Oil and gas industry veteran Fackrell to lead producers' Alaska gas line project
Published Thursday, June 12, 2008
Digg
del.icio.us
Facebook
Mixx
Reddit
Stumble It!JUNEAU -- BP PLC and ConocoPhillips said Thursday they have picked an oil and gas industry veteran to head up their proposed natural gas pipeline project.
Bud E. Fackrell is stepping in as the first president of the joint venture known as Denali-The Alaska Gas Pipeline LLC.
He had previously served as a senior vice president of BP's North Slope operations except for the Prudhoe Bay oil field.
In April, the two oil giants announced a project to compete with one proposed by TransCanada Corp. that is currently being reviewed by the Alaska Legislature in a special session.
Some lawmakers were skeptical of the timing since TransCanada had emerged as the favorite under Gov. Sarah Palin's Alaska Gasline Inducement Act.
Some questioned whether the Denali project was legitimate or a bluff to steer lawmakers away from TransCanada.
Fackrell said his appointment - as well as 50 field workers collecting data in Tok - should illustrate the companies' commitment to build a gas line.
"This is a real project for us," Fackrell said. "We are moving forward. We have made a $600 million commitment. The Alaska market is an important piece for us."
Fackrell's assignment is the first development announced since the companies opted to pursue their own project.
Fackrell said Denali will continue to build its executive team while field work continues.
He said the goal is to have a work force of about 150 employees assembled by year's end. They will be comprised of workers from BP, ConocoPhillips and outside contractors, he said.
State lawmakers are currently considering Palin's proposal to award a state license and $500 million toward TransCanada's proposal.
Lawmakers are in Fairbanks holding hearings on Palin's recommendation. It's the first of six stops outside of Juneau during this special session.
In nearly two weeks of hearings, there have been only a few references to the Denali project.
Denali and TransCanada have both proposed construction of a pipeline from Alaska's energy rich North Slope to Alberta, Canada.
Fackrell joined BP's Alaska operations in 2006. Prior to that, he was CEO and general manager of Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company.
Community Discussion
Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.
workers from BP, Conocophilips, and OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS. Is there any reason viable why we(Alaskans) should think that these semi-producers will in fact bring GAS to the interior. One of my comments has always been "talk is cheap" but the un-willingness of these entities has in fact made talk to be a very expensive item. Are the outside contractors really what isw best for Alaska? Nuff Said
Wait a minute now. If the State gives Trans Canada an exclusive license to build a pipeline and the Producers appply for permits from the state to build their gasline what legal implications would that mean for the department or regulatory agency that issues a permit to an entity other than the one with the exclusive state license. Wouldn't they be breaking the law issuing any permits to the Producers? Why wouldn't Trans Canada contend that that action was tortious interference with a contract?
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.