Alaska leaders praise Jimmy Carter, but some highlight political differences

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100, leaving behind a mixed legacy in resource-rich Alaska after signing legislation to protect much of the state as national parks, refuges and old-growth forests.

After his death, praise poured in from conservation leaders. Some of Alaska’s current and former political leaders expressed respect for Carter, but others were quick to point out that they held different political views.

Former Sen. Mark Begich, a fellow Democrat with Carter, said Alaskans likely have “mixed views” on Carter’s legacy.

“On some of the conservation issues, he’s done a good job, but on some issues he may have confined Alaska a little too much,” Begich said.

Begich said Carter’s work in brokering peace agreements and providing humanitarian relief decades after leaving office shows his dedication to others.

“I think what he represented was true public service,” he says.

Carter called his greatest domestic achievement the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act of 1980. It doubled the size of the national parks and refuge system, protected 25 wild rivers, and classified 56 million acres of Alaska as wilderness. As a result, hunting and fishing, which support local livelihoods, are now protected by the federal government.

(Jimmy Carter shaped modern Alaska in deep and lasting ways)

But it has also long frustrated Alaska’s political leaders, who have fought to open up remote areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling and swaths of the northwestern Arctic for construction. The story is set in Alaska, where a complex battle over land and resources takes place. 200 miles of road for mining.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said on social media that he appreciates Carter’s work on Middle East peace and other issues. However, he distanced himself from the former president regarding the Alaska issue.

“Despite our significant political differences regarding the critical importance of Alaska and a strong U.S. military, I admired President Carter for his faith, family, service to others, and dedication to peace in the Middle East. ” Sullivan said. “I also deeply respect his contributions to the U.S. Navy in developing our nation’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Julie and I are praying for his family during this time of mourning. ”

Mark Begich’s nephew, Republican Alaska Rep. Nick Begich III, also praised Carter’s accomplishments, but expressed a different view.

“While our political viewpoints were very different, President Carter dedicated his post-presidential career to the pursuit of peace and free democratic elections in the developing world, both of which are values ​​we pursue,” Congressman-elect Begich said in a text message. It’s a great cause.” “He had a true heart for humanity and reminded us that we can truly care for each other and yet passionately disagree.”

Congressman-elect Begich said the difference has to do with Carter’s commitment to securing so much land in Alaska, increasing development challenges.

“Listing our disagreements at this time would be a missed opportunity to honor his many years of service,” Congressman-elect Begich said. “Debate on the responsible opening of Alaska will continue in the 119th Congress on January 3.”

Former Democratic Gov. Tony Knowles said he considers the Alaska Land Conservation Act to be Carter’s greatest contribution to the state and nation.

Parks, shelters and other areas are open for everyone to enjoy, which he said is an “incredibly unique” gift to the world.

They are not trapped, Mr. Knowles insisted. They support tourism, an important part of the state’s economy, and subsistence hunting and fishing.

“For future generations, we have forever protected our national resources for our own economy, culture, and food on the tables of Alaskans,” Knowles said. “It wasn’t easy. There were often more voices than people in Alaska, and there were many policy battles that involved all sides. But looking back, Jimmy Carter’s actions I think we can all agree that it will be beneficial for all of us and for future generations.”

Knowles said Carter also left behind a legacy of consideration for others.

“To millions of people around the world, he was a truly caring, compassionate and courageous person,” he said. “From being the president of the United States to being a carpenter building homes for the homeless to teaching Sunday school every Sunday, he never stopped serving others and helping them live a better life. It was.”

Some members of Alaska’s Republican leadership were outspoken in their praise of Carter.

“President Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his service to our country and his dedication to humanitarian work around the world during his time in office,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said on social media. “He lived a remarkable life and left a legacy of peace. Our prayers are with President Carter’s family and loved ones.”

“Former President Jimmy Carter’s commitment to human rights and democracy made a difference in the lives of countless people around the world, and many others will follow in his footsteps,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a social media statement. I urged them to do so.” “He rose from a poor family in rural Georgia to the pinnacle of American politics. His 100 years on earth had purpose and meaning, and he was deeply committed to his faith, his family, and his country. Rose and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends around the world.”

Outgoing Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and as of Monday afternoon she had not commented on Carter’s death on social media.

Begich, a former Democratic senator, said that beyond Carter’s well-known influence in and out of Alaska, the president has been using trucking, air and other He said he had deregulated industries and took other important actions.

“People remember him more for his conservation issues that affected Alaska, but for the day-to-day matters of deregulation and what he did to create competition and pricing from freight to transportation to shipping. “All of that had a direct impact on ordinary people, given how things were done across the country,” he said.

Environmental groups remembered Mr. Carter for his strong conservation stance. In 1978, Carter used the Antiquities Act to protect 56 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness. This action led to the passage of the Alaska Land Conservation Act, which expanded the U.S. conservation system to an area the size of California.

The Alaska Conservation Foundation said in a statement that the organization “was founded because of this very legislation.” Mr. Carter was the group’s emeritus board chair.

“His passionate advocacy has provided leadership in continuing to protect our state’s ecological diversity and cultural richness,” said Michael Barber, the group’s president. “As we mourn his loss, we commit to future generations to uphold his legacy by preserving Alaska’s unique, unspoiled and vast landscapes.”

The Alaska Conservation Group said the former president will continue to serve as a “guiding beacon” for environmentalists.

“As co-chair emeritus of the league’s board of directors, Mr. Carter’s dedication to protecting lands, waters, and wildlife paved the way for conservation on an unprecedented scale. His efforts remain the foundation of environmental protection today. and continues to be,” said Kristen Miller, executive director of the Alaska Conservation League.

The group said Carter’s legacy in protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge faces new threats from potential oil and gas drilling.

The group said it will recommit to protecting refuges and other critical areas that could become more susceptible to development after President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term in January.

Republicans passed a law in 2017, during President Trump’s first term, that required lease sales and potential oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Refuge. The first lease sale under the Trump administration drew little interest from bidders, but a second lease sale is scheduled for Jan. 9.

President Trump has vowed to allow drilling in the refuge.

He mourned the death of Carter’s social media platform, TruthSocial, but also highlighted the differences between the two.

President Trump said, “President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. “Although I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our country and all that it represents. He made America even better. I have the utmost respect for him because he worked hard to make it a good place. He was a really good man, and he will of course be greatly missed. He was also someone who had far more influence than most presidents after he left the Oval Office. My heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family.”