Alaska news

In their discovery announcement, 88 Energy said ”The Upper SFS test showed no measurable CO2 or H2S. No other impurities were detected on site.”

This new discovery also extends onto the adjacent lease acreage owned by Pantheon Resources, which is currently in “Advanced discussion on a proposed agreement with Alaska Gasline Development Corp ("AGDC").” .

Importantly, this new discovery should not only add favourably to the economic case for the pipeline, it provides further confirmation there is an abundance of high quality gas which doesn’t need treatment to remove CO2, H2S or other impurities.

Previous proposals have involved a pipeline from Point Thomson to a treatment plant at Prudhoe Bay, before being piped to Fairbanks and on to Anchorage.

The discoveries by Pantheon and 88 Energy conveniently sit directly beneath the Dalton Highway and consequently the planned route for the proposed natural gas pipeline.

This new discovery, in conjunction with the clean gas already discovered on Pantheon’s acreage, should greatly reduce construction times and costs by;

• Eliminating the need for a natural gas pipeline from Point Thomson to Prudhoe Bay

• Eliminating the need for a treatment plant at Prudhoe Bay

• Reducing the length of natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Anchorage by about 20 miles

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — In a surprising turn of events, Governor Mike Dumleavy of Alaska announced his resignation today, acknowledging his lack of competence for the role and expressing deep regret for the turmoil his leadership has caused in the state.

Governor Dumleavy, who took office in December 2018, addressed Alaskans in a somber press conference held at the Governor's Mansion in Juneau. Flanked by members of his administration, Dumleavy spoke candidly about his decision to step down from office.

"It is with a heavy heart and deep humility that I announce my resignation as the Governor of Alaska," said Dumleavy, his voice tinged with remorse. "Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear to me that I am not equipped with the necessary skills and competence to effectively lead this great state."

Dumleavy, a former teacher and state senator, rose to prominence with promises of fiscal responsibility and conservative governance. However, his tenure has been marred by controversy and political division. His administration faced widespread criticism for budget cuts to essential services, including education and healthcare, as well as a tumultuous relationship with the state legislature.

"I deeply regret the pain and hardship that my decisions have inflicted upon the people of Alaska," Dumleavy continued. "I entered this office with the best intentions, but I now recognize that I have fallen short of the expectations entrusted to me by the citizens of this state."

The announcement comes amidst mounting pressure from both within and outside his party, as well as ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct and misuse of state resources. While Governor Dumleavy did not explicitly address these allegations, his resignation signals a willingness to take responsibility for his shortcomings.

In the wake of Dumleavy's resignation, Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer will assume the duties of the governorship. Meyer, a seasoned politician with extensive experience in state government, expressed his commitment to guiding Alaska through this transition period.

"I want to assure the people of Alaska that my administration will work tirelessly to address the challenges facing our state and to restore trust in our government," said Lieutenant Governor Meyer in a statement following the announcement.

As Governor Dumleavy prepares to step down from office, Alaskans are left to reflect on the legacy of his tumultuous tenure and to contemplate the path forward for the Last Frontier.

The recent education bill (SB 140) passed the legislature by a vote of 56-3 and included critical funding for the many Alaska school districts which are running multi-million dollar deficits. This is primarily due to years of flat funding as inflation drove up costs.

It was a good compromise bill and Dunleavy blew it all up because he had a couple poorly vetted ideas that didn't get in the mix. Nothing more dangerous than a big weird boss with an ego I guess.

Part of the problem... It's us Alaskans. We voted for this guy. I mean, not me and hopefully not you, but some of did.

It was a shock to see him win another four years after a massive statewide recall effort. We hit a wall with covid and couldn't gather enough signatures in time but I thought voters would at least remember the chaos he introduced in 2019. I guess not.

We have a small world up here and I think it's necessary to forget and forgive sometimes so we can get along with our neighbors who annoy us. We learn to live with each other. It's a good skill. Until it's not.

So what do we do now? I don't think another recall is the answer here. It was hard work. It takes too long and costs too much. I suppose if you want to kick in a couple million to fund it, I might change my mind. But the people who carried that effort put in their hours already and it seems a steep ask to rekindle it.

BUT we have legislative elections on the horizon and that's where we can most immediately make our voices heard. There are stooges and lackeys for this governor in the legislature and we need to let them know we see them. We need to pay attention on Monday to whoever refuses to override this veto. And those legislators need to go.

At least that's what I think needs to happen.