Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The third special session of the 29th Legislature begins today. As we begin carefully considering the AK LNG pipeline project, I am keeping in mind lessons that I learned during my recent visit with 2nd grade students. After all, some of the best lessons are those we learn early on. 

Leaders in the Classroom:

Earlier this month, I spent the morning at Lake Hood Elementary School. Since both of my children are grown and in college, it was good to refresh myself with what it’s like to be in an elementary classroom. I spent the first part of the morning in a second grade combined classroom where two teachers work together, as a team, to teach two classes. Each teacher has their own class, and the classes come together to learn various subjects.

Rep. Claman helps give the morning announcements at Lake Hood Elementary School.

During my visit, the second graders came together to learn about “conflict.” The teacher outlined three reasons why conflict occur: scarce resources, misunderstanding, and differences. The teacher asked for examples of each kind of conflict, often using examples from the playground, and then talked about resolving conflicts. She described the three tools for resolving conflicts: active listening, love, and shared understanding. The second graders were very interested and answered her questions with thoughtful responses.

Second graders at Lake Hood Elementary join in the morning circle to learn about, “Conflict.”

Later in the morning, three fourth graders gave me an incredibly thorough tour of the school. I saw the gym, the library, the music room, the cafeteria, and different kinds of classrooms designed to support our children’s education. For example, I learned how Lake Hood Elementary utilizes social and emotional learning (“SEL”) lessons to help students learn the skills for cooperating with others. Overall, my time spent with the students at Lake Hood Elementary School was refreshing and informative. 

AK LNG Pipeline Project:

After I left the classroom at Lake Hood, I began thinking about the lesson the second graders learned that day. The Legislature deals with conflict on a regular basis, often for the same reasons the teacher at Lake Hood taught her students. As we begin discussion on the AK LNG gasline project, I’ll keep in mind that conflict is natural, and it can be resolved.

A graphic and map from the AK LNG project website. You can learn more about the project, here.

On a basic level, the AK LNG project is a $45 to $65 billion liquefied natural gas export project. Once developed, the project will begin at a gas treatment facility on the North Slope where gas would come primarily from the Prudhoe Bay and Point Thomson fields. From there, the gas is shipped down an 800-mile pipeline to Nikiski, where a liquefaction plant would cool and condense the gas for export to, most likely, Asian markets.

Governor Walker called the Legislature into special session to deal with three different issues related to the gasline. Just before the session began, however, the Governor withdrew the natural gas reserves tax from consideration. Two issues remain: 

1)      TransCanada Buyout:  Considering the state’s option to purchase TransCanada’s share of the gas pipeline and treatment facility, giving the State of Alaska a 25% share in the project. Read a study analyzing the TransCanada buyout here.

2)      Appropriations for Costs to Reach FEED Decision: Making budget appropriations to fund the state’s part in the remaining work to continue pre-front end engineering and design (Pre-FEED) to ultimately reach a FEED decision.

As the special session continues, I am looking forward to learning more about the Governor’s proposal. The pursuit of a natural gas pipeline for Alaska has been a long journey. Hopefully, the Legislature and the Governor can resolve any conflicts and do what’s right for Alaska.

Congratulations West High!

Congratulations to the West High football team for victory in the First National Bowl. This is the third time that West has captured the championship in the last six years. Way to go Eagles!

As always, please let us know if you have suggestions or concerns.

Sincerely,

    Rep. Matt Claman

    P.S. follow me on Facebook and Twitter

Click here to unsubscribe