According to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, who owns the oil, gas, and minerals in Alaska?

• A. The oil and minerals are collectively owned by the people of Alaska
• B. The federal government owns the oil and minerals
• C. The state government owns the minerals
• D. Private corporations own the resources

Answer: (A)

Ownership of oil, gas, and minerals in Alaska is held by the people of the state. Alaska’s constitution declares that all natural resources within the state belong to the people and are managed by the state for their benefit. The state acts as steward, granting leases to private companies and collecting royalties, while the ownership remains with the public.

The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 mainly established federal authority to lease minerals on federal lands, not private ownership by corporations or individuals. In Alaska, resources on state lands are owned by the public through the state, though some federal lands do exist where the federal government holds rights. That broader framework means the resource ownership most people think of in Alaska is public ownership by the people of Alaska.