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Legislature Passes Bill On AGDC Appointment
The Associated Press
The Alaska Legislature has passed a measure allowing out-of-state residents to serve on the board of a corporation that could play a key role in a major liquefied natural gas pipeline project.
The Senate’s 13-7 vote helps clear the way for Richard Rabinow, a former pipeline company executive from Texas, to serve on the board of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp.
Governor Sean Parnell appointed Rabinow last September and has defended the appointment as falling within his discretion under the constitution. Rabinow faces confirmation Thursday.
Supporters of the bill, including House Speaker Mike Chenault, have said it was an oversight to not explicitly allow for out-of-state residents to serve on the board. They say they want the best people possible to serve.
Opponents say Alaskans should make policy decisions for Alaskans.
Legislature Considers $150m to Help Refineries
Liz Ruskin, APRN – Washington DC
The Flint Hills refinery in North Pole plans to cease operation this spring, and the Parnell Administration warns Petro Star’s refinery in North Pole might be next. A bill crafted by the Administration would prop up Alaska’s three remaining oil refineries with $150 million in state funds. But, even some legislators who are helping advance the bill say they’re uncomfortable with the loose terms of the giveaway.
Nikiski LNG Plant May Reopen Soon
Aaron Selbig, KBBI – Homer
The ConocoPhillips LNG plant in Nikiski may be re-opening soon, thanks to a boost from the federal government. The Department of Energy announced Monday that it has approved a request from the company to resume LNG exports to Japan.
Yukon Fishermen Prepare For Summer Of Conservation
Ben Matheson, KYUK – Bethel
Fishers on the Kuskokwim River are expecting unprecedented restrictions to bring more king salmon to spawning grounds. On the Yukon River, fisherman can expect a similar set of restrictions.
Some Southeast Chinook Runs Expected To Be Strong
Joe Viechnicki, KFSK – Petersburg
King Salmon are expected to be plentiful in parts of Southeast Alaska this summer.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game this month announced a king salmon harvest quota allowed under the Pacific Salmon Treaty and based on the forecasts of Chinook returning to rivers and streams on the Pacific coast of the U.S. and Canada.
MEA Official Accuses Anchorage Assembly Of Misusing City Funds
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
A Matanuska Electric Association official charges that the Anchorage Municipal Assembly is spending city funds on private interests. Joe Griffith, MEA’s executive director, has contacted Anchorage officials with concerns that city money is being spent on one Assemblyman’s legal fight against a power station upgrade.
Haines Residents Pursue Railroad Link
Margaret Friedenauer, KHNS – Haines
Some residents in Haines are pursing the dream of a railroad that may one day link the community to Interior Alaska, Yukon mines and to a future port facility. The state and other stakeholders aren’t dismissing the idea outright.
Group Uses National Water Dance To Raise Compassion
Johanna Eurich, APRN Contributor
A small group of people gathered Saturday in Anchorage to use art to make change. The National Water Dance was an effort to use the art of human movement to generate compassion for the nation’s streams, lakes and oceans.
