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Torgerson Leads Group to Calgary
Alaska Natural Gas Line to Take Center Stage at Global Petroleum Show

(ANCHORAGE) -- Sen. John Torgerson (R-Kasiloff) will be departing this week for Calgary, Alberta Canada with a delegation of public and private sector leaders for the 2002 Global Petroleum Show and a one day panel meeting of the International Alaska Highway Pipeline Committee, which will be held Wed. June 12 beginning at 9 a.m.

The International Alaska Highway Pipeline Committee was formed last year by Torgerson as a means of opening lines of communication between parties who have a vested interest in seeing the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline move forward.

"We are going to further explore the impact of northern pipelines through Alaska and the western territories and provinces of Canada," said Torgerson.

Torgerson says the meeting is not solely about the laying of pipe, but rather an opportunity to discuss and explore all of the benefits surrounding a project like this, as well as the logistics.

"We are going to look at workforce development through discussions of reciprocity agreements and cross-border training programs, to assure a Northern states work force for starters," said Torgerson. "We are also going to explore ways to synchronize or at least make more efficient the regulatory and permitting process. There will also be discussions with members of the 'First Nations' to look at access to resources and employment among the Native societies in Alaska and western Canada, among other topics."

Torgerson points out the positive "buzz" surrounding the upcoming meetings. Yukon Territories Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Scott Kent expressed his hopes for the meeting.

"I look forward to building on the positive relationship we have with our neighboring jurisdictions as we work to advance the Alaska Highway Natural Gas Pipeline project," said Minister Kent.

The committee meetings will take place in conjunction with the 2002 Global Petroleum Show, in which the Alaska State Legislature has funded a booth for members of both the private and public sectors to promote Alaskan oil and gas development.

Co-sponsors of the booth will include private industry such as Alaska based Lynden Inc., Natchiq Inc., Flowline Alaska Inc. and Sourdough Productions. The State Division of Oil and Gas will also be on-hand to meet with potential customers for state lease sales.

The bi-partisan legislative delegation going to the Calgary meeting include: Sen. John Torgerson, chair; Rep. Joe Green, vice-chair; Sen. Donny Olson (D-Nome); Rep. Jeanette James (R-North Pole); Rep. Reggie Joule (D- Kotzebue) and Rep. Mike Chenault (R-Kenai).

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