Proponent of in-state pipeline launches bid for governor

Backed by political heavyweights noted for their advocacy of a natural gas pipeline between the North Slope and the port of Valdez, Bill Walker announced Monday morning his candidacy for governor.

Walker, a Republican and general counsel for the Alaska Gasline Port Authority, said his campaign cornerstone will be the pursuit of an "all-Alaska gasline," a state-owned, 800-mile-long pipeline linking the North Slope's natural gas reserves to Valdez, where the gas would be shipped on LNG tankers.

"It's time Alaska stands up and does what's best for Alaska," Walker said during his announcement in Anchorage.

Supporting Walker at his announcement Monday were former Gov. Walter Hickel, a long-time advocate of the "All-Alaska Gasline," and Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker, a former legislator and staunch supporter of an in-state gas line.

Walker spoke of his involvement in advocating development of a gas pipeline in the late 1970s, and lamented the lack of progress since then.

"We have yet to connect our resources to Alaskans," he said. "It tells a sad story."

He said his candidacy will revolve around a proposal for a gas pipeline, with the state owning a majority stake and the line built and operated by contractors. Alaska shouldn't shy from building the infrastructure to access its resources and deliver them to its residents, he said, comparing that to government building roads, railroads and ferry systems.

Walker stopped short of denouncing two competing proposals to build a large-diameter natural gas pipeline into Canada. (TransCanada Corp. is working on one project, backed with an exclusive state license and up to $500 million in state subsidies. The other pipeline proposal is Denali, a partnership between BP and ConocoPhillips.) But Outside natural gas markets and other factors have changed so much in the past two years that the state may be in the best position to tap the North Slope's gas reserves.

Walker acknowledged Alaska faces many other issues that will have to be addressed, but added that reasonably priced and secure energy will lay the foundation for economic development and generate fresh tax revenue, allowing state leaders to focus on education, transportation and other issues facing Alaska.

Gov. Sean Parnell, who is standing behind plans for a gas line through Canada under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, has said he'll run for governor. Rep. John Harris, also a Republican and former Valdez mayor as well as a former House speaker, has also said he's running for governor next year.

Contact Rena Delbridge at rena@alaskadispatch.com