Government of Yukon
Government
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FOR RELEASE #07-261
December 3, 2007
Yukon Encouraged by Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Applications
WHITEHORSE – The Government of Yukon is encouraged by the interest received by the State of Alaska for the construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline.
Applications for construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline, under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA), closed Friday, November 30 at 5 p.m. Alaska time.
Five applicants submitted proposals under AGIA including TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. in partnership with Foothills PipeLine Ltd., Alaska Gasline Port Authority, Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, California-based AEnergia LLC, and Sinopec ZPEB, a Chinese energy conglomerate. ConocoPhillips also submitted an alternative proposal that didn't meet the state's application criteria.
“The interest in Alaska’s natural gas is encouraging. Should the route ultimately be chosen to follow the Alaska Highway, Yukon is prepared and ready to meet both the opportunities and challenges associated with such a project,” Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang said. “We have been actively preparing for the construction of this project and continue to promote Yukon interests.”
Approximately 760 kilometres, or 27 per cent, of an Alaska Highway pipeline would run through Yukon.
Yukon’s interests include: fiscal advantage, social investment, environmental stewardship, community and First Nation interests, a clear and efficient regulatory process, connecting Yukon’s natural gas, and access to energy from pipelines.
Now that AGIA applications are submitted, it is just the beginning of the process toward a possible announcement to build an Alaska natural gas pipeline. The next step is a 60-day public review and comment period for Alaskans on the applications.
Alaska could make an announcement of successful applicants as early as January 31, 2008.
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| Contact: | |
| Albert Petersen Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7961 albert.petersen@gov.yk.ca |
Sofia Fortin Energy, Mines and Resources (867) 456-6726 sofia.fortin@gov.yk.ca |