermine the very communities these policies are supposed to lift up.

The waiver we are advocating for is not a rejection of BABA or other policies that promote America’s industry, but a call for balance. We hope for a future policy that ensures BABA requirements don’t delay projects or significantly increase costs. But when the policy jeopardizes the integrity and success of projects that are critical to improving the living conditions and economic future of Alaska, a waiver should be granted. Alaskans need flexibility, not one-size-fits-all solutions.

America’s prosperity cannot come at the expense of Alaskans struggling to make ends meet. Our state, with its rich natural resources, hardworking people, and strategic importance, is every bit as vital to the American dream. We are not asking to be left out of the national project to rebuild America’s industrial base – we are simply asking for a policy that reflects the reality of our geography, our infrastructure needs, and our unique challenges.

We look forward to working with our congressional delegation and the White House to develop a path forward. A path where Alaska’s communities can thrive under BABA, not be burdened by it.

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