Alaska State Legislature
News from the Senate and House Majorities

Jerry Ritter (907) 269-0167
Wendy Lindskoog (907) 269-0257
716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 510
Anchorage, AK 99801
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Legislative Leaders Attend Energy Council

Highlights Include Alaska-Sakhalin Trade Relationships

For Immediate Release: December 4, 1998 Contact: Rep. Gail Philips at (907) 269-0167 or Sen. Drue Pearce at (907) 269-0200.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming -- Leaders of the Alaska Legislature are joining representatives from the ten United States energy-producing states and international affiliates Venezuela and Alberta in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, December 3-6, for the fourth quarter meeting of the Energy Council.

The Alaska Delegation, led by House Speaker Gail Phillips (R-Homer) and Senate President-elect Drue Pearce (R-Anchorage) also includes Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage), Senator John Torgerson (R-Kasilof), Representative Joe Green (R-Anchorage), and Representative Gary Davis (R-Soldotna).

The focus of this meeting will be on global energy and environmental issues. It will provide a big picture or world view on how each of the oil-producing states fits into the global market. The low worldwide price of oil will play a major role in many of the panel discussions. Specifically for Alaska, one of the presentations will focus on Alaska's partnership role in the development of Sakhalin Island resources in the Russian Far East.

"Alaska is the Gateway to Sakhalin Island and its rapidly developing economy," said Speaker Phillips. "A number of factors - Alaska's proximity to Sakhalin and the similarities of climate, culture, resources, and latitude - make Alaska the ideal base of operations for any private or public sector dealings with Sakhalin Island," Phillips said.

This meeting also focuses on the economic outlook for world energy demand and North American gas markets. Speakers will highlight Canadian gas development, Venezuelan domestic and global markets, Asian economic impacts on energy in the United States, Western Hemisphere energy integration, and the national security concerns surrounding electric restructuring.

"All the topics are particularly relevant to the present Alaska economy. Our membership in the Council delivers huge learning opportunities for Alaskan legislators," said Senator Pearce.

The Energy Council is an organization of elected state and provincial legislators which participates in the formation of federal energy and related environmental policy. The Energy Council also assists its member states and international affiliates to develop policy and promote dialogues with energy leaders at all levels, from local to global.

# # #