March 18, 2009

Palin Expresses Confidence in AGIA

State of Alaska press release:

Governor Sarah Palin today reiterated her support for the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, saying AGIA remains the best way to get a natural gas pipeline. The governor's comments follow the introduction of a resolution that calls on the governor and the attorney general to review the license issued to TransCanada. Representatives Jay Ramras and Craig Johnson introduced the resolution.

"I believe they want us to double check, triple check, make quite sure all decisions we've made thus far with the gasline are truly in Alaska's best interest, and I am confident they are," Governor Palin said. "My decisions, with the support of 59 out of 60 legislators, protect Alaska's sovereignty and progress a gasline project that will finally allow Alaskans to responsibly and ethically tap into their rich natural gas resources on the North Slope, and flow those resources into hungry markets."

"I believe Rep. Ramras and Rep. Johnson are instructing us to be vigilant in pursuit of this gasline. I agree with the premise, but I don't believe this resolution is necessary, and I certainly don't agree that there should be an AGIA 're-do'."

"Finally, we expect the oil and gas industry to abide by contracts and agreements they sign with us as they develop our resources, just as they have a right to expect us to abide by our agreements. AGIA is a contract. Why would we take it off the table, especially in this economy and at a time of great need for energy independence?"