Southcentral licensing comment extended

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas, has extended the comment period for its preliminary determination that state-owned acreage in the Southcentral regional exploration license determination area will be available for licensing.

The area being considered is state lands outside the Cook Inlet areawide oil and gas lease sale area, generally lands north of Paxson, west of Talkeetna, east of McCarthy and south of Yakutat.

The state said oil and gas exploration has occurred in the area in the past, but technological advancements may facilitate more efficient and effective exploration. The oil and gas potential in the area is unknown and there is limited access to oil and gas infrastructure in much of the area.

The comment period, originally set to close March 11, has been extended to April 1. The preliminary determination, including a map and legal description is available at http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/.

- Petroleum News