Sen. Murkowski Comments on Closing of Flint Hills North Pole Refinery
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today released the following statement on Flint Hills’ decision to close its petroleum refinery in North Pole, Alaska:
“This is a major blow to our state, particularly the economies of Fairbanks and North Pole as the refinery paid some of the highest wages in the region. My thoughts right now are with the families of the workers who will lose their jobs or will have to transfer out of the state. I have reached out to the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. to ensure that the loss of the refinery won’t impact the integrity of the trans-Alaska pipeline. I am also concerned about the potential economic impact this decision will have on the Alaska Railroad and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport,” Murkowski said. “Today’s announcement is yet another reminder of the importance of making sure Alaska has a competitive business environment.”
Murkowski is Alaska’s senior senator and the ranking member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
