The two-part series beginning here takes a detailed look at a crucial element of Alaskan production: taxes. This week’s installment argues that recent reforms have been successful from the state’s perspective. But how will they affect efforts to encourage gas development? The authors address that question next week.In 2006 and 2007 the State of Alaska undertook fundamental reforms to its oil and gas production tax, making it much more progressive. Among the goals of these reforms, two were key. One was to capture more value for the state at higher energy prices. As the legislature was debating the reforms in 2006, prices for Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude for the first time cr...