February 27, 2009, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today transmitted two pieces of legislation to the House and Senate rules committees as part of an action plan to jump start an in-state natural gas pipeline.
The Action Plan on In-State Gas will be laid out more completely on Tuesday, March 3. It will include an evaluation of options for routes, gas resources, and potential industrial and residential users. A specific timetable will be established to begin work on right-of-way and permitting, as well as preliminary engineering and cost estimates. The plan will form the foundation of development of in-state gas transportation systems to deliver the resource to the people of Alaska.
“Alaskans have been excited about the progress made toward our big gas line, which will secure our fiscal future as we take this abundant resource to Lower 48 markets,” Governor Palin said. “But we know that we cannot wait for that project to come to fruition before addressing our own heating and power-generating needs. My administration is committed to getting the ball rolling now on a pipeline strictly for Alaskans.”
The first bill broadens the responsibilities of the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (ANGDA). Under current law, ANGDA is restricted to examining and promoting a pipeline project intended to deliver North Slope natural gas to tidewater for export as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The requested revisions will allow ANGDA to examine and pursue all options to supply Alaskans with affordable, clean-burning natural gas.
The second bill proposes changes to the Right Of Way Leasing Act and the Pipeline Act. The bill addresses technical right-of-way issues for pipelines and clarifies oversight by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
This package of proposed legislation will form the initial statutory framework for the development of an in-state gasline for use by Alaskans.
[Text only from Sarah Palin's Facebook page.] http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=54975758434
