Energy Biz - September/October 2008 - (Page 27) return for the pipeline builder and a fair transportation fee for producers. And low tariff rates and reduced costs for in-state deliveries are the direct result of the provisions that the state’s investment buys. As we quickly move closer to gas pipeline construction, we are especially cognizant of the need for access to our resources in order to develop them. And our resources are plentiful. But talking about energy from Alaska can seemingly be an academic exercise in some circumstances because development is locked up and not available in many resource-rich areas. And while most of the focus has been on the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge as the number one potential source of crude oil and natural gas, Congress can really help Americans and Alaskans by streamlining access to the offshore resources. That’s where much of the resource potential is in Alaska. Remember, we’ve seen 15 billion barrels of crude oil from Prudhoe Bay. There are more than 10 billion barrels of oil and 9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in ANWR, but it’s estimated there are 24 billion barrels of recoverable oil and another 104 trillion cubic feet of natural gas offshore. That means offshore areas that are geologically prospective such as the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas hold roughly 3.5 years’ worth of U.S. oil consumption and 4.5 years’ worth of natural gas. That’s where Congress can help right now. That’s where we have leases sold and development can happen and oil can get online within just a few years. And if we can overcome some environmental hurdles with the lands known as National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A), we add another 12 billion barrels of oil and 75 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Alaskans are resource owners and are ready to provide much-needed relief for Americans in the form of abundant and clean natural gas. We have the resources and we are committed to, and investing in, Alaska’s future and America’s future to expedite our natural gas production and gas flow. Americans can help, too, by paying attention to the efforts of the U.S. Congress and remaining engaged in this important public discussion. For 30 years, Alaska’s North Slope has accounted for nearly 20 percent of domestic crude oil production. And as we, as a nation, stand perched on the horizon of a new energy paradigm, Alaskans are working hard to expand our role of energy provider into the arena of natural gas resource development. Sarah Palin is the governor of Alaska. www.energycentral.com E n E rgyB i z 27 http://www.alleventsgroup.com/emissions http://www.alleventsgroup.com/emissions http://www.energycentral.com
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