ANCHORAGE, AK – The Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources for the State of Alaska today amended the state’s right of way lease for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), extending the current terms and conditions for another 30 years of pipeline operations. The six companies that own TAPS applied for 30 year renewals of the state and federal rights of way in May, 2001.

The state right of way lease authorizes the pipeline and associated facilities, such as pump stations, communications sites and access roads, to operate on state land. Prior to beginning pipeline construction in 1974 the TAPS owners signed the State Lease and Federal Grant spelling out the terms for pipeline construction and operation. These agreements have continued to define the pipeline’s operating requirements.

Today’s agreement was signed by representatives from each of the six TAPS owner companies and by DNR Commissioner Pat Pourchot with Governor Tony Knowles attesting. The federal government expects to complete its renewal process early in 2003.

TAPS has transported nearly 14 billion barrels of oil from the North Slope to the port of Valdez since start up. Current pipeline throughput is at just over 1 million barrels per day and represents approximately 17% of the United States’ crude oil production.