Michael Whatley, Keystone XL arguments, activists, environmental, Consumer Energy Alliance, Department of State, Dave Harbour PhotoJournal Star Op-ed by Michael Whatley (NGP Photo).  Last month, the federal government released yet another report showing what many of us have known for a long time: the Keystone XL pipeline, which will deliver crude oil from oil fields in Montana, the Dakotas and Canada to refineries in Texas, will be a safe and necessary addition to America's energy infrastructure and its more than 70,000 miles of existing pipelines.  As the U.S. Department of State noted in its final Environmental Impact Statement, the pipeline would "have a degree of safety greater than any typically constructed domestic oil pipeline system under current regulations."

ADN by Dermot Cole.  Independent gubernatorial candidate Bill Walker argues that high salaries at the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. deserve a closer look by the state.

In his last debate with Gov. Sean Parnell before the election, Walker said one person at AGDC has a salary and benefit package totaling $600,000 a year.

“We have people making that kind of money, my goodness, that would be low-hanging fruit for me,” Walker said.

Dan Fauske, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, AGDC, AHFC, Salary, highest compensated state employee, Dave Harbour PhotoWalker did not mention any names, but he was referring to Dan Fauske (NGP Photo), the former head of the Alaska Housing Finance Corp., who is now in charge of the state gas pipeline efforts.

Walker based his assertion on a state budget document from late last year that listed Fauske’s total salary and benefits package at $576,000. But those numbers are inaccurate, according to the AGDC.

Pat Gambel, University of Alaska, Alaska Railroad, Salary, Dave Harbour PhotoFauske’s salary is $366,000 and his health and pension benefits total $150,000 for a combined total of $516,000 per year, the AGDC says. At that level, he was the highest-paid state employee in 2013, followed by UA President Pat Gamble (NGP Photo) at $330,000.

A budget document for the next fiscal year lists a proposed salary for Fauske of $384,000, a five percent increase, but whether any increase would be provided is up to the board of the AGDC.  More….