JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A bill aimed at advancing an in-state natural gas pipeline project passed the Alaska Legislature on Saturday.
The House voted 34-4 to agree to changes made in the Senate and supported by the bill’s sponsors, Reps. Mike Hawker and Mike Chenault. Rep. Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, was among those who voted no.
She said she believes the project should still be brought back to the Legislature for a final say, a proposal minority Democrats unsuccessfully sought to graft onto the bill. Supporters of HB4 say passage of the bill is essentially legislative sanctioning.
Supporters hailed Saturday’s passage as monumental. They say the bill will give the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., or AGDC, the tools necessary to get a project to an open season. At that point, AGDC will know whether there is sufficient interest for a project to move forward. An open season could be held as early as next year.
Critics say the bill is too far-reaching. Concerns were raised, too, about the rates consumers might end up paying if a line, indeed, gets built.
Hawker, R-Anchorage, said AGDC will be obligated to pursue gas delivery at the lowest possible price.
