Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act


The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act of 1973 is a United States federal law signed by Richard Nixon on November 16, 1973 that authorized the building of an oil pipeline connecting the North Slope of Alaska to Port Valdez. Specifically, it halted all legal challenges - filed primarily by environmental activists - against the construction of the pipeline. In accordance with President Nixon's request, the act contains no amendments allowing for federal and state agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game to regulate the construction of the pipeline.
The act is found in title 43, section 1651 of the United States Code. Eventually, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was built as a result of this act.