Taylor Bickford, Campaign Manager

On Tuesday, Larry Persily, formerly with the Palin administration and recently appointed by President Obama as federal pipeline coordinator, held a press conference to make clear that while nothing in federal law requires the results of AGIA open season to be made public, nothing in the law precludes the Governor and TransCanada from disclosing the results, either.

Walker recently filed a public records request asking the governor to disclose the results of the TransCanada natural gas pipeline open season that closes on July 30th. Parnell has denied that request, citing logistical concerns.

Walker responded to that denial in a letter today, defending the public’s right- to-know that is being ignored by Parnell in order to improve his chances of prevailing in the August 24 primary election.

On Wednesday, the governor released a campaign email attacking Bill Walker’s efforts to make the process open and transparent for the public. Parnell based his argument on Persily’s remarks that when it comes to open season results, “there’s no federal law that says they have to share those with anybody.”

Walker immediately fired back at Parnell, pointing out that whether or not the federal government requires the results to be made public is irrelevant.

“Governor Parnell misses the point. The people of Alaska have a right to know the outcome of TransCanada’s open season and whether over $120 million in taxpayer funds have been wasted. Who cares if federal law doesn’t require disclosure? It is within the power of the Governor and TransCanada to disclose those results, and that they choose to not do so speaks volumes. This governor is looking for any excuse to keep Alaskans from the truth that his policies will not lead to the construction of a gas pipeline and a secure economic future for our state.”

On the subject of the governor’s email, Walker summed up his response in two words, “debate me.”

Timeline:
June 24 – Walker submits records request to the governor
July 7 – The governor submits written refusal to Walker
July 8 – Walker submits request for reconsideration to the governor
July 14 – The governor denies Walker’s request for reconsideration
July 22 – Walker responds to Parnell denial