Alaska governor and Northwest Territories premier discuss gas pipeline

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski recently met with Northwest Territories Premier Stephen Kakfwi and Yukon Territory Premier Dennis Fentie to discuss a proposed natural gas pipeline from the North Slope, and Murkowski also advocated opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain to oil and gas exploration.

Oct. 7, 2003

2 min read

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 7 -- Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski recently met with Northwest Territories Premier Stephen Kakfwi and Yukon Territory Premier Dennis Fentie to discuss a proposed natural gas pipeline from the North Slope, and Murkowski also advocated opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain to oil and gas exploration.

The meetings happened while Murkowski was visiting Calgary where he spoke to the Far North Oil and Gas Forum. Murkowski told the conference that he expects the US Congress will approve the Alaska Highway natural gas pipeline (OGJ, Oct. 6, 2003, p. 26).

Murkowski said he was "heartened" because Premier Kakfwi said that he has moderated his opposition to the Alaska Highway route.

"Now that it is clear that the southern route is not competing with the construction of the Mackenzie Delta pipeline, Mr. Kakfwi has indicated the southern route is no longer an issue," Murkowski said.

Regarding ANWR, Murkowski emphasized that its potential reserves could help reduce US dependence on imported oil.

"With enhanced recovery technology, ANWR could provide an additional 30-50 years of reliable supply. We also estimate ANWR could create between 250,000 and 735,000 American and Canadian jobs, would have a very small footprint on the land, and no negative impact on the wildlife of the area, if Prudhoe Bay is any indicator," he said.

Last month, Murkowski met privately with Alberta Premier Ralph Klein to discuss support for Alaska's proposed gas line. Murkowski and Klein also discussed the Alberta-Alaska bilateral commission, which will address various border initiatives, including energy issues.

Separately, Murkowski has said he was encouraged that the Canada government plans to open a consulate in Anchorage this fall.