The comments came in his first State of the State address Wednesday.
He has proposed greater incentives for companies, including expanding tax credits for drilling and well work costs, as a way to spur additional development. He's said the estimated hundreds of millions of dollars in additional credits are a small price to pay for the jobs and opportunities they'd create.
The plan doesn't go as far as some House Republicans want. They worry Alaska's oil and gas production tax is stifling development.
The issue is expected to be discussed during the current legislative session.
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