Gas Pipeline Czar Larry Persily Says, "What If You're Wrong?" - Last Night's USFWS-ANWR Hearing

Governor's Office Release: Governor Sean Parnell (NGP Photo) today submitted comments (here) on upcoming revisions to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Comprehensive Conservation Plan by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A new refuge plan could potentially affect the most promising unexplored petroleum region in North America. ... “Responsible oil and gas development in ANWR’s coastal plain would provide a secure on-shore domestic supply source of energy for the nation, create tens of thousands of jobs throughout the country, and ensure the continued operation of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System for years to come,” Governor Parnell said. “We must keep good paying jobs at home and reduce our purchases of foreign energy supplies.”  Kevin Banks (NGP Photo), director of the Division of Oil and Gas in the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, provided testimony at a USFWS public hearing in Anchorage.

DH Notes: The meeting convened in the Anchorage FWS office on Tudor Road in a crowded hearing room.  A number of FWS employees were present, distinguished by their green shirts with embroidered logos.  Based on the testimony heard, it seemed that about 2/3 of the comments supported   ...   MORE COMING.....

Alaska Dispatch.  "For those who have written off the chances of a large steel pipe moving Alaska gas to the Lower 48: What if you're wrong?" said Larry Persily (NGP Photo Archive), federal coordinator of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, at a Tuesday luncheon hosted by the Resource Development Council and Alaska Support Industry Alliance. Persily presented an update on the proposed natural gas pipeline projects, stressing that Alaskans should exercise patience:

"Exxon Mobil, BP, ConocoPhillips and TransCanada have spent in the neighborhood of $400 million total since 2000 to look at the viability of the project. They're still looking, still spending. Wait for the open seasons to close, wait for the commercial negotiations that will follow. Wait to see what the producers ask of the state. Wait to see what the White House can do to help. And wait to see what the nation does about reducing carbon dioxide emissions and turning to natural gas."