Panel OKs Persily as federal coordinator
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on March 3 voted to advance Larry Persily’s nomination as the new federal coordinator for Alaska natural gas transportation projects.
“Developing our natural gas resources is integral to Alaska’s future,” said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, the ranking Republican member on the Energy Committee. “I am confident that Larry will work tirelessly to advance this project.”
Persily now awaits action by the full Senate.
“No one has given me any hint of when that might be, but I am hoping for next week,” Persily told Petroleum News on March 4.
The Juneau resident currently works as a legislative aide to state Rep. Mike Hawker, R-Anchorage.
The Obama administration picked Persily to succeed Drue Pearce, who was the first person to hold the position of federal coordinator.
Congress created the office with the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2004.
The coordinator’s job is to expedite permitting and construction of a natural gas pipeline, working with some 20 federal agencies, the Canadian government, the State of Alaska, tribal governments and other stakeholders.
—Wesley Loy
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