Fairbanks Snow Travelers

A key component of Gov. Frank Murkowski's proposed natural gas pipeline contract -- freezing oil and gas tax rates for 30 years or more -- has become a lightning rod for lawmakers.

It's an issue so touchy that it might prove make-or-break for the contract.

Here's how Murkowski and executives for Exxon Mobil, Conoco Phillips and BP see the world: How can the oil companies be expected to bet billions of dollars on a risky gas pipeline when lawmakers later could zap them with billions in unexpected tax increases?

That's what the oil executives mean when they talk about "fiscal certainty."

But many in the Alaska Legislature -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- see the world differently. They believe the governor is asking them to cede away one of their main powers: the power to tax.

And they won't do it, predicts House Speaker John Harris, R-Valdez.

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The gas line is vital to Alaska's future. Some auto makers have car's that run on natural gas. I believe Honda started them first.

Short-sightedness and greed are going to be the downfall of our economy here in Alaska.. When uncle Ted leaves office........Well, bend over, stick your head between your knees, and kiss it goodbye......

There has to be a good middleground for this to work.

We do need the gasline no doubt about it, but not if we give it away. A 30 year tax cap is just crazy.