Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-190
August 4, 2008
Progress By TransCanada Pipelines Bodes Well For Yukon
WHITEHORSE – Continuing progress on TransCanada PipeLines’ proposal to construct an Alaska natural gas pipeline bodes well for Yukon. On August 1 the State of Alaska’s legislators voted 14-5 in favor of issuing a licence to TransCanada under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA).
“An Alaska highway pipeline remains a very high priority for the Government of Yukon,” Premier Dennis Fentie said. “I congratulate Governor Palin on achieving this significant step in the continuing progress towards construction of this important energy infrastructure.”
Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Brad Cathers said: “It is encouraging to see continuing progress on the TransCanada Pipelines project. The Government of Yukon is working to ensure that Yukon is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges of the Alaska Highway gas pipeline.”
The Department of Energy, Mines and Resources (EMR) is continuing its work with British Columbia and Alberta under the Alaska Pipeline Strategic Action Plan. This cooperative work is focusing on key regulatory, Aboriginal and operational issues to ensure that Canadian jurisdictions are “pipeline ready”.
EMR is also working closely with and providing funding for the Aboriginal Pipeline Coalition, which is comprised of First Nations along the pipeline’s proposed route through the Yukon.
TransCanada PipeLines will now conduct further engineering and field work to fine-tune the costs of the pipeline and proceed with securing gas supply commitments from North Slope producers. It is estimated this process will take between 18 and 20 months. The company will then decide whether or not to file applications with Canadian and U.S. regulators and proceed to the construction phase.
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Contact:
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Roxanne Vallevand |
Mark Roberts Director of Communications Energy, Mines and Resources (867) 667-5307 mark.roberts@gov.yk.ca |