Press releases & proclamations from the Alaska Governor's Office: on Energy & Oil

Submitted legislation to build natural AGIA gas pipeline

Fully fund the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office

“I’m disappointed that House Finance subcommittee members removed $523,000 in funding for PSIO from my budget. Facing the prospect of the largest construction project in North America, a natural gas pipeline, we must demonstrate to Alaskans and the nation that we provide sound oversight of the systems that are needed to develop our resources. I am hopeful the full Finance Committee will restore funding for critical PSIO positions needed to accomplish this mission.“ The money would fund personnel for investigation of system integrity breaches and implementation of a statewide quality assurance program.

Bush is right: drill ANWR & develop our own supplies

Energy relief plan: $100 per person monthly, for oil & gas

In addition, there will be conservation incentives for the utilities. For every 1% reduction in 2008 kilowatt hour sales from 2007 sales, the state will make a year-end contribution for capital energy projects to the utility.

The Energy Debit Card will go out to every qualifying [Alaska resident]. The benefit will be $100 per month per recipient. The temporary Energy Debit Card can be used for purchases from Alaska energy vendors, such as heating oil distributors, natural gas utilities, electric utilities, gas stations & other retail fueling stations.

The value of this plan is approximately $1.2 billion. The grant to electric utilities is expected to be $475 million, while the Energy Debit Card totals are forecast to be $729 million. The Governor has proposed this energy relief plan for one year.

Exxon-Mobil should pay $507 million for Exxon Valdez spill

The Governor is hopeful plaintiffs will receive payments this fall. So far, though, Exxon has not indicated whether it will cut checks to plaintiffs right away, or seek further reductions in the award as the case goes back to the lower courts.

Agrees with Obama on more Alaska oil & gas production

In a speech given in Lansing, Michigan, Senator Obama called for the completion of the Alaska natural gas pipeline, stating, “Over the next five years, we should also lease more of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for oil and gas production. And we should also tap more of our substantial natural gas reserves and work with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process.“

Gov. Palin said, ”This is a tool that must be on the table to buy us time until our long-term energy plans can be put into place, and it is gratifying to see Senator Obama get on board.“

Windfall oil profits tax prevents investment

“Windfall profits taxes alone prevent additional investment in domestic production. Without new supplies from American reserves, our dependency and addiction to foreign sources of oil will continue,” Palin said.

Resource rebate: suspend AK 8-cent fuel tax for one year

Our lawmakers also included an additional $60 million for the Home Energy Rebate Program operated by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and $50 million in grant funds to the Renewable Energy Fund, bringing the total available for renewable energy projects in FY 2009 to $100 million.

Gasline Inducement Act: 1,715-mile natural gas pipeline

Commercialize Alaska’s North Slope natural gas

“This solidifies our commitment to facilitating an LNG project that is a product of market interest,” Governor Palin said. “By committing both project capital and natural gas resources to a pipeline that would transport North Slope natural gas to tidewater, an LNG project can remain an integral element of the state’s effort to deliver Alaska’s gas to market.“

Specifically, the Administrative Order instructs the two departments to provide specific kinds of support to those pursuing development of an economically and technically viable liquefied natural gas project. That support includes permitting coordination, fiscal and economic analysis, and facilitation of meetings with federal agencies.