Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Conclusion of Special Session
November 5, 2015
The third special session has concluded and the Legislature has voted to buy out TransCanada from the AK LNG project. The time spent in Juneau was informative both about gasline issues and about the long-term fiscal plan for the State. I hope everyone has a great weekend and stays safe on the icy roads!
Read More →
Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: End of the Third Special Session
November 5, 2015
Yesterday the House voted on and passed SB3001, the buyout of TransCanada, by a vote of 39-0. The legislation now goes to the Governor for his signature. The third special session lasted 12 days and featured numerous presentations from the Governor’s cabinet, industry representatives, and state experts. In the end, both the House and the Senate agreed to the Governor’s request for $160 million to increase Alaska’s ownership of the AKLNG project.
Read More →
Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: End of the Special Session Recap
November 5, 2015
After 12 days, the Third Special Session is finally over. I attended House Finance Committee hearings every day while in Juneau, even on weekends. We heard from many key members of the Walker Administration as well as consultants explaining why it was the right choice was to buy out TransCanada’s 12.5 percent share of the AKLNG project.
Read More →
Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Public Comment Needed TODAY and Third Special Session Update
November 2, 2015
On October 24 the Legislature started the third special session of the year. This session is dedicated to the AK LNG natural gas pipeline project. Governor Walker has proposed buying out TransCanada’s interest in this project. Under the law passed under former Governor Parnell, TransCanada is contracted to manage Alaska’s ownership in this project, but Governor Walker believes it would be better for Alaska to buyout this contract and represent itself. I am inclined to agree, but I am committed to making sure this is the best decision to make sure a pipeline gets built and brings gas to Alaskans. Building the pipeline is probably more important to Fairbanks than anywhere else in the state. Although heating oil may be at a low price now it will surely be higher sometime in the future so a good reliable source of cheap natural gas is essential. Fairbanks would also welcome a huge boost to the economy resulting from the construction of a megaproject like a gas pipeline. I will work hard to make sure this happens.
Read More →
Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Divorce (or Dissolution) Special Session Update
October 30, 2015
The Legislature is now in day 7 of a special session called by Governor Bill Walker to propose the ‘buy-out’ of TransCanada under SB138, a bill that passed under the last administration. After only a few days, it seems the best, and possibly the only, course moving forward on the proposed natural gasline for Alaska.
Read More →
