Beth Kerttula

OPINION: Alaskans must receive tangible benefits in exchange for any reduction in oil taxes intended to spark new development on Alaska's North Slope and squeeze more oil from existing fields.

It's our oil. And it's our responsibility to manage it for Alaskans' maximum benefit. Alaska's future depends on Alaskans getting a fair return on our resources.

We were disappointed when the House adjourned the recent Special Session three days early, failing by one vote to accept compromise language saving the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP).

My grandfather, Oscar Kerttula, used to say "don't stop the person who's doing something." Using his philosophy, it's time to explain what's actually happening with AGIA the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act.

On July 24, we and 22 of our House colleagues voted to grant a license to TransCanada and move Alaska closer to a natural gas pipeline. All 16 members of the House Democratic caucus, along with eight Republicans, voted to fulfill our constitutional mandate to maximize the benefits of our natural resources. With that vote, we put Alaskans in the driver's seat and protected Alaskans' right to steer our own course.