ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Hundreds of people gathered at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage Wednesday morning to hear from local and national leaders about current issues facing Alaska’s oil and gas industry.

The Alaska Oil and Gas Industry (AOGA) kicked off its eighth annual AOGA Conference on Wednesday, providing a platform for energy industry representatives to discuss their own problems and present possible solutions.

The event also includes a forum between Representatives Mary Peltola and Nick Begich, who are currently vying for Alaska’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The world needs oil and gas, and Alaska has those resources,” said Kara Moriarty, president and CEO of AOGA. “So the question is: How can we work together to ensure a successful future?”

The approximately 600 participants on Wednesday included representatives from the administration of Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, the Anchorage Assembly and members of the federal congress.

“We just heard from the attorneys general that we have a variety of tools, whether through litigation or by entering into more strategic partnerships with other industries facing similar issues,” Moriarty explained.

Having these conversations during the conference will be critical to Wednesday’s discussions, Moriarty said.

“Many of the issues facing our industry are tied to federal policy, so we absolutely need a strong congressional delegation. So who our delegation is is incredibly important,” Moriarty said. “It gives all of our participants an opportunity to hear their views on how they can help ensure we have a long-term future in Alaska.”

The conference will continue on Thursday at 8 a.m. Speakers are expected to begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.

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