Utility petitions to block gas exports(Alaska)

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Anchorage Daily News

An Anchorage electric utility is asking a federal court to block continued exports of Cook Inlet natural gas to Asia.

Chugach Electric Association, which burns gas to generate much of the power it sells, filed its petition in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

The petition challenges a U.S. Department of Energy decision in June to allow a pair of oil companies, Conoco Phillips and Marathon, to keep exporting Cook Inlet gas for two more years -- through March 2011.

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A state legislator who has spoken out about the impact of rising gas prices on Alaskans said he sees some merit in the Chugach challenge.

"We need to take care of Cook Inlet consumers before we allow any of our gas to be shipped overseas," said Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage.

Gov. Sarah Palin backed the export extension.



Read more: http://www.adn.com/oil/story/583470.html