The Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) is an 800-mile long, 48-inch pipeline that carries crude oil from the North Slope of Alaska south to the Valdez Marine Terminal. The TAPS also includes multiple related facilities, including pump stations, access roads and bridges, a fuel gas line, communication systems, and the Valdez Marine Terminal. The TAPS is the sole means of transport of crude oil from Alaska's North Slope. Since TAPS was constructed between 1974 and 1977, it has transported over 19 billion barrels of oil to in-state refineries and the Valdez Marine Terminal. In 2025, TAPS transported an average of 463,000 barrels per day.

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company operates TAPS on behalf of its three owner companies (Harvest Alaska LLC, ConocoPhillips Transportation Alaska Inc., and ExxonMobil Pipeline Company LLC), serving as both operator and agent.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received an application from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (APSC) requesting a 30-year renewal of the TAPS right-of-way (ROW) federal agreement and grant. The potential renewal of the TAPS ROW constitutes a federal action subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires federal agencies to analyze environmental effects of proposed actions and consider public input before making decisions.

APSC, as the operator of TAPS and agent for the TAPS Owners, is the applicant for the ROW renewal and with BLM’s approval is developing the applicant-prepared EA under BLM supervision (pursuant to 43 CFR 46.107). The BLM is responsible for the EA and maintains full authority and accountability for the content, scope and scientific integrity of the EA (pursuant to 43 CFR 46.107(a))

The public can follow project updates on the BLM National NEPA Register website at BLM National NEPA Register (NEPA Number: DOI-BLM-AK-9410-2026-0009-EA) and provide written comments during the 15-day scoping period, which starts August 26, 2026. Comments can be submitted digitally or hardcopy using the methods to the right. Feedback will be considered in shaping the EA.

Issues analyzed will likely include socioeconomics, soils and permafrost, subsistence, crude oil spill risk, and research natural areas or areas of critical environmental concern as well as input provided during the scoping period.