Congressman Don Young came to Fairbanks today, and joined us for lunch. About 20 of us regulars and eight visitors showed up at Denny's. A couple of reporters, and some folks we suspect were spies from the Federal Government agencies. We had some very interesting conversations. One of the things he is working on is cutting US Fish and Wildlife Service budget for Yukon Charley preserve to $1.00 for fiscal year 2012. And the rest of their Alaska budget in half. Sounds good to me. He is on the House Finance Committee.
He also chastised our Governor, over several issues. One of them is the railroad bridge across the Tanana River. The EPA came out with a statement last week they are not going to give the permits to build the bridge. Congressman Young said build the bridge anyway, then tell the EPA to get out of our business. This evening right at the close of business for today, the Fairbanks office for the EPA announced they no longer have any issues with the bridge, construction can proceed. I think they may have heard about what the Congressman said.
Congressman Young also said drill the oil wells, and when the EPA objects tell them to get out of our business and go back to DC. Here we sit on 36 Billion barrels of oil and we need to get that oil out of the ground and refill the pipeline.
One thing people are not aware of. If the pipeline goes dry and is shut down, it is to be removed. Federal mandate from back in the 70s. With Obama placing a moratorium on off shore drilling, and Obama's EPA pulling permits to drill for the on shore wells, he is virtually cutting off the oil supply to the pipeline.
But Obama lifted the offshore drilling moratorium you say! Only for the Gulf Of Mexico. The moratorium is still in place for Alaska.
Congressman Young made a lot of statements and I agree with all of them 100%. Now if only our wimpy governor will take action.
One last thing. Reapportionment came up today. Congressman Young has been asked by his peers how badly is he going to be affected. Many of the other Congressmen are looking at an upcoming election with all new constituents, as the boundries of their districts are changing. Congressman Young laughed, no matter how boundries change Alaska only has one Congressman, and he is it. Now if only we could get our two Senators replaced.