ADN by Sean Cockerham.  The Parnell administration is looking to hire a $2 million consultant to review proposals for changing state petroleum taxes to encourage a natural gas pipeline.  The bid document says the state anticipates oil companies that would produce the gas from the North Slope will seek changes to Alaska’s oil and gas production tax. The consultants’ work would include "evaluation of options for modifying the oil and gas tax structures to facilitate a major gas pipeline project."  Revenue Commissioner Pat Galvin (NGP Photo) said legislators, as well companies, may want tax changes.  "The administration wanted to have consultants on staff to be able to evaluate those and determine whether or not they have actually made a case that changes are needed," he said.

Governor’s Office Press Release.  June 21, 2010, Fairbanks, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell (NGP Photo) today signed legislation that encourages more private-sector investment in educational and vocational programs and facility construction in order to improve training for Alaska’s workforce, particularly in preparation for a natural gas pipeline.

Associated Press by Michael Kunzleman.  After hearing two hours of arguments, Judge Martin Feldman said he will decide by Wednesday whether to overturn the ban imposed by President Barack Obama’s administration after the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion off the Louisiana coast.  (Note: Alaska OCS ventures could improve throughput and economies of scale of a gas pipeline and extend the life of the Trans Alaska oil pipeline.  -dh)