Exclusive: Private citizens, down to the governor himself, are pushing the policies that have worked in Juneau at the national level as the new administration shows a willingness to listen and adapt to new strategies. We’re ready to join Alaska’s new initiative to do just that. .
Just as Florida’s education policy under Gov. Jeb Bush served as a blueprint for national education reform, the nonprofit Future 49 focuses primarily on national security and energy, using Alaska as a model for today. We aim to position ourselves.
Its largest funders are a group of Alaskans from all walks of life and a small group of supporters based in Washington, DC. It is nonpartisan and simply pro-Alaska, according to one supporter.
It also concerns what one source familiar with the establishment said some in the Lower 48 feel about how far-flung Alaska can translate its success in the frigid north into society. I’m trying to convey the feeling of, “I’m out of touch, I’m out of my mind.” The federal government could benefit from that advice.
One of Future 49’s founders is a commercial airline pilot whose family has lived in Alaska for more than 125 years. He said he wants to show Washington’s issues and deals with Alaska every day.
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Anchorage Skyline (Getty)
Bob Griffin’s family has lived in Alaska since 1899, he said, and he said he is an example of grassroots support that has the potential to become a driving force in key areas in other parts of Alaska.
Griffin said that while he has not yet had direct contact with the new administration, Gov. Mike Dunleavy is an ally of Trump and is open to playing a role within the group.
“We are focused not only on the Trump administration but also on other policymakers to ensure that the success we have achieved in Alaska on energy, natural resources and other policy priorities is relevant and beneficial to all Americans.” We are focused on highlighting and promoting this.”
He noted that although the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge covers an area the size of West Virginia, the portion of the federal government’s budget for exploration in recent fiscal years was located at the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. He pointed out that it’s only half the area and said it shows how much Juneau has to lead Washington. .
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A person familiar with the creation of Future 49 told FOX News Digital that the group’s launch comes at a critical juncture in the transition from an administration that has shunned advice to one that has shown a willingness to accept recommendations from state and local groups. He said there is.
“The resources we need for our energy dominance are in Alaska, not in unfriendly countries like Russia and Iran, which despise our ideals and routinely commit egregious environmental crimes,” the official said. said.
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The group stands ready to express a pro-development approach to energy, but remains bipartisan and builds on the work done in Alaska to create a successful strategy for developing both green and traditional energy. will be provided to Washington.
Dunleavy has similarly proposed a two-pronged approach, saying in a recent interview that opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to responsible development could lead to new green challenges, including a proposal to utilize the second most powerful technology. He said it has the potential to bring economic growth to the nation as much as technology. The tides of the world swirl in Cook Inlet outside Anchorage.
These similarities show why the emergence of Future 49 comes at the right time, sources told FOX News Digital.
Future 49’s plan to leverage Alaska’s long-term goal of leveraging its energy resources as a roadmap was a sentiment expressed at another confirmation hearing Thursday. Interior Secretary candidate Doug Burgum emphasized the need for domestic “energy dominance” for both economic and security reasons.
Former North Dakota Governor and U.S. Secretary of the Interior candidate Doug Burgum (Al Drago) during his Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee confirmation hearing on January 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Dunleavy said the most sensitive defense assets are stored in Alaska and the nation has a deep background on what it needs to do to thwart a malign force. said.
“We’re getting very close to the bear,” he said.
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Lessons learned from managing National Guard forces so closely tied to top-level national security concerns is another avenue Future 49 will likely seek to assist Washington.
Alaska pollster Matt Larkin said the organization surveyed Americans in the Lower 48 about their views on the final frontier and how they perceive Alaska, thousands of miles away. He said he plans to request the
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.
Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.
Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduate of Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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