Alaska House approves pipeline plan

JUNEAU, Alaska, July 23 (UPI) -- The Alaska House has approved a license for a Canadian energy company that wants to build a natural gas pipeline down the Alaska Highway to Alberta.

The Alaska House approved the plan offered by TransCanada Corp. of Calgary 24-16 late Tuesday, the Anchorage Daily News reported Wednesday.

During lengthy debate on the issue, some lawmakers said licensing TransCanada would be a step toward constructing an important super-pipeline, while critics predicted a state-subsidized failure.

The proposal was considered in a special session of the state Legislature called by Republican Gov. Sarah Palin.

The legislation, outlined in House Bill 3001, would allow TransCanada a license that carries up to $500 million in state funding to help plan a pipeline likely to cost more than $30 billion.

The proposal now moves to the Senate for consideration.

TransCanada was picked by the governor from a handful of bidders that submitted applications to the state.

The proposal was backed by 16 House Democrats and eight Republicans, while one Democrat and 15 Republicans voting against. Among those voting no were House Speaker John Harris, R-Valdez, and House Majority Leader Ralph Samuels, R-Anchorage.

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