Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement on the appointment of Larry Persily as Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project:

"I appreciate the President's commitment to the natural gas pipeline," said Rep. Young. "I look forward to seeing Larry continue the good work done by Drue Pearce, a great supporter of the natural gas pipeline and a wonderful advocate for Alaskan resources. Alaska has an abundance of natural resources to share with the country; oil and gas development and construction of the pipeline are vital for the nation's energy supply and security. Additionally, in these difficult economic times, a project that would ensure as many jobs as the pipeline cannot be ignored. With the support from both the federal government and the state, the time is now to put Alaskans to work developing Alaskan natural resources!"

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich issued the following statement on the appointment of Larry Persily as Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project Federal Coordinator.

"With more than 30 years experience in Alaska and more than a decade working on oil and gas issues for three governors, Larry is an excellent choice for this important position. Few people can match his depth of knowledge and history on Alaska oil and gas issues.

"From his work in the news business, the legislative branch, the executive branch, and with various governmental agencies, Larry is known statewide for his bipartisan

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credentials and his wealth of experience working toward developing a natural gas pipeline to serve Alaska and other North American consumers.

"Larry has been a presenter on Alaska oil and gas and financial issues throughout Alaska, Washington and Norway. He served as the editor of the Department of Revenue's 2002 report, 'State Financial Participation in an Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline,' and has consulted on energy and fiscal issues for the University of Alaska Institute for Social and Economic Research.

"His credentials are outstanding and I look forward to working with Larry to move an Alaska natural gas pipeline project to reality."

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski released the following statement in response to Larry Persily's nomination to be Federal Coordinator of the Office of the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

"I'm pleased that President Obama has moved quickly to fill this important position," Murkowski said. "I've known Larry for years. He has solid knowledge of oil and gas industry finance and the state's regulatory process. More importantly, from his decades in Alaska he knows how vital it is that a gas line gets built so the state can quickly get its gas to market for the benefit of current and future Alaskans."

As federal coordinator, Persily will be responsible for integrating the activities of federal agencies involved in the permitting and construction of a pipeline to bring North Slope gas to markets in the Lower 48 states. Persily will report directly to the president.

"Commercializing Alaska's vast reserves of natural gas is vital not only for the economy of the state, but the energy security of the nation as well," Murkowski said. "We've waited decades for this project to get underway. I have faith that the new coordinator will do his upmost to see it completed successfully."

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