RDC NEWS DIGEST

Shively to head Pebble Partnership

Long-time Alaska business leader and RDC President John Shively has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pebble Partnership, the company seeking to develop a world-class copper deposit in southwest Alaska.

“We’re extremely pleased that an Alaskan of John’s experience and personal integrity has agreed to lead the Pebble Project into the future,” said Cynthia Carroll, CEO of Anglo American plc, one of two companies that comprise the Pebble Partnership. “This represents an important milestone in our efforts to develop the Pebble Project consistent with our stated principles. John shares our view that Pebble must go beyond compliance to ensure that the project can coexist with clean water and healthy fisheries. He is also passionate about working in partnership with local communities to develop the project in a way that generates the greatest possible benefit for Alaskans.”

Since 2002, Shively has served as Vice President of Government & Community Relations for Holland America Line. He is a former Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, a former Chief of Staff to Governor Bill Sheffield and served 17 years with NANA Regional Corporation.

Shively was actively involved with NANA in obtaining the land selection rights for the area in which the Red Dog zinc mine is currently located. He and other NANA leaders negotiated the terms and the process by which Red Dog was developed and permitted in partnership with Teck Cominco.

He has served on numerous boards, including the Alaska Permanent Fund, the University of Alaska Board of Regents and, most recently, the Alaska Legislature’s Climate Impact Assessment Commission. Since 2003, he has served as President of RDC.

In 1992, the Alaska Federation of Natives honored him with the Denali Award for his contributions to the Native community.

“In my view, the Pebble Project presents a tremendous opportunity for the people of Bristol Bay and Alaska,” he said. “The global significance of the mineral deposit at Pebble is without question. Our challenge now is to see if we can find a way to work together to develop the resource that’s consistent with the values and priorities of local communities, of Alaska Natives and all Alaskans. And that’s precisely the challenge I’ve been brought onto address.”

Shively said that Alaska’s mineral resources can play a key role in the future of the state’s economy – particularly for rural communities. He added that what happens at Pebble may have a significant impact on the future of mineral development in Alaska.

RDC comments on AGIA proposal

In comments to the State on TransCanada’s application for the exclusive right to build the huge Alaska natural gas pipeline project, RDC noted it was disappointed only five companies competed in the process set forth by the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA).

RDC said the Palin administration correctly determined four of the applicants did not meet the requirements of AGIA, but it expressed concern whether the analysis of only one application will allow Alaskans to determine if the TransCanada proposal will sufficiently maximize benefits to Alaskans.

Since TransCanada complied with the AGIA application requirements, RDC said its proposal should be evaluated to determine if its benefits and risks result in a determination that it sufficiently maximizes benefits and merits issuance of a license under AGIA. For a gasline to come to fruition, the Legislature and the administration must ensure a fiscal framework is in place that is conducive to a successful open season, RDC emphasized. Read RDC’s full comments.

RDC board makes annual fly in to Juneau

RDC Board members and staff met with majority and minority legislators, as well as the Bush Caucus during its annual legislative fly-in to Juneau in February. Major issues discussed included a long-term fiscal plan, AGIA and the impact of ballot initiatives on the Alaska economy.

ExxonMobil announces Point Thomson plan

ExxonMobil has submitted a plan to the State outlining phased development of the Point Thomson field east of Prudhoe Bay. The plan involves evaluation, delineation and development of the Point Thomson reservoirs. Production is anticipated to start in late 2014.

The project includes an investment of $1.3 billion to commence a multi-year development and delineation drilling program beginning next winter and to construct production facilities, pipelines and support infrastructure.

Under the initial phase, approximately 200 million cubic feet per day of natural gas is expected to be produced. Approximately 10,000 barrels per day of liquid condensate is expected to flow through new and existing oil pipelines.

ExxonMobil has invested over $20 billion to develop Alaska’s petroleum resources. Its current working interest share of oil production in the state is approximately 140,000 barrels per day. In addition to ExxonMobil, the other major Point Thomson Unit owners include BP, Chevron and ConocoPhillips. The state must approve the plan before the company can move forward.

Energy Keepers author to speak before RDC

Roy Innis, Chairman, Congress of Racial Equality, will be the keynote speaker at RDC’s Annual Meeting on June 4.

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