The Republic — Gov. Sean Sean Parnell, Governor, Alaska, AGIA, Gas Pipeline, LNG, Photo by Dave HarbourParnell (NGP Photo) announced Tuesday that the state and TransCanada Corp. have formally ended their relationship under terms of the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, clearing the way for a new partnership to pursue a major gas project.

The development was expected, after the state, TransCanada, the North Slope's three major players and Alaska Gasline Development Corp. agreed to work together to pursue a liquefied natural gas project. State lawmakers earlier this year approved state participation in the mega-project, setting the stage for a new agreement with the Canadian pipeline company.

Calgary Herald by Darcy Henton.  Federal government approval of the controversial Northern Gateway pipeline Tuesday touched off a storm of outrage and angry vows to block the project, but Alberta’s energy minister expressed confidence bitumen will flow from the Athabasca oilsands to the West Coast.

Diana McQueen called the decision announced by federal Conservative Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford "a positive step" and put little stock into claims by Liberal and NDP leaders that they will reverse the decision if the Harper Conservatives fall in the next election.

"If this project is based on facts and science … I am confident this will go through regardless of the election," she told reporters at the legislature.

"I feel that if the conditions are met, certainly we will see this project move forward."