NEWS: Release the Hidden Oil Consultant Reports

Rep. Gara calls on Parnell administration to stop withholding oil information

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on Governor Parnell to release reports on oil taxes done by two internationally recognized oil tax consultants over the last three years before the Legislature votes on current oil tax legislation. Last week, the Department of Revenue stated it would extend the response date to Rep. Gara’s requests from April 10, 2013 to April 24, 2013, ten days after the end of the regular legislative session.

NEWS: House Democrats Call for Firm Timelines on Pt. Thomson Development

Without work schedules, continued delay likely

JUNEAU – Today, nine members of the House Democratic Caucus called on the Department of Natural Resources to require firm timelines and work schedules before approving Exxon’s most recent Plan of Development for Pt. Thomson. In their official comments submitted today, the lawmakers said that without a timeline for Exxon to complete the work, this Plan of Development is likely to result in the same delay and inaction that has kept the resource undeveloped for over thirty years.

Democrats to Gov: Stop Touting Existing Oil Industry Commitments as New

Official reports show I-Pad, other promised investment already underway under ACES

JUNEAU – Today Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the governor to stop touting existing oil industry commitments as new when he pitches his multi-billion dollar oil tax giveaway.

“For the last four to five years, the oil industry has reported to the state that these projects are already in their plans, so how can the governor keep repeating that they are new commitments?” asked Rep. Kawasaki, a member of the House Resources Committee.

Gara Calls For Proof that Chuitna River’s Salmon Can Be Fully Restored; No Response Yet

“Destroying a wild salmon stream to sell coal to China is about the worst idea in Alaska’s proud history of salmon protection. We’ve always promoted responsible mines. But this one is irresponsible,” said Representative Les Gara, of state plans allowing dredging of eleven miles of the Chuitna River’s tributaries to keep moving forward.

[gara] Letter to AHFC regarding Section 8 housing and Karluk Manor

PDF of the letter to Dan Fauske from Senator Johnny Ellis and Representative Les Gara

Democrats to U.S. Attorney General: Investigate Alaska Gas Prices

JUNEAU – Today, Alaska Representatives Pete Petersen and Chris Tuck (both D-Anchorage), and Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asking that he investigate Alaskan fuel prices as part of his investigation of nationwide gasoline prices.

“Alaska produces more oil than most countries, but Alaskans still pay more at the pump than anyone else in the U.S. Something’s not right,” said Rep. Petersen. “Any investigation into high fuel prices should certainly include a hard look at the situation in Alaska.”