Alaska Gov. Palin said ExxonMobil has begun drilling operations at Point Thomson, the first time a well has been drilled into the Point Thomson reservoir since 1983.
“ExxonMobil informed my administration that, at 2:30 a.m. today, drilling operations began,” the governor said in a statement.
“Today’s action shows that our perseverance is paying off. We congratulate ExxonMobil on their successful efforts, and commend them for fulfilling their recent commitments to the state,” the governor said.
The state had terminated the Point Thomson unit for lack of development and also terminated the leases.
Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Irwin allowed the company to continue to hold two leases under a conditional decision issued in January, provided that they company drilled and began production.
“Today’s action by ExxonMobil is an important milestone in the continuing effort to see production of our state resources at Point Thomson,” Irwin said.
See story in May 17 issue, available online at noon, Friday, May 15 at www.PetroleumNews.com
