Natural gas issues going public

Feb. 11, 2007

By MARK KELSEY

Frontiersman

JUNEAU - A Valley connection is poised to keep the gas pipeline issue not only public, but readily accessible.

Gov. Sarah Palin and Rep. Carl Gatto announced separately Friday that they are mounting public awareness initiatives designed to keep Alaskans informed about gas pipeline issues.

Palin is a former Wasilla governor and chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Gatto is a longtime Valley resident who represents Palmer in the Legislature.

Palin will give weekly media briefings each Friday afternoon about the process of and progress toward acquiring a long-sought pipeline to bring the state's natural gas to market. This approach is in contrast to that of former Gov. Frank Murkowski, who was criticized by Palin on the campaign trail for keeping too much of the pipeline negotiations behind closed doors.

&#8220It is important that the public understands the work that we're doing on behalf of the state to get a gasline built,” Palin said in a prepared statement. &#8220Every week, I look forward to providing insight into another aspect of the gasline process. I'll explain what we're doing, why we're doing it, and how the process is moving forward.”

Gatto, a Republican who co-chairs the House Resources Committee, will present a three-part presentation, beginning Monday, on natural gas and gas pipeline issues &#8220to encourage and facilitate debate on the state's 30-plus year quest to secure a pipeline to tap Alaska's last major resource,” according to a press release.

&#8220With a new governor fleshing out a new strategy to market our natural gas, it is incumbent upon us to make sure we understand not only the history of proposed projects, but also the world market, players, competition and developments that could potentially impact our ability to finally land a gas pipeline,” Gatto said.

The first installment in Gatto's series is at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Capitol. Valley residents interested in listening in to the presentation should check with the local Legislative Information Office, 376-3704, about a teleconference link. Additional information about the presentation can also be obtained by calling Gatto's office at 800-565-3743.

&#8220Our goal is to give the listener or viewer - legislators, staff, members of the press, and Alaskans - the opportunity to converse more fluently and learn about this untapped resource,” Gatto said. &#8220How it can help redefine our state's economy at a baseline, easy-to-follow level.”