Representative Maxine Dibert

Breaking News: The AKLNG oil and gas bill, HB 381, passed the House today by a wide bipartisan margin (34-5). I supported the bill despite the fact that I do believe it can be improved further. I worked tirelessly with my colleagues on the House Resources committee to improve the legislation we were given mid-session, and the bill we sent to the Finance Committee represents a foundation of what we passed on the floor today. HB 381 is truly cross-partisan legislation. As with all compromises, no one is especially pleased. But, as the saying goes: we can’t let perfect be the enemy of good. The important features in this bill that engendered my support center around eligibility requirements for the alternative tax structure. These include: 1) most importantly, a spur line to Fairbanks that is fully funded as part of the overall project with costs shared by all ratepayers across the railbelt; 2) a guarantee that project cost-overruns will not be born by Alaskans; 3) reasonable natural gas price ceilings preventing rate payers from unfair high prices and price gouging; and, 4) Alaska-hire initiatives grounded in strong project labor agreements. The project is not guaranteed by any means as we wait for a final investment decision from the developers, but should it proceed, it will be a transformative infrastructure project that could provide truly affordable energy to Fairbanks. It will provide thousands of high paying jobs for Alaskans and will stir new economic opportunities for our communities, our people, and our state. The bill will now head to the Senate where they will consider it early next week.

Happy Memorial Day - hope you’re able to spend some time with your family and friends. It’s important we remember what Memorial Day represents: It is a day set aside to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country so the rest of us can live in freedom. We honor those who never made it home. We thank you for your sacrifices.