We Continually Focus On U.S. OCS (with revenue sharing) Because Of The Greatest Prospects For New Production Supporting Oil And Gas Transportation Systems And Alaska’s Economy!   We Keep Another Steady, Concerned And Objective Eye On The Leadership Required To Meet the Awesome Tax, Regulatory And Fiscal Challenges Which Are So Critical To Onshore Investment As Well.   -dh

1.  Houston Chronicle.   A new Rasmussen Reports survey that found roughly seven out of 10 U.S. voters support offshore oil drilling. According to the poll, just 20 percent oppose drilling for oil off the coast of the United States, while another 12 percent of respondents were undecided. The data matches earlier findings by Rasmussen in November 2008.  "The American public understands full well that energy stability and security and economic strength and prosperity are underpinned by access to reliable supplies of oil and gas," said Thomas J. Pyle, president of the Institute for Energy Research. The "report not only reinforces what most of the American people already believe, but should also serve as a wake-up call to the administration, which should move forward aggressively with a commonsense five-year offshore energy plan."  

2.  Governor Parnell Continues the OCS Battle.  The State of Alaska today intervened in federal court to support the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) decision not to list the ribbon seal as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  NMFS had concluded that evidence does not support an ESA listing of the ribbon seal, and the state has moved to support that decision against attack by environmental groups.  “Today’s intervention in the ribbon seal case is part of our broader strategy of protecting jobs and responsible resource development from environmental groups’ misuse of environmental laws like the ESA,” said Governor Sean Parnell (NGP Photo).

3.  Pipeline Blog.  INUVIK, Northwest Territories (NGP Photo-author in Inuvik-2002) – Driving by industrial yards along Inuvik’s icy Navy Road, Jackie Jacobson, an aboriginal guide, hunter and politician, pointed out fleets of idle trucks and clusters of unused oil field equipment.They are the tangible evidence of an economy in limbo, waiting for one of the world’s biggest unbuilt energy projects — the C$16.2 billion ($15.3 billion) Mackenzie natural gas pipeline — to get underway.  After decades of setbacks, work on the pipeline has not started, and it’s not entirely clear it ever will.  “If there’s another big delay, I think there are a lot of businesses in Inuvik and the Northwest Territories that could fold,” said Jacobson. “There are a lot of people invested into this project.”

4.  Alaska Dispatch, by Rena Delbridge.  The czar appointed by Gov. Sarah Palin in February to develop plans and permitting for instate natural gas pipelines that the state would sell to a private developer says he needs to spend more time at his Oregon cherry orchard — which is on target to process three million pounds of fruit this year.  But his halfhearted explanation to lawmakers at a hearing on Tuesday quickly segued into talk about the "civil war" that Alaska’s lawmakers and governors have wrought as they throw millions at a handful of plans, projects and proposals that promise reliable, affordable energy. Harry Noah charged that the "civil war" has set the stage for battles and political infighting between those different groups charged with hitting an awfully similar finish line.  … Rep. Mark Neuman of Wasilla and Craig Johnson of Anchorage called the hearing after another Rep. Jay Ramras, a Fairbanks Republican running for lieutenant governor, fired off a lengthy letter to Gov. Sean Parnell, effectively publicizing a rich drama of the in-fighting Noah described, but also denied between himself and key state department leaders. Ramras’ concerns zeroed in on what he described as a battle between those who favor a large-diameter natural gas pipeline through Canada, and those who are set on an in-state bullet line. Noah acknowledged there’s not enough demand in Alaska to warrant both.     *     ADN by Sean Cockerham.  Harry Noah said Tuesday he’s quitting as the governor’s in-state gas pipeline chief amid frustration over a civil war between competing plans for Alaska’s energy. He said he concluded the state is "wrapped around the axle." … Wasilla Republican Sen. Charlie Huggins (NGP Photo) said it looks like Noah is a "casualty of the civil war," and his resignation is a problem for the effort to get North Slope gas to the Railbelt. Anchorage Republican Rep. Craig Johnson said an in-state gas pipeline is the top priority for his constituents, and a replacement for Noah is needed soon.

5.  FMC’s Overview Of Significant Developments In The Canadian Energy Industry.  Article by Doug Black, Q.C., Bill Gilliland, Alex MacWilliam, Miles Pittman, Anne Calverley, Rich Miller, Claude Morency, Cyrus Reporter, Ron Stuber and Jerry Farrell.