Gov. Palin Addresses Oil & Gas Luncheon

Governor Sarah Palin spoke today at the Point Thomson Appreciation Luncheon in Anchorage, thanking those who worked to get the first rig in place at the site on Alaska's North Slope so drilling could begin:

"This has at times been a tough process, but today, through collaborative efforts, we’ve seen progress and we’re drilling!" Governor Palin said. "And we’re protecting the environment through effective permitting and monitoring, ensuring safe operations for those at the drill site. And, bottom line: we’re making sure that our oil and gas resources are consistently developed according to the mandate of our constitution – for the maximum benefit of the people of Alaska."

According to the governor's office, Point Thomson reserves are estimated to include hundreds of millions of barrels of oil and over 8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It is considered to have the largest untapped onshore reserves of oil and gas in North America.

Gov. Palin expressed her appreciation for the jobs created by the project:

"To me, there’s nothing better than when our efforts lead to jobs created by responsible development and collaborative partnership – there’s no better result than Alaskans and Alaska businesses going to work! I know Alaskans join me in that appreciation."

The governor noted that the oil industry has committed to produce oil from the two Point Thompson leases by 2014 and said that the design work and permitting for the infrastructure needed to move oil from the leases to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was only in the beginning phases. She said that the continuing effort will mean many more jobs for Alaskans for years to come.

h/t: Governor Palin 4 President

- JP