Congressman Nick Begich Named Vice Chair of House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 26, 2025 – Congressman Nick Begich (AK), a member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, has been named Vice Chair of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, a key position that will allow him to advocate for strengthening transportation infrastructure, enhancing energy security, and expanding economic opportunities—in Alaska, and throughout the nation.

“I am honored to be named Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and look forward to working with Subcommittee Chairman Webster and my colleagues to modernize and expand our nation’s transportation networks,” said Congressman Begich. “This role presents a tremendous opportunity to advance critical infrastructure projects that will strengthen Alaska’s economy, improve supply chain efficiency, and support energy development.”

“Congressman Begich is an excellent choice to serve as vice chair of our subcommittee with jurisdiction over railroads and pipelines – infrastructure networks that are critical to Alaska and the entire country.  I look forward to working with Nick and Subcommittee Chairman Webster to reauthorize pipeline safety programs, improve rail transportation, and foster America’s energy independence,” said House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). 

A major priority for Congressman Begich is advancing the state’s long-held goal of connecting Alaska to the Lower 48 via a railroad. Currently, Alaska remains unconnected the rest of the North American rail network, a gap that limits economic growth and trade opportunities. 

“Alaska has immense resource potential, but we must have the infrastructure to move goods and energy efficiently. Expanding our rail and pipeline networks will lower costs, create jobs, and strengthen our state’s position in the global economy,” Begich added.

In addition to rail expansion, Congressman Begich has been a leading advocate for the Alaska LNG pipeline, an 800-mile project designed to unlock the vast natural gas reserves of the North Slope and bring them to market. By tapping into previously stranded resources and facilitating LNG exports, the Alaska LNG pipeline would Create thousands of good-paying jobs for Alaskans, reduce energy costs for homes and businesses and strengthen U.S. energy independence and national security.

The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has jurisdiction over the Surface Transportation Board (STB), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The Subcommittee plays a key oversight role to ensure the economic and safety regulation of railroads, pipelines, and hazardous materials transportation—industries that are critical to Alaska’s economy.

As Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Congressman Begich will advocate for pro-growth, pro-energy policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, create jobs, and position America as a leader in transportation and energy infrastructure.

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