News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: March 7, 1997 Contact: Senator Dave Donley 907/465-3892

Senate Calls for Swift Solution to Northstar Lawsuit

Put Alaskans Back to Work

JUNEAU - The Alaska State Senate Friday passed a resolution 18 to 1 urging the Department of Law and our Attorney General to quickly pursue a solution to the lawsuit filed against the state challenging the legality of the BP Northstar oil and gas project.

"Alaskan jobs are at stake. This resolution doesn’t call for any specific strategy or legal tactic. It simply asks that the parties involved and the court resolve this issue as expeditiously as possible," said Republican Senator Dave Donley, sponsor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 3.

"I have talked to Alaskans whose jobs have been put on hold by this lawsuit. They need an answer. Their families need an answer -- and so does the legislature and governor of Alaska who supported the Northstar project in an effort to create jobs for Alaskans," Donley said.

BP announced February 13, 1997 that they have stopped all Anchorage module fabrication work on the Northstar oil field development project until the lawsuit is resolved.

"Members of the Legislature supported the Northstar project last year and will stand by their decision this year. Because we spent hours reviewing the pros and cons of the lease agreement, I feel confident the Attorney General’s conclusions will demonstrate the legality of the contract.

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