Sarah

Alaska Senate lawmakers late Thursday passed a bill to raise the state’s tax on oil and natural gas producers from 22.5% to 25% of net profits, an increase sought by Gov. Sarah Palin. The Senate vote follows one in the House last Sunday approving a similar bill with the same increase.

Alaskan House lawmakers Sunday passed a bill to raise the state’s tax on oil and natural gas producers from 22.5% to 25%, an increase sought by Gov. Sarah Palin. The House bill must be reconciled with a version of the tax that has yet to emerge from the Senate.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin last week released a draft bill that would replace the state’s Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) with a new production tax — called Alaska’s Clear and Equitable Share (ACES). Most notably, the bill would boost taxes on oil production for the second straight year.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin this week released a draft bill that would replace the state’s Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) with a new production tax — called Alaska’s Clear and Equitable Share (ACES). Most notably, the bill would boost taxes on oil production for the second straight year.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who last year revamped a long-proposed plan for an Alaska natural gas pipeline, was elected chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) for the coming year. Palin, who took office last December, is the only chair in the history of the interstate compact to have served as a past official representative to the organization. Previously, she was chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. Through its Chairman’s Stewardship Awards the IOGCC also recognized five oil- and gas-related projects that it said “demonstrate superior environmental stewardship.” BP America Production Co. received the “large company” award for its project “to challenge conventional wisdom in venting wells to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” In the “small company” category, Questar Exploration and Production was recognized for taking “a large step forward in ensuring the future of oil and gas development” with its liquids gathering gas system. The Cooperative Sagebrush Initiative was presented with the IOGCC’s environmental partnership award for its work “to enhance resources for conservation of habitats” across an 11-state sagebrush biome. Two organizations were honored for their energy education efforts. The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce was recognized for its annual Barnett Shale Expo, which was designed to educate the public and stakeholders about how gas exploration could benefit the region. The Michigan Oil and Gas Producers Education Foundation also was honored for assisting Michigan Oil and Gas Association members to develop educational projects and programs.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who last year revamped a long-proposed plan for an Alaska natural gas pipeline, on Monday was elected chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) for the coming year.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she will call state lawmakers into special session on Oct. 18 to reconsider the state’s petroleum profits tax (PPT), which, according to a recent report, is yielding $800 million less than was expected.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday she will call state lawmakers into special session on Oct. 18 to reconsider the state’s petroleum profits tax (PPT), which she said is not working out as planned and needs revision.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin last Tuesday took the next step in implementing her Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) by issuing a request for applications from companies for an exclusive license to build a $30 billion-plus pipeline to bring Alaska North Slope natural gas to market.