FERC notes Alaska's progress in Fifth Pipeline Report to Congress
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today submitted its "Fifth Report to Congress on the Progress Made in Licensing and Constructing the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline," as required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
In the nine-page document, FERC recognizes Alaska's selection of a preferred applicant, TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. TransCanada filed jointly with Foothills Pipe Lines, Ltd., and was one of the applicants considered under the criteria set in the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA).
ConocoPhillips Company also submitted a proposal that the company acknowledged would not meet all of the AGIA requirements but expressed hope the state would consider it anyway. In rejecting the proposal, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin took the position that the state must impose strict adherence to the requirements of the AGIA on all applicants.
"We are pleased to see that the state of Alaska has made progress in selecting a preferred applicant for the project," FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said. "I am hopeful this will further encourage development of the Alaska natural gas pipeline project, and FERC stands ready to act."
Since the Fourth Report was submitted to Congress on August 15, 2007:
- Alaska has moved its process forward by selecting a preferred applicant under the AGIA;
- The Federal Coordinator has continued discussions with project stakeholders; and
- FERC Staff held a technical conference in January 2008 to discuss third-party contracting
requirements and expectations with respect to preparing an environmental impact statement on an Alaskan gas pipeline project.
Alaska state officials are conducting a series of town hall meetings about the AGIA and TransCanada's proposal throughout the state. A 60-day public comment began on Jan. 2, 2008, and is scheduled to conclude on March 6, 2008.
FERC's Fifth Report to Congress, along with the four previous status reports, is accessible on the FERC website, at http://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/indus-act/angtp/reports.asp.
R-08-7
(30)
|
 |
 |
|
 |
| |
Contact
Information
Tamara Young-Allen
Telephone: 202-502-8680
Email: MediaDL
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
