February 25, 2008

Governor Palin Urges PSIO Funding be Restored

Alaska governor Sarah Palin Monday urged lawmakers to restore critical funding for the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office (PSIO), which exercises oversight of the maintenance of facilities, equipment and infrastructure for sustained production and transportation of oil and natural gas resources in Alaska.

From a State of Alaska press release: Governor Sarah Palin today strongly urged lawmakers to restore critical funding for the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office (PSIO), which exercises oversight of the maintenance of facilities, equipment and infrastructure for sustained production and transportation of oil and natural gas resources in Alaska.

The Governor issued the following statement from Washington D.C., at the National Governor's Association where she has been discussing how Alaska can, by developing its natural resources in an environmentally responsible manner, contribute to the nation's energy needs.

"I'm disappointed that House Finance subcommittee members removed $523,000 in funding for PSIO from my budget. Facing the prospect of the largest construction project in North America, a natural gas pipeline, we must demonstrate to Alaskans and the nation that we provide sound oversight of the systems that are needed to develop our resources. I am hopeful the full Finance Committee will restore funding for critical PSIO positions needed to accomplish this mission."

The money would fund personnel for investigation of system integrity breaches and implementation of a statewide quality assurance program.

Governor Palin created the PSIO by Administrative Order. PSIO is an independent office in the Department of Natural Resources' Division of Oil and Gas, with specific responsibilities and authorities to coordinate the state's oversight and compliance functions with all other responsible agencies.