Feds Assault Alaska’s Economy – Canada Moves Closer to Mackenzie Pipeline Approval – Arctic Source for Terrorism? – NARUC Hears Consumer Messages

[project] proceed, it will do so within a responsible environmental stewardship framework," federal Environment Minister John Baird said in a release     *     (Comment:  We appear to be at Step 3 in the overall regulatory process, wherein the National Energy Board (NEB) will consider the new evidence and provide a final decision, and reasons therefore, to the Cabinet.  The Federal government could still disapprove the project.  However, we believe it unlikely that the Cabinet would move against an NEB decision falling in either direction.  Overall, we are hopeful for our dedicated Canadian friends who–having endured an almost endless regulatory process–are now close to grasping an economic victory from the jaws of nearly defeated, tenacious critics.. While the overall regulatory process has been continuously extended and enlarged to accommodate more and more ‘stakeholder’ voices over the past decade, we are fans of the dependable, timely decision making process employed by the NEB.  Consequently, we anticipate an early end to the Mackenzie Valley Gas Pipeline Application drama and the beginning of a more hopeful construction permitting process — assuming that market dynamics and the patience of investors still wish to free the stranded gas volumes of Arctic Canada.  -dh)

Alaska Dispatch.  Newly declassified intelligence assessment raises the spectre of the North as a conduit for international or domestic radicals.

(8:00 a.m. note: A few minutes ago on CNBC, former Shell President John Hofmeister accused the federal government of encouraging a ‘starvation’ of hydrocarbon due to federal regulatory policies that are resulting in less production of oil and gas.  "We need more access toward hydrocarbons", he said.  "I don’t know that the Administration either understands or cares about the inability of industry to obtain permits."  He said  practical every day people need energy and this administration is looking about how to satisfy some constituents but ignoring gulf coast residents.  "i think it is wrong and I will keep talking about it," he said.    Thorugh his own lense he is validating the Obama Administration’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ campaign we have been revealing for the last year and a half.-  dh)

NARUC Gas Committee Hears From Consumers

 

(Note: As always, we invite input from those featured on our pages to provide us with additions/corrections to our stories or to stories with which we link.  We strive to properly reflect the views of citizens.  -dh)

Yesterday in Atlanta’s Omni Hotel, NARUC Gas Committee Chairman Tim Simon (NGP Photo-above, with FERC Commissioner Marc Spitzer) of California introduced the Committee’s Co-Vice-Chairs: Commissioner Colette Honorable (NGP Photo-l) of Arkansas and Commissioner Matt Baker (NGP Photo-r) of Colorado.  Simon then drew attention to a resolution naming former Chairman O’Neal Hamilton (NGP Photo-below, right, with Tennessee Commissioner Eddie Roberson looking on) "Chairman Emeritus".  Simon also complimented Hamilton for his many accomplishments including the Moratoria study and organization of the consumer panel, a verthat y brief summary of which appears below.  Note that these panel members provide critical services to a majority of America’s residential, corporate and governmental consumers.

Chairman Simon turned the meeting over to Louisiana Commissioner Jimmy Field (NGP Photo-l) who emphasized the importance to national defense and a recovering economy that decision makers forge a sustainable energy policy.  After offering several personal observations he introduced panel members:

Costantinos Apostolakos (NGO Photo-l) is General Manager, Fuel Supply Chain Management for Delta Airlines.  He acquainted commissioners with the heavy reliance of America’s airline and air cargo businesses — along with consumer travel and shipping costs — on fossil fuel prices.  He encouraged commissioners to keep in mind that energy regulation seems to be turning into a process for taxation rather than for provision of adequate supplies of energy at reasonable prices.

Jim Tramuto (NGP Photo-r) is Vice President……

 

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