I’m convinced that the state of Alaska could have created far better outcomes in dealing with oil companies than we have actually achieved.
But I don’t know the details. I do know that oil companies have made far better returns from their investments in Alaska than in other parts of the world, including other states.
Now come the head of Northrim Bank and the head of Lynden saying that Willow and Pikka will literally “save” Alaska. On its face, what they say is ridiculous: “The recently approved Willow Project can reverse the past 10 years of population decline and outmigration … fund state services for the next 40 years, provide permanence to the Permanent Fund and Permanent Fund dividend and revitalize Alaska’s economy.” And that is, of course, only if we give away the store.
“Don’t change the rules now!” they cry. They don’t want to see the rather small but positive changes SB 114 would achieve on the state’s behalf. They are asking Alaska to continue to subsidize these giant oil companies while we see whole departments of the University of Alaska shutting down, teachers and other public servants demoralized due to what amounts to a lack of respect for what they do for us.
Won’t someone far more knowledgeable than I am please refute the snake oil being sold by people like Joe Schierhorn and Jim Jansen?
I looked out my window May 3, and it was snowing. That was also hard to believe. As a longtime Alaskan, I suppose I should be used to such snow jobs.
— John Blaine
Anchorage
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