Palin Orders State Agencies To Fast-track Permits For LNG Projects In Alaska

Juneau, Alaska (AHN) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has ordered the state departments of revenue and natural resources to assist companies involved in liquefied natural gas projects in Alaska.

According to a report being published Sunday in the Alaska Journal of Commerce, Palin signed a state administrative order Aug. 20 directing the two state agencies to lend assistance in permit coordination, fiscal and economic analysis, and facilitation of meetings with federal agencies.

LNG projects in the state include the pipeline ventures of North Slope producers BP and ConocoPhillips and TransCanada Corp.

The Alaska Gasline Port Authority and Mitsubishi Corp. of Japan teamed up for an LNG project in Valdez for the shipping of oil between American West Coast and Asian markets.

Palin, the Republican Party's official vice presidential candidate, has been championing oil exploration in Alaska to curb dependence on oil imports.