WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Frank H. Murkowski (R-AK), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee announced today that the Committee will hold a hearing to discuss the proposed Alaska natural gas delivery system on October 2nd, 2001 at 9:30 a.m in Dirksen 366. “Many people have been discussing an Alaska gas pipeline,” explained Murkowski. “But throughout this debate, one voice still hasn’t been clearly heard: Alaska’s. It is time for Congress to hear from those who will be directly impacted by this project – their experience, their insight, and their role in this project must be part of the debate.” The Governor of Alaska, members of the legislature, the Bush Administration, and Alaskans have been invited to testify. In addition, the representatives from Phillips, Exxon, and British Petroleum will discuss their proposal to legislatively expedite a natural gas delivery system which was submitted to the Committee prior to the Congressional August recess. “More than 35 trillion cubic feet of natural gas is available on Alaska’s North Slope – gas that belongs to Alaska,” Murkowski added. “The citizens in our State have a right to say how their resource is going to be used. We need to explore which of the competing gas delivery proposals offers the greatest advantages to the State and to the nation. Local governments and native groups should have the opportunity to express their views on natural gas delivery systems, as should other industry and environmental interests.” “We have an obligation to make certain these issues have been fully discussed and are understood before Congress acts,” Murkowski said. “If we can get Alaska gas to market, we can further meet our growing demands with supplies from home, instead of relying on foreign governments for our energy needs.” A formal witness list will be available closer to the hearing date.