(Comment: Yesterday (Scroll down) we reported that the EPA’s refusal to reject petitions to deny OCS air quality permits for Chukchi and Beaufort Sea activities next summer could at best delay exploration another year or at worst quash Alaska’s Arctic OCS potential for a long time to come. -dh)
We commend Governor Sean Parnell’s (NGP Photo) leadership in this area, best illustrated by his response to the EPA decision:
“It is extremely disheartening that Shell has been unsuccessful in trying to get this critical permit for almost four years,” Governor Parnell said. “They have invested tens of millions of dollars in pollution control equipment, and met or exceeded every request made of them, yet they still can’t get a permit to drill a single exploration well off the coast of Alaska.
“This decision comes on top of the continuous challenges and delays caused by other federal agencies. Nothing can replace the jobs that Alaska and America lose when one resource project after another is delayed by endless appeals. The federal permitting system is broken and we are paying the price. These appeals are not all about protecting the environment or the health of Alaskans. They are primarily about outside groups opposed to development and a federal administration in Washington, D.C. all too willing to accommodate them.
“I intend to work with members of Congress, fellow governors and others to bring attention to these concerns and to seek legislative or administrative solutions. We must find a way to allow this and other responsible resource development.”
MEETING OF THE
ANCHORAGE ENERGY TASK FORCE
Jan. 5, 2011
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Mayor’s 8th floor conference room
I. Call to Order/Introductions
II. Report from the Chair on CINGSA and natural gas storage
III. Report on compressor failure at Beluga by Jim Posey (NGP Photo)
IV. Review and discuss Draft Annual Report of the Mayor’s Energy Task Force
V. Review and discuss Draft Policy on Renewable Energy
VI. Planning/Scheduling for 2011
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