Wagoner and Therriault Bill Would Speed Natural Gas Line
Senate Bill 26 Gives the Alaska Supreme Court Jurisdiction

JUNEAU – Senators Tom Wagoner and Gene Therriault introduced legislation today intended to expedite resolution of ExxonMobil’s appeal of the decision denying its proposed plan for developing the Point Thomson Unit.

“I think this is one of the most important pieces of legislation the Legislature can address and pass this year,” said Senator Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai. “It’s going to expedite the legal matter surrounding the cancellation of the unit agreement at Point Thomson and the taking back of those oil and gas leases. This legislation will keep the appeal from dragging on and on in the courts. It will expedite the process so it won’t be such a drag on the progression of putting together a natural gas pipeline.”

ExxonMobil is appealing a decision by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources affirming denial of the proposed plans for developing the Point Thomson Unit. The appeal is currently in Alaska Superior Court. SB 26 would transfer jurisdiction of an appeal under this circumstance to the Alaska Supreme Court.

“We’re interested in working in a bi-partisan manner with the members of the Legislature, and cooperatively with the Department of Law, to hammer out a reasoned and meaningful bill that will help accelerate the process,” said Therriault, R-North Pole.