Alaska is one of the United States' leading oil producing states along with Texas, California, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Most of the oil comes from the far north and is transported southward by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). In coming years there could be an expanded search for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and other regions. Plus, there's an ongoing fight to build a new natural gas pipeline. Many people with hopes of landing an oil and gas job desire to work in an exciting, off-the-beaten path location like Alaska.
The Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Project
Crude oil production in Alaska has been going strong since the 1960s. Now there's talk of a new Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline project.
The Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline, if it is approved by the U.S. legislature and other government bodies, would transport natural gas from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska south through the state, into Canada, and finally to the midwestern United States gas trunklines. This new gas pipeline would be among the largest construction projects ever undertaken and would mean thousands of welder jobs, pipeliner jobs, engeering jobs, and so forth. Jobs for Alaskans, non-Alaskans, as well as Canadian citizens. In total government estimates project a need for over 9,000 workers.
The current Alaska governor, Frank Murkowski, is a major proponent of the pipeline and has vowed that most pipeline jobs will to to Alaskans. But experts predict there will be a major worker shortage. The same holds true for the Canadian aspect of the project.
Planning for the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline has been underway for years and some final decisions about construction could come by in 2007.
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS)
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline was built between 1975 and 1977 with the help of over 70,000 workers. Currently, TAPS is undergoing major repairs after portions of it were shutdown due to corrosion (July 2006). The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company oversees operation of the pipeline and still employs over 2,000 workers. Keep an eye on Alyeska's website for employment opportunities related to pipeline repairs. You can also go there to learn all about TAPS and how it was built. Much of the general information will be pertinent if the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeine project gets going soon.
What The Future Holds For Oil In Alaska
We hinted at it above: big oil projects may be coming to Alaska soon!
The U.S. government, particularly the Bush Administration, has tried like heck to open up ANWR to drilling. Either the senate or the house or both have repeatedly turned back efforts to start exploration and drilling. Although ANWR has been off the table (for now) the administration has found ways to open up other areas of Alaska for expanded oil production. With continuing shortages and increasing demand, for both oil and natural gas, it won't be surprising to see the natural gas pipeline gain approval along with more drilling in general.
One of the best ways, not only to relieve high energy prices but, to expand employment is to increase energy related jobs in this country. High paying jobs for the next 20 years or more could be generated through the exploration and production of our own energy resources. This is simply a no-brainer and a win-win situation. Hey, unions get on board and pressure your Democrtaic friends to drill, drill, drill. (Tim)
The Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Project
Crude oil production in Alaska has been going strong since the 1960s. Now there's talk of a new Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline project.
The Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline, if it is approved by the U.S. legislature and other government bodies, would transport natural gas from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska south through the state, into Canada, and finally to the midwestern United States gas trunklines. This new gas pipeline would be among the largest construction projects ever undertaken and would mean thousands of welder jobs, pipeliner jobs, engeering jobs, and so forth. Jobs for Alaskans, non-Alaskans, as well as Canadian citizens. In total government estimates project a need for over 9,000 workers.
The current Alaska governor, Frank Murkowski, is a major proponent of the pipeline and has vowed that most pipeline jobs will to to Alaskans. But experts predict there will be a major worker shortage. The same holds true for the Canadian aspect of the project.
Planning for the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline has been underway for years and some final decisions about construction could come by in 2007.
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS)
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline was built between 1975 and 1977 with the help of over 70,000 workers. Currently, TAPS is undergoing major repairs after portions of it were shutdown due to corrosion (July 2006). The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company oversees operation of the pipeline and still employs over 2,000 workers. Keep an eye on Alyeska's website for employment opportunities related to pipeline repairs. You can also go there to learn all about TAPS and how it was built. Much of the general information will be pertinent if the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeine project gets going soon.
What The Future Holds For Oil In Alaska
We hinted at it above: big oil projects may be coming to Alaska soon!
The U.S. government, particularly the Bush Administration, has tried like heck to open up ANWR to drilling. Either the senate or the house or both have repeatedly turned back efforts to start exploration and drilling. Although ANWR has been off the table (for now) the administration has found ways to open up other areas of Alaska for expanded oil production. With continuing shortages and increasing demand, for both oil and natural gas, it won't be surprising to see the natural gas pipeline gain approval along with more drilling in general.
One of the best ways, not only to relieve high energy prices but, to expand employment is to increase energy related jobs in this country. High paying jobs for the next 20 years or more could be generated through the exploration and production of our own energy resources. This is simply a no-brainer and a win-win situation. Hey, unions get on board and pressure your Democrtaic friends to drill, drill, drill. (Tim)
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