AGIA forum not-to-be-missed opportunity

Experts from around the country gathered in Anchorage late last month to present information at the AGIA (Alaska Gasline Inducement Act) Alaska Gasline Determination Public Forum hosted by the Palin Administration. And no matter which side of the AGIA debate lawmakers fall on, the opportunity to learn about the winning Trans-Canada Alaska plan was there to seize for supporters and opponents alike. This was a brilliant endeavor on the part of Gov. Sarah Palin.

I attended the three-day forum specifically organized for state lawmakers and the public, and several things were apparent: the TC Alaska plan is solid, the consultants were credible and accessible, and the immense amount of information was thorough and unbiased. All in all, I’m convinced the AGIA forum was an invaluable opportunity.

The forum allowed legislators and the public to hear how the TC Alaska plan will maximize benefits to Alaskans from the commissioners of the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Revenue, and provided an opportunity to explain the AGIA findings. The expert analysis prepared by teams of consultants, break-out sessions, and thousands of pages of available documents clearly demonstrated the time and attention Governor Palin and her gasline team spent to make the AGIA briefing a success.

However, if that wasn’t enough, the governor also graciously offered to cover airfare and lodging for any legislator who wanted to attend.

I applaud the large majority of lawmakers (47 of 60) who attended all or parts of the AGIA forum. Not only were these lawmakers active participants in learning about the only viable Alaska gas pipeline project on the table, they were able to gather invaluable information, ask important questions, and educate themselves on arguably the most complex issue they’ll ever face during their tenure in the Legislature.

Alaskans should be disappointed 13 lawmakers declined the invitation to attend the AGIA forum. As Sen. Charlie Huggins is famous for saying, “Shame on them!” In Senate District G, Senate President Lyda Green boycotted the conference and chose instead to attend the Palmer Chamber luncheon and her fund-raiser at the Millennium.

It’s unfortunate voters across the state cannot expect more from our elected lawmakers. Suffice it to say, even if these lawmakers view themselves as the smartest ducks in the lake, the highly technical information was vital going into special session on the Trans-Canada vote. Even the three major North Slope producers had representatives in attendance because they understand this is the largest project ever in North America.

Lawmakers will soon decide, in an up or down vote, whether to ratify the TC Alaska gas pipeline project. I fear those legislators who did not participate in the AGIA briefing will have a more difficult time evaluating the TC Alaska proposal because they missed so much complex data that the majority of their colleagues have gained.

Considering the importance of this upcoming decision for all Alaskans and our future generations, I would ask all lawmakers to deliberate over TC Alaska with an open mind.

Time is of the essence for legislators to set political differences and predetermined decision aside. Alaska’s future is at stake. Allow me to end by saying I attended with an open mind and came away saying I am on board with AGIA.

Linda Menard of Wasilla is a

GOP candidate for Senate Seat G, opposing Lyda Green.