I think that a big part of the problem is that the degree of government involvement in the oil business in AK is extremely high, almost to the point one could consider it state-run. I’ve heard plenty of people who work internationally make that analogy. Its easy for politicians to stir the pot claiming that people are being taken advantage, especially when gas prices are soaring.
In my opinion, levying steep tax hikes on an industry or individuals claiming you’re stepping up to a demon and have the best interest of the public at heart is misleading. The consequences to the public are far worse. If a company was tapping wells outside outside of a lease and profiting as a result, that would be a different story but is not the case.
When regulations and taxes prevent a business from being profitable they move elsewhere. The AK state taxes, combined with the fed, put Alaska near the bottom of the ladder globally in terms of doing business. Another problem in the US as a whole, is I don’t think people have a good understanding of what it takes to produce oil. A 2” valve can cost over $1000, which pales in comparison to building lines and drilling wells.
I don’t mean for any of this to be personally, and it is not directed that way. As much as I’d love for the economic slide drive the Anchorage populatioin down, I can’t claim its a realistic or worthy expectation:-)
Careful now; Longer term Alaskans might stop considering you an outsider...
LOL, Take care.
I miss it enough to keep a Chugach State Park the center point of attention in my office. And overwhelm any that ask about it with tale from "Far North".
Have you hiked Crow Pass Trail entire length yet?
No joke though, ask anybody who has been here 20 years if every year, there isn't a state political introducing a new tax scheme to lower oil taxes; after awhile people get to wondering why none of the tax plans make them happy?
Ya know, I can keep an unbiased opinion as I'm not directly involved; and that's all it is; an opinion. No hard feelings meant to any Alaskan's anyway.
Ordered a Redding Press; and got that 5 inch S&W 460 on the list. Saw a BAR safari 338 mag on there too for a gran; maybe in a couple weeks. Thinking about nx fall too.