Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-03-02 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-03-02 House Journal Page 0372 HB 163 HOUSE BILL NO. 163 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act clarifying the purpose of the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority; and relating to definitions of certain terms in AS 41.41." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources 2. Zero, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 27, 2009, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill clarifying the purpose of the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority; and relating to definitions of certain terms in AS 41.41. The Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (ANGDA) is a corporation that was established in 2003 through a 2002 ballot initiative. The authority was created with the intent of "developing, constructing, managing, and operating a gas pipeline from the North Slope of Alaska and a spur line to the Southcentral Alaska natural gas distribution grid" (Section 1, 2002 Ballot Measure No. 3). 2009-03-02 House Journal Page 0373 The current law could be interpreted to limit ANGDA's primary mission to a pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to serve overseas export markets, with the possibility of a spur line to service Southcentral Alaska. Given Alaska's energy needs, the bill would clarify ANGDA's mission to include providing for natural gas from sources anywhere within the state to markets within Alaska. Amendments to the definition of "project" and the addition of a definition for "North Slope" would make it clear that a pipeline can extend from recent finds in the Brooks Range foothills and other regions within the state and that the gas may broadly serve Alaskan markets. With more flexibility regarding a pipeline's source of natural gas and the markets for the gas, ANGDA will be in a better position to fulfill its mission of developing an in-state gas line that best serves the people of Alaska. This proposed legislation, together with a separate submittal today proposing to amend how rights-of-way for oil and gas pipelines are regulated, will form the initial statutory framework for the development of in state gasline for use by Alaskans. Additionally, the key action to bring a long term stable supply of Alaska gas to Alaska consumers will be an action plan, and the people that implement that plan to jump start work immediately on an instate gas pipeline. The action plan will include evaluation of options for routes, gas resources and potential industrial and residential users; commencement of right-of-way and permitting work; preliminary engineering; and a firm timetable for accomplishing this work. We will provide details of this action plan in the next week. I urge your prompt and favorable action on the bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor"