A Citizen’s Guide

The deadline for applications under AGIA is 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Here’s what we know so far:

-The Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, a voter-formed public entity, has submitted an “addendum” application for a spur line. They’re offering the addendum to anyone interested in adding it to their application for a main pipeline.

-MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. has said it plans to submit an application.

-The Alaska Gasline Port Authority, another public entity, has also said it will apply. Read the rest of this entry »

The Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority posted its application for AGIA online. Read the rest of this entry »

The state is gearing up for its annual lease sale, but the big question is whether anyone will show up. Read the rest of this entry »

The Alliance hasn’t taken oil tax reform sitting down. With the end of the session, the industry organization has been trying to catalog how each lawmaker voted, looking ahead to future elections.

The chart kindly breaks down each amendment into two very simple categories: “Vote for More State Government” and “Vote for More Jobs and Investment.” Well when you put it like that…

Even though the vote ended up being in favor of the new tax, looking issue by issue does present some interesting stories, especially with some of the Interior legislators, who showed limited support on some of the amendments, but ultimately voted for the bill.

What’s the only thing every voting member of the Senate agreed on? The tax break for in-state gas production.

What’s the only thing every member of the House agreed on? Allowing the Department of Natural Resources to set transportation rates.

JUNEAU—The Alaska Legislature on Friday approved a bill that imposes a 25 percent tax on the net profits of oil companies operating in the state.

The bill raises the current tax from 22.5 percent to 25 percent and is expected to bring in an additional $1.5 billion annually to the state treasury.

The Senate passed the bill on 14-5 on a reconsideration vote Friday, and sent it to the House. However, the Senate adjourned, meaning the House had to accept its changes or risk coming back for a second special session. Gov. Sarah Palin vowed to called lawmakers back immediately if they didn’t send her a bill before the session ended Friday. Read the rest of this entry »

Doug Suttles, president of BP Exploration Alaska Inc. on the passage of the oil tax:

“I am disappointed with the outcome.

“We all need to be focused on developing new oil production for future generations of Alaskans, but this legislation does nothing to encourage more investment.

“I can only hope that once the impact of this legislation is clear, the administration and the legislature will revisit the issue.”