This election, Alaskans are considering a proposed tax increase on oil production through Ballot Measure 1. Proponents argue that the measure can provide a needed source of revenue as the state faces large deficits and empty bank accounts. Opponents argue that Alaska’s oil industry is under enough pressure from rising costs, low prices, and soft global demand.
Brett Watson, a Research Professional/Postdoctoral Researcher at the ISER, analyzed the proposed initiative in his paper “Context for Alaska’s 2020 Ballot Measure 1 on Oil Taxation.” Watson addresses the technical details of the initiative, how it would affect the current tax structure (SB21), and its potential impacts.
Two shorter articles were prepared for the general public based on this paper. The first, “How Would Ballot Measure 1 Work?” was published in the Anchorage Daily News on October 21. The second, “On the fence about Ballot Measure 1? Here are some facts to consider” was published in the Anchorage Daily News on October 22.
In addition to Watson’s paper, professionals at ISER have contributed to the conversation around Ballot Measure 1 through two forums:
- October 16 Forum on Ballot Measure 1 sponsored by the Alaska Association for Energy Economics and the Institute of Social and Economic Research | Watch the October 16 Forum | Get the Transcript
- October 6 Forum on Ballot Measure 1 sponsored by Alaska Common Ground, with an introduction from ISER director Ralph Townsend | Watch the October 6 Forum | Read Townsend’s Overview
