Alaska gov. wants to tap oil resources

Editor's Note: George Spaulding was on an Alaskan cruise recently. He filed this report while in port in Alaska's capital.

JUNEAU, ALASKA — Gasoline at $4 a gallon. Not necessary, in the opinion of Alaska's governor.

"The federal government needs to unlock our land, allow us to develop the (proven) reserves," asserted Sarah Palin, the popular leader of this state, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Speaking to a group of Hillsdale College supporters, the governor said, "Alaska has so many resources to tap into, so that this state can be a contributor, not a recipient of the federal government."

The governor announced that another $30 billion to $40 billion pipeline for natural gas has just been made possible through the efforts of an independent company for moving natural gas to the lower 48 states and is about to begin construction.

Regarding oil reserves, she said, "We are sending diplomats to the Mideast begging for more oil production. At the same time, it is so easy to release demand right here in Alaska. It makes no sense to me. Others (in Congress) who have never been to Alaska are making decisions."

According to the governor, "We in Alaska have enough oil to make a difference. This state can provide enough oil to meet U.S. demand for seven years and enough natural gas to meet demand for eight years.

She also emphasized that of the 20 million acres in ANWR, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, drilling for the known reserves would require only 2,000 acres, "just a sliver."

It also was pointed out that the existing pipelines are under-utilized with only 700,000 a barrels a day being transmitted in the pipeline, which can handle 2 million gallons a day.

Again, she mentioned the goal of her administration is for "Alaska to be self-sufficient and not depend on Washington."

The mother of five children, with the oldest son serving in the Army, displayed a sense of humor. She referred to her husband, Todd, a four-time winner of the grueling 2,000-mile Iron Dog, the world's longest snow machine race, as "The First Dude."

In addition to Anwr, the governor called for "more off-shore drilling off Alaska's coast." She characterized opponents as "manipulating politicians." She also said that different "alternative-energy solutions are far from imminent and would require more than 10 years to develop."

A member of the audience asked, "Why doesn't Alaska have more refineries?" The governor answered, simply, "Environmentalists don't want additional refineries."

In conclusion, the governor pleaded with the group to "help us. The American people desire energy independence. We, here, can be an independent state and the U.S. can be free from Mideast oil.

"Congress needs to lift the ban on drilling. Allow the free markets to function."

George Spaulding is a retired General Motors executive and distinguished executive-in-residence emeritus at the College of Charleston's School of Business and Economics. He can be reached at 2 Wharfside St. 2A Charleston SC 29401.