JUNEAU — A federal proposal that would block oil and gas development in about half the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska has sparked some harsh words between the state’s Republican governor and its Democratic U.S. senator.
This, even though Gov. Sean Parnell and Sen. Mark Begich are united in their opposition to the plan.
It began with a Sept. 13 letter from Begich to Parnell, intended to nudge Parnell back into negotiations. Parnell, a day earlier, had announced the state would withdraw as a cooperating agency with regards to the reserve, saying the Interior Department had treated the state disrespectfully and calling for a new review process.
“While I am also often frustrated by misguided federal actions, recent developments have proven that persistence and rational arguments pay off for Alaskans,” Begich wrote in encouraging Parnell to return to the “negotiating table” and work with the congressional delegation on the issue.
“I recall several meetings with you soon after my election to the U.S. Senate in which you expressed serious doubt about our ability to secure favorable decisions for Alaska,” he wrote. “Yet dogged persistence and providing the facts in a rational way to federal decision-makers have produced results.”
Parnell responded last week, telling Begich his letter was “neither well taken nor an accurate reflection of the facts.” He said that, “contrary to your comments,” he has not given up the fight to develop Alaska resources in the reserve. But he said he has little hope the state will be heard.
“The repeated disrespect by the federal government of the State’s good faith efforts is unacceptable,” he said in his letter, dated Sept. 19. “Certainly, even you would agree the surprise announcement by the (Interior) Secretary of a ‘preferred alternative’ shutting down millions of acres in NPR-A with no notice or opportunity for the State to review and comment is disrespectful and improper.”
He said Begich “can solve” this issue by introducing and passing legislation that would allow for reasonable, responsible oil and gas development in most areas of the reserve. He said he looks forward to getting a copy of the bill.
“Actions speak louder than words,” he wrote later. “When, or if, you convince the Secretary to reverse his decision and allow for a respectful process with the State, in accordance with the law, and the Secretary withdraws his preferred alternative, please let me know.”
Parnell spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said the two men can work together for Alaskans but they have distinct differences on some important policy issues, like the federal health care law and “NPR-A lockup.” She said the letters speak for themselves in that regard.
Begich, in a statement, said he’s as frustrated as anyone with many federal actions. “But at the end of the day, my job is to get results for Alaska. The upcoming decision on NPR-A is critical to development of Alaska’s on- and offshore oil and gas resources. That’s why the state needs to be at the table to help get the best decision.”
There has been speculation about a possible Parnell run against Begich in 2014, but Parnell, who is in his first term and would face re-election that year, has not announced his plans.
Begich last year began calling on the administration to opt-out of key provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law.
The state’s education commissioner has said it was important that things be done “right, not just fast,” and the state, among other things, was waiting on a decision from the Alaska board of education on new standards for K-12 education to allow it to move forward with a request for a waiver. That decision came in June.
Comments (27)
Add commentBegich
Is a sheep...
Never forget
what the feds did to Alaska after Uncle Ted made a deal with the dems, don't trust them as far as you could throw one of them! They have NO honor!
Buzz words
Parnell seems to like to use the 'respect' word a lot. His handlers must have told him it plays well in the focus groups.
Why isn't Begich backing Alaska
Whose side is he on? I agree let's see the legislation intorduced to stop the Obama administration from AWRizing more of Alaska.
Senator Begich please introduce legislation to protect our state. Please act and not just speak.
Let's not forget this is a petroleum reserve that Obama is locking away from exploration.
Analogy
Begich is like France in WWII. Let's sit down with the German's (Dept of Interior) and discuss it...meanwhile Poland (NPRA ALASKA) is being invaded and taken over
Time to ACT. Introduce the legislation Begich.
Respect
Have you met him? Parnell? That is how he treats people with respect. What ever his political positions may be. He treats people with respect and common courtesy. He is a person you can pass in the aisles of Fred Meyer and say hi to just like your other neighbors. On an outing with his daughter she is the center of his world, like any loving dad not glad handing. He meets with a 10 yo for a half hour discussing the issues, not as a political ploy but because here is a kid that wants to meet him. This story never hit the media, unless you count the article the child wrote for his school newspaper. Respect is what he gave that student, respect is what he gives everyone. Whether I or you agree with all his political positions does not change his core. Personal attacks are not warranted.
kayaklove??
What are you talking about? The guy is using 'respect' when referring to dialogue with a federal agency as if they had somehow insulted him, called him mean names and such. It's a childish response.
I'm glad the guy is nice in the grocery store. I met the janitor of my building in the grocery store the other day - he was nice and respectful too. Doesn't mean I want him as governor either.
respect?
Seriously? Parnell said in reference to a surprise announcement by Ken Salazar that it was "with no notice or opportunity for the State to review and comment is disrespectful and improper."
Talk about pompous hypocrisy.
How about when Parnell orchestrated the surprise announcement that the AK Department of Natural Resources was changing its mission statement without notice or opportunity for Alaska residents nor the Legislature to review and comment? Talk about disrespectful and improper.
Or how about when the State sought to sue the Lake and Pen Borough over its initiative to protect the Bristol Bay fishery? Talk about disrespecting the public initiative.
There are a lot of sheep, especially in DC. But we've got our own Californian sheep, with incredibly oily pockets, here in the governor's mansion.
Lat
Your response comes across more as a personal attack. Using words like buzz word and handlers. It just comes across demeaning and unkind. My point was I think he uses the word "respect" not as a buzz word or because pr told him to, but because at his core respect is important to him. Enough so, that that is how he treats others. Disagree with his politics all day. I just do not see any reason to attack someone's intellegence or moral center because they don't see the world as you do.
Sean Parnell has no idea
Sean Parnell has no idea about respect!
Sean Parnell even stood-up Pres. Obama at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. At least Mark Begich had the decency to be there to greet the President of the United States of America to our state.
"The President met the families of fallen troops, and addressed an enthusiastic military crowd in a filled hangar. Senator Mark Begich (D) was on hand to welcome the President, and spent a good deal of times granting requests for pictures, and showing his appreciation to the men and women in uniform, while Parnell ate lunch less than three miles away."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/akmuckraker/alaska-governor-snubs-the_b_35...
Sean Parnell says the state
I am fed up with the uncooperating airs of the Republicans Party.
Republicans are destroying this country.
I
Sorry kayak
But I don't see it that way.
His use of the term definitely comes across as a carefully crafted campaign buzz word. And these days campaign buzz words are usually tried out on focus groups to see if they elicit the desired response. I'm betting that this one was too.
Personal attack? Hardly. I'm glad he's a nice guy who loves his daughter. But the extremist politics he pursues suggest someone who does not respect Alaskans. Giving away $2 billion per year to the oil companies is a hint about who else besides his family commands his respect.
Parnell, Murkowski, Young and
I think Sean Parnell, Lisa Murkowski, Don Young and Mark Begich all need to back off and stop selling our state out to the oil, gas and mining industry.
Many Alaskans support the special protections proposed for wildlife habitat in the 36,000-square mile National Petroleum Reserve. There are critical breeding areas in this reserve for migratory birds and the Western Arctic and Teshekpuk caribou herds, that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar believes warrant special protections.
But our reps, governor would rather kill off our wildlife than set aside what is needed for them to survive?
Our Reps. and Governor have a responsibility to Alaskans and to our wildlife this is about protecting the Alaskan way of life today and for future Alaskans. Enriching the oil, gas, and mining industry is not in their job description.
Alaskans need to vote out these turncoats and take their state back.
Thank you Secretary Ken Salazar
Oh yeah, like that's going to
Oh yeah, like that's going to happen - a freshman senator going up against Dear Leader's and little tyrant Salazar's agenda!! Begich wouldn't dare introduce legislation that would allow for "reasonable, responsible oil and gas development in most areas of the reserve". You seroiusly think he'd risk the wrath of Harry Reid!!
Once again, Begich finds himself on both sides of the aisle...
Keep up the fight, Gov. Parnell. Hopefully come January you'll have some federal government allies.
Here is a link to an article
Here is a link to an article on this at cnn. What Secretary Ken Salazar proposes is a win/win.
"The proposed National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska plan is an important step in the right direction for all Americans, including Alaska natives, sportsmen and other conservationists who want to balance energy exploration with wildlife protection. But it's not a done deal; a final decision is expected in December. By dropping the old debate, Washington can demonstrate that a new era of compromise over conflict is possible. Instead of either/or, this is a win-win."
http://www.edition.cnn.com/2012/09/27/opinion/rimel-hall-arctic-drilling...
Energy is the future
Energy development brought this state out of the dark ages. Continued energy development will keep us out of the dark.
It's always the same, no matter what developers want to do, there is always groups that want to stop it.
Drill, mine, farm, build and manufacture...
Sean is for growing and expanding Alaska's economy through resource development. I think it is quite clear that those that align themselves with "Obummer" intend to see that not happen. This certainly includes "Baggage" too.
Lord, I hope Sean does run in 2014. He'll have my vote and I will volunteer on his campaign.
a respectful shove
if the Gov let Sec Salazar have his way without throwing the flag, just how long would it take the EPA to get its mitts on the reserve?
We are uniquely situated to flex our sovereign rights as one of these united states, and should relish any opportunity to tell the feds No Thank You. Just because we're an afterthought to the federal administration does not mean we should act accordingly. Right on, Gov; Sen Begich - you got your answer, now go play nice on the Hill.
@jumpstart - you seriously
@jumpstart - you seriously believe that gobbledy-gook from Salazar?!!
This sentence was especially precious - "Washington can demonstrate that a new era of compromise over conflict is possible."
They think we're stupid...
Get out of the fantasy world
How did Alaska get to where it is today? Resource development. That's why its one of the few states not in the red, and pays residents a PFD (which is shrinking every year). Obama and the greenies want to shut all this down and further "punish" us with exorbitant fuel prices. In reality, they probably prefer to have no one living here, which will happen, when escalating fuel prices collapse the local economy.
Ehhh....
One duface politician squawks at another duface politician. This gets people excited?
The oil and gas companies
The oil and gas companies want access to public land so they can make even more money, that’s what this is all about.
Even FDR, in the midst of the Great Depression, enabled the National Park Service to protect America's most iconic landmarks, from Mount Rushmore to the Statue of Liberty, public land belongs to WE THE PEOPLE, and not private enterprise.
Lets fix what we have and stop the damage.
SEANOCO PARNILLIPS
Before Sean Parnell fell into the Gov. position he was the star lobbyist for Conoco Phillips. So dedicated to oil company his fellow bottom feeders nicknamed him Seanoco Parnillips. This was considered a compliment. He has not the intrests of the state in mind, but that of his fat cat oil barons. I mean come on this guy slid in behind Sarah Palin, the biggest embarrasment this state has ever seen.
@Banditrider
You may want to look at how the PFD works...
And we would "be in the red" the very first year if Parnell pushes his "Tax Break" through...and Parnell will be comfortably back at this desk at Connoco.
Thank you MoreAlaskan
Additionally,
"Current Governor of Alaska, Sean Parnell, worked at law firm Patton Boggs between 2005-2006, representing ExxonMobil against plaintiffs including Alaskan state prosecutors. It was Patton Boggs who managed to reduce Exxon’s original $5 billion punitive damages by more than $2 billion in December 2006. Before that, Mr. Parnell served as Director of Government Relations at ConocoPhillips."
http://www.esginsider.com/?p=234
@Jumpstart
I dont think Obama was the least bit put off being stood up by Gov Parnell. Governors in his own party have been gaffing him for 2 yrs now. On the one hand, you reap what you sow; on the other hand, the Gov probably had a pressing pre-planned chowtime engagement. It's not like he was filming with the View Crew.
Parnell says: “Actions speak louder than words.”
So where's the Palin Memorial $500,000,000 gas pipeline?
She said it was under construction during her campaign in 2008.