Governor Palin 4 President

By Governor Palin - Ensuring that Alaskans have affordable energy for decades to come is one of the most important jobs on my desk right now. To succeed, the state needs to look at every possible option and make sure Alaskans have all the information to make the right decisions.

That's why I asked the Legislature to fund a thorough review of an in-state pipeline to move natural gas from the North Slope to Fairbanks, through the Railbelt and Southcentral regions, serving as many communities in the state as economically feasible.

Our efforts complement progress TC Alaska is making on a line to the Lower 48, using its state license under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act......also in Valdez to ship Alaska gas to ports all along the world's Pacific Rim like California, Japan, South Korea.

We are reviewing all options to ensure Alaskans know all the facts about progress to flow gas to our homes and businesses. An in-state gas line to serve as many communities as possible is one of the options and would not interfere with plans for the larger interstate pipeline (to lower 48) . Geologists say there is enough gas throughout the North Slope for both pipes. There is enough investor interest for both pipes. And there may be enough consumer demand for both pipes.

My team is working with experts and interested parties to prepare cost estimates and to figure out what is needed -- from gas supply contracts at one end of the pipe to gas purchase contracts at the other end. Unless reasonably priced gas goes into the line, no one will be able to afford what comes out.

We are blessed to have many possibilities for solving our energy challenges. Possibilities include explorers finding and developing new gas supplies in Cook Inlet. Perhaps a spur line off the big line will be built in short order. Experience shows us that the prudent thing to do is consider all options to maximize benefits for Alaskans, and that is what we're doing in readying a plan to ensure our residents have the gas we need

Full Article At:
http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/799018.html