"That's why I asked the Legislature to fund a thorough review of an in-state pipeline to move natural gas from the North Slope to Fairbanks, through the Railbelt and Southcentral regions, serving as many communities in the state as economically feasible."Gov. Palin said that planning for an in-state gas line is a complimentary effort to the AGIA project. She also said that "we are not walking away" from promoting development of a spur line which would be fed by the "big line" to provide natural gas to Alaskans, nor has the hope that a future gas liquefaction plant located in Valdez to export Alaskan gas "to ports all along the world's Pacific Rim."
"We're not wasting any time in this effort. The Legislature adjourned just three weeks ago and the gas line review is already under way, led by Harry Noah, former commissioner of Natural Resources under Gov. Wally Hickel."
An in-state gas line is an option which should serve as many communities as possible, she said, and it would not interfere with plans to build the larger pipeline to the lower 48. According to the governor, geologists say there is enough gas under the North Slope and sufficient investor interest for both pipes, and added that there may also be enough consumer demand for both.
The governor said in-state line could could be up and running sooner than a spur off the big line, and stressed the importance of timing for Alaskans:
"Each winter brings more worries about gas shortages, unaffordable energy prices, and residents choosing which bills they can afford to pay that month. This is unacceptable. The smart move is to look at the costs, the challenges and the feasibility of an in-state line to meet our needs sooner rather than later."Gov. Palin's full opinion piece is here.
- JP
No comments:
Post a Comment