Democrats Decry Demise of MidAmerican Negotiations

Democratic legislators today expressed disappointment over the breakdown of natural gas pipeline negotiations between Governor Frank Murkowski and MidAmerican Holdings Company.

MidAmerican is an attractive partner, said House and Senate Democrats. First, as an independent pipeline company, they have no conflicts of interest or monopoly issues on the North Slope. Second, MidAmerican has deep enough pockets to build a multi-billion dollar project. Third, they have significant pipeline construction experience. Fourth, the company was willing to forge partnerships with Alaskan entities. And fifth, MidAmerican was aggressive about building the project right away.

"We can spare no effort in moving the gas pipeline ahead," explained House Democratic Leader Ethan Berkowitz (D-Anchorage). "Resource development will remain the backbone of our economy for years to come."

"They tried to open a new store in a company town," said Representative Eric Croft (D-Anchorage).

"Warren Buffett, one of the principals behind MidAmerican, understands business," said Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks). "And when he says there's potential in Alaska, we can expect other advantages as other businesses look north. But when he says you can't do business with this administration, what kind of message does this send to the rest of the world?"

Democrats said they remain committed to bringing Alaska's natural gas to market and today supported efforts in the House of Representatives to immediately create a special committee on natural gas pipeline negotiations.

"We have a responsibility to review any final negotiation," said House Democratic Whip Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau). "But more importantly we have a responsibility to the people of Alaska to not only understand these negotiations, but to be sure they are in our best interest. A legislative committee modeled along the lines of the BP/Arco merger committee is absolutely necessary."

Upcoming Events-

Saturday, March 27th - Senator Johnny Ellis and Representative Les Gara host their District 23 Mid-Session Meeting and Constituent Pizza Party at Rogers Park Elementary School (1400 East Northern Lights Blvd.) from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 27th - Senator Hollis French, Representative Ethan Berkowitz, and Representative Eric Croft host their Senate District M (House Districts 25 and 26) Mid-Session Constituent Meeting from 12:00-2:00 pm at the Spenard Recreation Center (2020 West 48 th Ave.).

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