Frank Murkowski calls on state to settle Point Thomson dispute
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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FAIRBANKS — Without tapping into natural gas reserves at Point Thomson, there will be no gas line — but without a gas line, there will be no Point Thomson, former Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski said.
Murkowski, making a rare public appearance to address Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce members on Tuesday, called on state government for a responsible solution to a dispute about oil and gas leases at Point Thomson. The field is estimated to hold trillions of cubic feet of natural gas that could anchor to a large-diameter, trans-continental pipeline.
The state Department of Natural Resources pulled Exxon’s leases to develop the North Slope area, but Exxon has continued preparations for drilling. Most recently, DNR denied Exxon’s application for an ice road permit.
“I think it’s time for the Department of Natural Resources to get over the old quarrels and move the project along in the interest of the state,” Murkowski said. “You are not going to get a gas line until Point Thomson is determined. That gas has to go into the project. Otherwise, the project is not feasible, financially.”
Murkowski, who was elected governor in 2002 following a 22-year career as a U.S. senator, issued “a passionate call” for resource development as the national economy continues to slide and oil prices, a pillar of the state’s economy, similarly falter.
Murkowski listed problems he sees with Gov. Sarah Palin’s Alaska Gasline Inducement Act and urged legislators to iron out wrinkles before an “open season” — the period in which natural gas owners bid for shipping space on a pipeline.
“I am personally not optimistic that, as structured, this strategy is going to work,” he said. “It’s seeking to obtain a major piece of infrastructure through politics and ideology instead of making it a commercial transaction among aligned companies.”
He said the Legislature should conduct an extensive review of the AGIA license granted this summer to TransCanada and seek reassurances that producers will be willing to bid on pipeline space in an open season, an action that could determine whether TransCanada is able to solidify financing for the massive undertaking.
Murkowski drew applause for his call to fire up the mothballed Healy Clean Coal Project and to resolve the Point Thomson dispute.
“The need today calls more for our leadership to be more concerned about policy rather than politics,” he said.
Murkowski also urged a renewed focus on opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.
While public opinion shifted earlier this summer to generally support drilling in ANWR with safeguards, maintaining that momentum will be largely up to Alaska’s legislators and the administration, he said.
He called for more state funding for Arctic Power, a nonprofit group dedicated to opening ANWR. The group received about $120,000 from the state in 2009.
Locally, Murkowski said, the difficulties faced by Flint Hills Resources’ North Pole refinery are a critical issue. The company has said it is evaluating whether to upgrade or possibly sell the refinery. It expects to make a decision by the end of the year.
“The impact on this community, the impact on the Alaska Railroad, jobs and so forth, would be devastating,” Murkowski said.
Community Discussion
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More proof positive that Alaskans made the correct decision when they tossed the most unpopular governor in the country out of office.
The incompetence and outright corruption that the Murkowski administration foisted on the people of Alaska is a dark stain in our history.
Frank, please go back to your fancy million dollar residence in Park City Utah and stay there.
For me to read an article about this sack is a waste of time. Unless the byline of the article says something like:
"Federal Indictments Handed Down On Frank Murkowski"
Is this article going to disapear also?
Frank is absolutely right about the Healy clean coal project! Millions and millions wasted, and for years sitting idle, within spitting distance of a huge coal mine.
Coal Natural gas, oil,....ALL at our fingertips and we Import from OPEC? Where is the ignorance more rampid?
Oh great, now Frank has reared his ugly head.. He is panning for a job and nothing more, he even said so on the radio. He is so deep in big oils pocket that Alaska could never get its rightful share going by his advice. Come on Frank, you have made it your livelihood being Exxon's man in DC and Juneau, can't you give it a rest? Just go away, be thankful you are not going to prison too!
So Frank is rearing his head back in Alaskan politics, the great statesman. I look at it as a good day when we don't hear anything about Governor Arrogance. To put it plainly, "Frank, shut up and go away. We don't care about anything you say, even if you are correct. You are an arrogant idiot. And thanks a lot for giving us Palin." The latter was impossible without the former, to everyone's detriment.
"The group received about $120,000 from the state in 2009."
Great editing DNM.
Why was this arrogant idiot given a soapbox. Does anyone really want to listen to him spout and watch him posture?
If I never see Murkowski's name again it will not be rare enough. Alaska voters spoke very loudly when they told Frank that his career in politics is over. No one care what he has to say and rightfully so. Thanks for reminding us why we are so glad to have Sarah Palin as governor.
Go away Frank.
The EXXON GASBAG, THE CHAMBER GASBAG, THE MAN WHO OVERSAW CHEATING, STEALING, AND CORRUPTION WHO DESERVES NOT A TOILET TO STAND ON!
Yet the Fairbanks Chamber gives him their Chamber Pot.
And what does he say- nothing that hasn't been said by everyone else AND obviously he is working for EXXON. Again he is trying to line his pocket.
BUT the real testament to his blather is his universal condemnation in the blogs of this article. I'm certain as a result of this statement we will see a response of praise from his supporters.
The Chamber boosters who allowed Frank the Bank to thrive are the same ones who stole our Civil Rights. Watch them.
"BUT the real testament to his blather is his universal condemnation in the blogs of this article. I'm certain as a result of this statement we will see a response of praise from his supporters."
Not much praise so far. Understandable. Ted Stevens, with his little stutter, his cute little incredible hulk tie, his bringing home the bacon has endeared himself to Alaskans like nobody else. He is like our grandfather! Now Frank Murkowski, being more like our wicked uncle then grandfather probably has done his share of bacon delivery too but there is no love for him, no airports named, not even a jet plane to haul him around the country in. Interesting that these two are practically clones of each other as to their political roles and yet one is loved while the other is dumped on. Interesting.
Staying here just long enough to Dividend Qualify.Frank the Tank!
"Chamber Pot."
That's pretty good.
I think that's what we should call the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce from now on.
I agree with you JoeParks and Dove. I think everyone does. But Frank's not telling us anything we don't know.
Maybe Frank's also drumming up $/business for his buddy/former aid/former Fairbanksan/arrogant bud Andrew Lundquist's fancy lobbying firm in DC.
Along with his own cushy employ.
Some people just gotta have attention. And mackie's probably right too.
Hey... Frank!! Blow it out your red-neck, heavy-drinkin' kiester, boy!!
Frank, can't you just go to Florida and play golf?
Banker: (scandalous and incompetent)
U.S. Senator: (mediocre and incompetent).
Governor: (scandalous, mediocre and incompetent).
Cheerleader/Booster/Lobbyist? Scandalous, mediocre, incompetent...and priceless.
The one shining moment was his standing up against Don Young and Jack Abramoff in the horrible exploitation of the sweat shop workers (slaves) of the Northern Marianas.
By your track record Frank, stick with the good works.
Even J.E. Carter achieved a bit of redemption after 35 years at hard labor (Habitat for Humanity).
Maybe BILL ALLEN can give up one more CROOK before he is sent to jail,and it will be Frank !!!
Frank is a honorable politician,once bought,stays bought
Maybe Frank should have told the audience about the meeting yesterday where the top 27 world oil producers met and talked about expecting $40 a barrel oil. The result, most have stated they will drop all planned projects for 2009. This should be a great open season next year. The pipeline builders will have their way out, no one will ship in a line.
What does does Frank's nose appear to grow whenever his lips move?
Why can't this man just go away? And why do these groups keep asking the idiot to speak?
Frank looks like Bobby Knight, explaining why he just threw that chair across the court.
Curious that Frank had his chance to DO something, and did little. Now he is coming back to tell his successor how to do what he COULD have done! Unfortunately, his replacement is no trophy governor, either! She has her hands full with self-indulgent speculation about her own political future. At least one of those doors was slammed when our Senior Senator lost his election bid while convicted of 7 felony charges. While she is an improvement over Frank, she is a placeholder. Alaskans can do better.
I see many accusations here against almost any politician about whom a story has been written. Political jokes and snide comments aside, where's the proof and what are the specifics? Step up and represent, or stand down. Where have there been trials, or even formal charges? Here we see words like corruption, federal indictment, cheating, stealing, crook -- and NO specifics! Tossing this around is cheap, possibly libelous, and evidence of a paucity of expression. C'mon, show us where these charges are proven, or at least formally filed.
Without facts you lower yourselves to the level of those who you profess to loathe.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
Is it just me, or does every time the state legislature investigates the high fuel prices being sold in Alaska, the North Pole Refinery gets sold. So is it buy the refinery, raise prices to make bit profit, and then hand off the refinery when the politicians start getting up in arms about it?
Excerpt from AlaskaPhil:I see many accusations here against almost any politician about whom a story has been written. Political jokes and snide comments aside,
where's the proof and what are the specifics? Step up and represent, or stand down.
Where have there been trials, or even formal charges?
Here we see words like corruption, federal indictment, cheating, stealing, crook -- and
NO specifics! Tossing this around is cheap, possibly libelous, and evidence of a paucity of expression.
C'mon, show us where these charges are proven, or at least formally filed.
I agree with AlaskaPhil: Where is the indictable evidence of all the hateful statements in the blogs in this story? I am not especially fond of what Governor Murkowski did as governor, but I have not seen incontrovertible proof of any sort that would allow me to think of him as a crook. If such evidence exists, then it is the responsibility of the writers of these blogs to get this information to the proper authorities so that legal proceedings can ensue. Words without proof is less than garbage.
No AlaskaPhil,
Frank did LOTS.
Let's start with his being an errand boy for the RNC, back when a certain questionable fellow borrowed over $1 million, giving the bulk of the money to the RNC as a 'donation,' resulting in Frank calling other 'R' members of Congress, trying to get the others to "help the fellow with his 'business ventures,'" in what certainly appeared to be a quid pro quo pay-off. Google it..
The fellow in question was over a million dollars in arears in child support at that time, kept his money in accounts in the Caymens, and stated his income came from his occupation as a 'consultant.' Who borrows a million dollars to give to a political comittee? When they already owe LOTS of jing to others, including child support? You do the math.
There's also the more recent slight-of-hand wherein Governor Frank claimed to be re-organizing the ELF, supposedly gaining more State revenues. He reported that he'd gathered an additional $1 million in revenues for the State via this re-organization. What he failed to broadcast quite as loudly was that he'd simultaneously offered the Producers an additional (up to) $1.25 million in 'incentives,' thus potentially resulting in a net loss of $250,000, not necessarily the gain of the $1 million he'd claimed.
He wrote a letter to Sen. Pete Domenici, (also recently under investigation), who was then Chair of the U.S. Senate Energy Committee, supporting Shrubco's 2003 energy bill, where on p. 118 it offered to empower the Sec. of Interior with the authority to waive up to 100% of royalties for drilling in NPR-A; again, potentially ripping off Alaskans. He hadn't received authority for this 'gift giving' from either the legislature OR the People of Alaska.
He worked on behalf of the producers instead of Alaskans with his POMV scheme, handing them an agreement wherein they -claimed-, if I recall correctly, that anything less than $70.00/bbl was a net loss. Horse biscuits!!
Then there's his banking days, bank-rolling Billy Bubbel's international smuggling venture, albeit indirectly, kiting checks on accounts (lacking in funds) for himself and his buddies (actions for which there ARE witnesses), sinking his own Bank of the North, losing 300 million in Bering Straits Corp. money, & walking away with his own cash intact, with little more than a shrug, initially being found culpable in federal court, then being found innocent on appeal, but still doin' alright for himself.
Then, with Rasmussen's money, he made his way to D.C. where he could play with -larger- sums of money, all the while funding a variety of questionable projects.
Then there was the pompous, insulting and transparent appointment of Lisa, the heir to his aristocracy.
There's also some personal encounters I know of that I won't go into.
I could go on, but let's just say that Frank's a neanderthal red-neck whom I'd just as soon spit on as look at, though he's not currently in range.
Dirk, you have a responsible to start legal proceedings and move this into a court of law so that all sides have an opportunity to prove or disprove any of the statements you have made. Anything less than taking action is a waste of time.
Did I forget to mention that when Frank was handing out million-dollar 'incentives' to the Producers, he was at the same time canceling the Longevity Bonus for a smattering of (sometimes desperate) senior citizens, some of whom I personally had the (sad/moving) opportunity to interview in their residences?
Did I mention that he was also, at that time, taxing us for tires, quadrupling our business licenses, etc??
'Cause I almost forgot to mention -those- instances.
I can probably come back with some more tid bits on ol' Frankie's tenure. Give me a bit..
andora, can you say, "Statute of Limitations"?
The issues of Frank kiting checks is stale, and never came into play when his banking activities were being scrutinized by the feds after the collapse of his bank, but as stated, there ARE/WERE witnesses.
In re. to Billy Bubel, owner then and now of the Pump House, you can find in the News Miner's archives a front page pic of Frank and Billy shaking hands at a previous photo op; the News Miner ran that pic on the front page when Billy Bubbel was indicted on conspiracy to distribute contraband to 5 states via a private DC-8.
Frank's honorary bust still stands proud in the Pump House, in the 'Senator's Saloon'. There's been a variety of them over the years, made from different materials.
The Pump House used to (maybe still does) enjoy a historic monument status, that may or may not include some form of tax relief. Did Frank help them to achieve that status?
It's not just Rs who are currently sighing in relief, and enjoying the staleness of their past deeds. There were others who betrayed the State in their 'leadership' roles, whose actions are also too long ago to prosecute.
Too bad that the feds didn't come here to shish-kabob political corruption in the early 80s; they'd have likely been able to produce an even bigger collection of trophy head-mounts had they done so.
But the current investigations aren't over, and Mr. Bowles name has come up more than a few times now in the tapes that the feds collected.
I'm still waiting to find out what the content of the conversations were on the golf course in Scotland after Frank was elected Governor, and whisked away to Scotland, allegedly to play golf with folks from BP.
Rumor has it that Mr. Abramoff was on that green too.. Hmmmmm...
Maybe we'll find out, and maybe we won't. But after witnessing the dog and pony show that comprised and defined the State-wide hearings on POMV, I can at least take a guess as to how those conversations went that day..
Jim Clark says that he acted without Frank's knowledge. I guess that we're to believe that the R's, from Reagan and Poindexter, to Frank and Clark, have a habit of hiring loose-cannon appointees/operatives who routinely break the law, are totally dedicated to their bosses, but never tell their bosses what they're doing..
It's a gullible electorate, ain't it??
FRANK!!! GO HOME AND STAY THERE!!! We are sick to death of you!!!
My point exactly, Andora.
You can Google a lot of innuendos and half-truths on line. But, back to the original point. If one insists on repeating rumors and innuendos without evidence of a formal indictment, a trial, or a conviction, one is perpetrating rumors and heresay.
He funded the owner of the Pump House in those activities which lead to the owner's conviction? Really??? And you know this HOW? Please, file charges!
I am not a fan of our former Governor, but I do believe in due process and the rule of law. It is a knife which cuts both ways. Name calling and rumor does not make a man, no matter how distasteful his actions, a de facto criminal.
Someone mentioned where is the proof that Frank committed crimes. It is a good point, innocent till proven guilty in a court of law. All I know is what transpired in the last 30 years under the watch of TED DON and FRANK as to the tax money and royalties that were rightfully due the state that was never received. It was our delegation in DC and a whole lot of Republicans in Juneau that let the screwing of Alaska by the oil giants happen. These were the people who should have been looking out for our states best interest but were working for the oil companies instead. Ben Stevens, and the rest of the corrupt bastards were just the tip of the iceberg that goes back 30 years. Some of them were voted out, some were humiliated out, but it wasn't till the arrogance of the Corrupt Bastards caught the attention of the FBI did anything start to change. Unfortunately all those years of under taxing, and even no taxing in some cases can never be recovered and yet I hear no real outrage at all. Doesn't anybody remember the tapes of Bill Allen in the bugged hotel room in Juneau, mapping their strategies with the legislature GOP boys and then openly talking to them while on the floor, telling them directly how to vote? Can anyone even imagine the arrogance of this? They got so brazen because it was being done over and over throughout the decades and they really thought they were above the law, above everything. What Frank's role in all this was I am not totally sure, but you don't get to be senator without at least SOME knowledge of what was going on here that was screwing Alaska out of billions of dollars.
So, everybody get in line to wish Ted well and mention all the good things he has done for this state, forget that any corruption took place and then go back to sleep. The gasline, ANWR drilling wont be ANY different. New republicans will step up and be willing to be bought with oil money and they will keep going to work for the oil industry, maybe a little less brazen then the last bunch of Corrupt Bastards, but they will get er done for the oil companies.
Check for yourself as to how much of what I've written above is mere rumor, Phil.
The million-dollar donor was the focus of a mainstream investigative report. Read it... enlighten yourself.
There were witnesses to the kiting of checks at the bank.
Frank was initially found liable for the bank's mishandling of Bering Strait's money. It was over-turned on appeal.
Many of these events were not criminal in nature, but certainly could've resulted in civil issues being processed.
The fact that much of it wasn't criminal in nature, or that some that might've been criminal went unprosecuted and survived beyond the statute of limitations, doesn't mean that folks shouldn't hold Frank accountable in the court of public opinion, nor does it mean that Frank's a decent fellow.
You can make inuendo and rumor out of any historical facts that you like. Your choice for naivete' is about you, and you only.
Just a point. One cannot file criminal charges merely as a citizen. If I could, I would have some filed and being prosecuted, (this is not re Murkowski et al). The evidence in my cases is clear and available. The problem is getting the state and/or feds to follow their own law and press charges.
One can provide info and evidence, even within the SOL, but that has nothing to do with whether charges will be brought.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the jet. The one that the legislature said 'No' to, but which Frank, in his typical, "I want what I want when I want it!!" mode, used executive authority to purchase, against the wishes of the legislature, AND, according to polling at that time, against the wishes of the People of Alaska.
No Phil, that wasn't criminal. In fact, it was completely legal. It was also a -great- metaphorical snap-shot of who Frank really is, and precisely how tacky and self-centered he can be.
Here is something more to thank Ted and Frank for. They and their party helped to ratify the supreme court justices that let Exxon off the hook for the mess they created in PWS. The ruling in the supreme court went right down party lines and Alaskans who were victims of the spill got screwed out of a few billion. Exxon can't be blamed for fighting this all the way because they are a profit making machine, duty bound to their shareholders, but the blame can go to those who put the conservative justices in there who by design watch out for the corporations over the little guy. Oh baby I can feel the pendulum swinging to the left! A little education and some blatant corruption and those swing voters say enough!
Just to be accurate, Arctic Power got $37,100.74 in fy 08 and $99,341.71 in fy 09
So come on Frank, just how much money are you getting paid this time?
Ah yes, the typical Frank Murkowski solution...butter up the big oil companies and hope Alaska turns out to be in their profit interests. Government kickbacks to business are just as bad for the free market as other forms of government intervention. I do not claim to be an expert on AGIA---it's incredibly complicated---but I'm sure glad Alaska voters decided not to give Murkowski another four years to make our state the property of BP and Conoco.
Frank makes alot of sense. It's clear the policy of the State is to have a third party own the pipeline as a common carrier. Fine. Now lets work toward having a successfull open season, which will mean bringing the producers, Transcanada, and the State together to make a workable project. The stock market crash should help some understand what economic feasibility means.
I hope we don't see twinkle toes Palin trot out to tell us again that Frank is an oil pawn, and she knows best. So far she's best at raising taxes and spending the people's money. That's why she is loved by the Dems.
Gov. Sarah Palin welcomed the crowd of 700 gathered for the RDC conference and opened with the same tired joke she used previously about returning from the campaign trail..."I updated my wardrobe a little and met some celebrities" which resulted in few chuckles. This was an important conference dealing with our energy crisis and this is all we get from her? I didn't hear anything encouraging.
Leave it to Frank to be looking out for the big oil companies. 20 years and Exxon still hasn't paid the people effected by the spill.
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