Senator Mark Begich Announcement: Frustrated by a lack of progress on an Alaska natural gasline, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today introduced legislation that would streamline federal regulations and extend key benefits to apply to Alaska-based segments of a gasline that could eventually be connected to the lower 48.

ADN by Rich Mauer.  Two state officials said Monday they are skeptical of Escopeta Oil’s claim last Bill Barron by Dave Harbour, Cook Inlet Gas, Alaska Division of Oil and Gasweek that it made a giant Cathy Foerster by Dave Harbour, AOGCC, IOGCC, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commissiongas discovery in Cook Inlet, saying the company lacks the data to back its assertion.  "It’s possible their numbers are good. It’s possible their numbers are bad," said Cathy Foerster (NGP Photo), one of three members of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. "In fact, we think making an announcement of this kind, with so little firm data, is irresponsible."  Bill Barron  (NGP Photo) , director of the state’s Division of Oil and Gas and Escopeta’s landlord for its Cook Inlet leases, said the state was being "cautious."  "They have made a bold claim and right now the division can’t substantiate either way, positive or negative," Barron said. "It definitely is an encouraging sign but they’re going to need several more wells to prove up what the true potential is."