A Joint Committee on Mergers has been formed by the Alaska Legislature. The committee will study issues relating to the proposed acquisition of ARCO by BP Amoco. Sen. President Drue Pearce, R-Anchorage, and House Speaker Brian Porter, R-Anchorage, appointed members to the newly formed committee May 26.
Both Pearce and Porter will serve as committee members. Sen. Rick Halford, R-Chugiak, will chair the committee. Rep. Joe Green, R-Anchorage, will be the vice chairman.
Other members include Sen. Johnny Ellis, D-Anchorage and Rep. Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau. Rep. Jim Whitaker, R-Fairbanks, is the House alternate.
The committee will meet throughout the next year and a half and will be terminated in January 2001.
Issues for review include: revenues generated through oil production and transport; employment opportunities for Alaskans; environmental impacts; future oil and gas exploration and development; sale of natural gas from the North Slope; and ensuring a healthy competitive environment for industry in Alaska.
