January 2010 Vol. 237 No. 1

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Alaska's Gov. Parnell Appoints Swenson State Pipeline Coordinator, Judge Rules for Exxon in Point Thomson Case

According to the Associated Press, Gov. Sean Parnell has chosen state geologist Bob Swenson to take over the job of in-state gas pipeline coordinator, citing his private sector experience and understanding of Alaskan gas line projects.

Swenson previously served as the director of the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. The state coordinator is tasked with evaluating the benefits of a stand-alone natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Fairbanks and south central Alaska.

In other Alaskan news, Judge Sharon Gleason has ruled that Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources did not follow proper procedures when revoking ExxonMobil’s lease rights to develop gas fields at Point Thomson.