Former Rep. Tom McKay named to Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

Dunleavy appoints McKay to public member seat on three-person state regulatory board

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former state Rep. Tom McKay of Anchorage has been named by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to fill the public member seat on the three-member Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. The position requires approval by the Alaska Legislature.

Why it matters

The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is a key state regulatory body that oversees oil and gas operations, including permitting, well spacing, and environmental protections. The public member seat is meant to represent the interests of Alaskan residents on the commission.

The details

McKay, a former state representative, was appointed to fill the public member seat left vacant by Brett Huber Sr. The three-member commission also includes two industry representatives.

  • On January 22, 2026, Gov. Dunleavy announced the appointment of McKay to the commission.
  • McKay's appointment requires approval by the Alaska Legislature.

The players

Tom McKay

A former state representative from Anchorage who has been appointed to the public member seat on the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Mike Dunleavy

The governor of Alaska who appointed McKay to the commission.

Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

A three-member state regulatory body that oversees oil and gas operations in Alaska.

Brett Huber Sr.

The previous public member of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, whose seat McKay is filling.

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What’s next

McKay's appointment to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission requires approval by the Alaska Legislature.

The takeaway

The appointment of a former state representative to the public member seat on the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission reflects the importance of balancing industry interests with those of Alaskan residents on this key regulatory body.