Juneau -- Senate President Drue Pearce (R-Anchorage) and House Speaker Brian Porter (R-Anchorage) Wednesday appointed members to the newly formed Joint Committee on Mergers. The committee will study issues relating to the proposed acquisition of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) by BP Amoco.

Both President Pearce and Speaker Porter will serve as committee members. Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak) was named to Chair the committee, while Representative Joe Green (R-Anchorage) will serve as Vice-Chair. Rounding out the committee are Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and Representative Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau). Representative Jim Whitaker (R-Fairbanks) is the House alternate.

The primary issues the committee will review include:

• revenues generated through oil production and transport;
• employment opportunities for Alaskans;
• environmental impacts;
• future oil and gas exploration and development;
• sale of natural gas from the North Slope; and
• ensuring a healthy competitive environment for industry in Alaska.

The committee will meet throughout the next year and a half, and will be terminated when the 22nd Legislature convenes in January 2001.