Fairbanks and Mat-Su Republican legislators show support for gas pipeline

FAIRBANKS, AK — Republican state lawmakers joined about 200 people in Fairbanks today at Golden Heart Waste Management to demonstrate support for the Alaska LNG project.

Leaders at the community rally, where the mantra was “build the line,” included Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks; Rep. Mike Prax, R-North Pole; Rep. Rebecca Schwanke, R-Glennallen; Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake; Rep. Steve St. Clair, R-Wasilla; Rep. Garret Nelson, R-Sutton; and Sen. George Rauscher, R-Sutton. Rep. Frank Tomaszewski, R-Fairbanks, traveled to Anchorage to participate in House Finance Committee meetings, where lawmakers continue to review tax policy aimed at making the gasline project more economically attractive.

The presence of legislators from the Mat-Su Valley at the Fairbanks rally underscores the project’s importance as a statewide infrastructure priority that connects different regions of Alaska through energy security and economic opportunity.

“This project is the best opportunity we have to lower the high cost of energy for our folks in the Interior and the rest of Alaska,” Rep. Stapp said. “Let’s pass a bill that allows the developers to go forward and build this line.”

“Coming to Fairbanks to stand with Alaskans on this project matters to me,” Rep. McCabe said. “This pipeline is a generational opportunity–a legacy we leave our children and grandchildren. We owe it to them to get it built, and it’s Alaska’s moment to step up as the linchpin of America’s energy future and lead American resource development.”

Sen. Rauscher said: “With the President in D.C., Secretary of State Bergum, Secretary of Energy Wright, and the EPA director advancing all concerns, plus our U.S. Senator Sullivan, Congressman Begich, and our Governor all on board, this is classified as the largest project in North America’s history,” the senator said. “This gasline is the best chance we have to bring low-cost energy, which will finally allow industry and manufacturing jobs, business investments, reverse the exodus, and bring back families.”

“Let’s build the line,” said Rep. St. Clair. “The creation of thousands of jobs is a substantial economic boost. Lower home heating bills. Energy security for America. What are we waiting for?”