Political Quotes

“This amendment makes it explicitly clear that the State of Alaska has complete authority when it comes to regulating in-state distribution of natural gas coming off the Alaska Gas Transportation System. It also directs the Secretary of Labor to design and establish a program in the State of Alaska to train Alaska residents in the skills and crafts necessary to enhance their ability to compete for jobs and contracts associated with gas pipeline construction. These amendments are needed because the first degree amendment offered this morning by the majority leader falls short of protecting Alaskan's prerogative to regulate in-State distribution of gas coming off the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System. I want to highlight in-State distribution. This ability to control their own destiny is critical to the long-term creation of jobs and the establishment of a gas based industry in my State. The economic future of Alaska rests with the development of its natural resources--key to the utilization of these resources is the ability of the State to manage their in-State use. My amendment accomplishes this with respect to North Slope natural gas--it puts Alaskans in a position to guide their own future.”