Alaska Sen. Frank Murkowski said July 20 that he has received a series of suggestions from North Slope gas producers on how the federal government can facilitate construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline.
Murkowski said that commercial owners of the natural gas offered a draft July 19 of federal enabling legislation to expedite permitting of an Alaska gasline project.
"This was a solid step that shows the companies’ interest in making this project a reality. It shows their commitment to building an Alaska gasline," said Murkowski.
Murkowski said he had urged BP, Exxon and Phillips last year to make concrete suggestions on what, if anything, the federal government could do to help facilitate construction of a gasline to move Alaska’s 32 trillion cubic feet of proven North Slope natural gas to market. July 19 the companies proposed a host of measures to expedite permitting for any gasline project.
"There are a number of proposals offered, and we’re evaluating them, so it’s too early to divulge specifics and evaluate how they relate to current law.
"What’s important is that the companies have given us specific suggestions to facilitate construction of a gasline. It shows they are serious about trying to find a way to get the gas to market," said Murkowski, who said he hopes to be able to include advance an Alaska gas project in energy legislation that is already moving in the House and will likely be considered in the Senate this fall.
