Governor Meets with Oil Company Heads

Little known except subject is liquefied natural gas

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By Corey Allen-Young
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Story Created: Jan 6, 2012 at 9:21 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 6, 2012 at 9:37 AM AKDT

Governor Sean Parnell is calling a secret meeting with three of the world’s largest oil companies.

He says it’s an important step to creating a natural gas pipeline.

The governor met with the heads of BP, ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil Thursday and laid out his intentions to a group of lawmakers. It was secret enough we weren’t even allowed to hear what was said between the governor and the CEOs. But from what they said after, it was pretty clear that they want to focus on exporting Alaska North Slope gas to Asia’s growing markets.

“You got to get teams on the field and you got to get teams on the field that can do the project,” Governor Parnell said.

What the governor is talking about is aligning BP, ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil to develop a liquefied natural gas project from the North Slope. Parnell says bringing the big three together is key to growing Alaska’s economy and natural resources.

TransCanada still holds the state’s AGIA license, but the goal is to get oil companies who own the gas working to get LNG flowing and making money.

Alaska’s lawmakers say they’re cautiously optimistic about the plan. Representative Lindsey Holmes points out the devil is always in the details. But they’re details the governor and the oil executives say they can’t reveal.

TransCanada has not responded to our calls concerning the governor and the big three’s LNG discussion. But the Alaska Oil and Gas Association did give us a statement saying, “We are encouraged that our governor continues to advocate for incentives to create a better investment climate in Alaska and to commercialize our natural gas resources. It is apparent that the companies and the administration are in open communication as they attempt to find alignment on a complex and risky venture. We look forward to future productive meetings and updates as they work through this process.”

Mayor Dan Sullivan agreed, saying it was big economic news for the hub city that would be involved in the development of the natural gas.

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Anonymous said on Monday, Feb 13 at 1:17 AM

we can't let the press know we know about the funneling of 500 million to a Swiss bank account and we hate Iran...let's go over it again...I don't know anything and I hate iran..again..Sean has religious overtones in all his words...the sky is falling Sean...duck!

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Gordon said on Saturday, Jan 7 at 5:21 PM

here we go again!

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Rick said on Saturday, Jan 7 at 9:35 AM

Did they say secret meeting? Why secret? doesnt Parnell work for us and if the media knows about it how secret can it be, sounds like another goatrope!

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Packerfan said on Friday, Jan 6 at 8:39 PM

Just when another law maker wants to put a cap on oil spending. Coincidence?

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