Government News

Long-Time Alaskan to Coordinate Gasline

March 10, 2010 - U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today issued the following statement after the full Senate confirmed by unanimous consent the appointment of Larry Persily as the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project Federal Coordinator. Begich recommended Persily to the Obama administration for the post:

"Larry's confirmation is great news in the effort to develop Alaska's natural gas resources and take the gas line from vision and hope to reality. With more than three decades of experience in Alaska and more than a decade working on oil and gas issues, Larry is uniquely qualified to take this position, work with the White House on behalf of Alaskans, and get Alaska's gas to market.

"The White House has indicated once Larry takes his job, President Obama wants to elevate the coordinator's office into his executive office to further advance the Alaska gasline project.

"As open season continues in Alaska, I look forward to working with Larry to find a clear path toward construction of this project, which is clearly in America's national interest."