 January 08, 2003
"The 30-year renewal follows completion of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing renewal options. This action provides a high degree of certainty that the TAPS will continue to operate safely for many years to come," said Secretary Norton. "Renewing the pipeline will go a long way toward ensuring energy and economic security for our nation for the next three decades." Governor Frank H. Murkowski joined Secretary of the Interior Norton at the signing ceremony. Murkowski said, "This is a great day for Alaska and for the nation. The TAPS pipeline today carries 17 percent of domestic oil production - and has flowed as much as 25 percent - as it has every day for the past 30 years, with no major incidents. With the signing of these renewals, we acknowledge the forward thinking of those who designed and constructed the pipeline system, as well as the competent operation of it." Murkowski said the oversight provided by the Joint Pipeline Office, a joint effort of 13 State of Alaska and federal agencies, has worked well. "The JPO provides efficient, effective oversight to make sure the pipeline is operated in a safe, environmentally-sound, and financially productive manner. The TAPS pipeline has carried more than 14 billion barrels of oil, generating more than $400 billion in economic benefit to the nation. So, the JPO's oversight is a cooperative effort of which we can justifiably be proud," the Governor said Governor Murkowski also acknowledged the participation of the many Alaskans who spoke out during the renewal process. "There was a concern expressed about many aspects of the renewal, from the desire to have a citizen's oversight group, to whether the pipeline divides Alaska," Murkowski said. "I believe those concerns have been more than adequately addressed, the public process works, and we will continue to be vigilant in our oversight of the operation and management of the pipeline." The TAPS pipeline crosses 600 streams and three major mountain ranges on its 800-mile course from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. The State of Alaska on November 26 signed right-of-way renewals for that portion of the pipeline that crosses state lands. The signing ceremony was held January 8th at the South Interior Building in Washington, D.C. The decisional signing was the culmination of more than 18 months of analyzing the renewal's economic, social and environmental impacts. The TAPS is a major component of the President's National Energy Plan, transporting 17 percent of the nation's domestic oil production. The pipeline is 800 miles: 427 miles are located on federal land; 344 miles are located on state land; and 29 miles are located on private land. The State of Alaska renewed its Right-of-Way (ROW) lease on Nov. 26, 2002 for 30 years. Secretary Norton based the renewal determination on documents that included the following:
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