Representative Knopp speaks against infighting that questions landmark regulatory decision
SOLDOTNA – The Alaska Gasline Development Corporation recently cleared a major regulatory hurdle as it received final federal approval to liquefy and export
natural gas from the North Slope.
However, a local government is now challenging the decision issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in its final environmental impact statement in an attempt to re-route the planned 807-mile pipeline’s terminal away from the Kenai Peninsula
to Port MacKenzie.
In a filing with FERC, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is asking the commission to reconsider its decision. Rep. Gary Knopp released the following statement on this development:
“The federal government spent years reviewing the application for Alaska to commercialize our natural gas reserves. Regulators followed strict guidelines to determine the location of key facilities and identified Nikiski as the perfect place for the pipeline
terminal. That makes sense. Alaska natural gas was first exported to Japan from Nikiski in 1969, and our deep tidewater port would enable safe and reliable shipping. Alaska faces more than enough economic headwinds, and the last thing we need now is additional
infighting that threatens our ability to develop our resources. I encourage Mat-Su leaders to do what’s right for Alaska and withdraw their petition.”
– Rep. Gary Knopp (R-Soldotna)
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CONTACTS
Joe Plesha
Press Secretary
Alaska House Majority
(907) 465-6791
Joe.Plesha@akleg.gov
