May 06, 2008
Tuesday

As the price of Alaska North Slope crude oil reached a record level of $123.53 a barrel Wednesday, Alaska Governor Sahar Palin said, "Alaskans are feeling the pinch of high energy costs. The state treasury is swelling while the family checkbook is evaporating. As prices continue to rise, we cannot wait for medium- and long-term solutions to come into place."

Each month the price of Alaska crude oil remains over $120 a barrel, the state treasury will take in approximately $650 million more than what was forecasted just last month.

"Since coming into office, we have been taking a methodical approach to long-term solutions that will move Alaska's communities off of expensive diesel to cleaner and cheaper alternatives," said Palin. "With today's prices, we don't have the luxury of time. Alaska's families, communities and businesses are hurting and we need relief now."

When Governor Palin appointed Steve Haagenson as energy coordinator, she directed him to lead a team to identify the most efficient and effective ways to reduce the energy cost burden on Alaskans. The Governor will unveil the plan to address the short-term energy crisis caused by spiking oil prices in the next week.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

 

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