We Grieve Loss With Family, Friends and Fellow Citizens Around the World - Bob McLeod Touts Arctic Gas At OTC

ADN/PNA by Eric Lidji.  The Regulatory Commission of Alaska is letting four owners of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline keep charging higher shipping rates on oil bound for Alaska markets while it continues investigating whether the rate increases are reasonable.

CBC.  Bob McLeod (NGP Photo) said if the blowout — which has led to a massive oil spill off the coast of Louisiana — leads to tighter U.S. environmental restrictions on oil production, there could be more demand for natural gas from places like the N.W.T.'s Mackenzie Delta, where a gas pipeline has long been proposed.  "Canada is the largest supplier to the United States, and one of our main messages is we have Arctic natural gas," McLeod said Wednesday from Houston, where he is promoting the Mackenzie pipeline at the Offshore Technology Energy Conference.

Claiming a point of personal privilege.  Over the years your author had the historical and personal pleasure of spending much time with former Governors.  There is not one with whom I did not disagree at times but not one I disliked.  Of all the former Governors, however, the one I held in highest esteem was Walter J. Hickel (3-28-09 NGP Photo with Ermalee), who passed away last Friday after a long, distinguished, honorable, productive and pioneering life.  Wally counseled me during various careers and pursuits, including those with Alaska Pacific University, Atlantic Richfield Company, Alaskan Arctic Gas Pipeline Company over a 35-year period.  We discussed gas pipeline projects, routes and modes extensively.  He always had a special place in his heart for Robert O. Anderson, my Atlantic Richfield mentor, and my gas pipeline boss, Robert Ward, which is probably why I benefited so much from his friendship.  He readily complied when I requested advice in helping to organize the Anchorage Downtown Partnership and Arctic Power.  At our meetings in his office, he would frequently recall the early days of ARCO, building the "Hickel Highway" and dealing with oil companies in general.  He shared with me private and compelling glimpses into the State's history with oil company leaders.  One of my favorite times was when I provided a private jet ride for former Governors Hickel and Bill Egan to Governor Hammond's Juneau Inaugural event.  Amid the joking and lighthearted reminiscing, I remember when Bill said, "We always need to be vigilant of a predatory federal government," an assertion about which Wally heartily agreed.  The other special time was when Wally and Ermalee--along with Malcolm and Cindy Roberts--joined in a discussion of our dear friends and former Alaskans, John and Susan Overbey of Austin.  A man of faith (i.e. greatly inspired by Ermalee) as well as action, I know the Governor is now happily seated near the throne of his Creator, whose Holy Spirit accompanied him in life, disguised as, "Little Man".  -DH  (See stories: Anchorage Daily News, Juneau Empire, LA Times, NY Times, USA Today)