'Build the Line!' pep rallies obscure the lack of pipeline numbers

The “Build the Line!” propaganda campaign is perfect for people who think that numbers don’t matter.

The cost of the line doesn’t matter. The cost of the gas doesn’t matter. The cost of construction doesn’t matter. The details of the contract the state signed with Glenfarne don’t matter.

All that matters is allowing uninformed politicians to lead angry crowds in chants of “Build the Line!” and try to get elected or re-elected this November.

The assertions that the project will create cheap energy, provide plenty of jobs, trigger an economic boom and that the sponsors will invest tens of billions are to be accepted on blind faith.

This is what we are seeing from Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Glenfarne, the Republican Party and Fairbanks politicians who hope to get elected on the basis of a meaningless slogan.

The Alaska Support Industry Alliance is planning a rally in Fairbanks “to show our elected officials that Interior Alaska supports moving the Alaska LNG pipeline forward.”

Fairbanks has always supported moving the gas pipeline forward. There is no argument about that.

The real questions in Juneau right now are about the shortage of specific information on which to determine the feasibility of the Glenfarne project and the financial risks for consumers and Alaska. The propaganda campaign aims to suppress that topic and pretend that none of the numbers matter.

Instead of directing people to monitor the daily hearings of the special session, where the numbers are under examination, the propagandists are promoting pep rallies with ice cream and hot dogs.

“A strong turnout sends a clear message: Alaskans are ready to build the infrastructure that will power our future, enhance energy security, and keep Alaska competitive for decades to come,” says the Alaska Support Industry Alliance, forgetting to mention who will pay for the infrastructure.

“Bring your family, enjoy free food and activities, and hear from Alaska leaders about why this project matters.”

“Let’s build the line, Fairbanks — and help secure a stronger future for Alaska.”

The claim that this means “lower home heating bills from Alaska’s own LNG” is pure fantasy.

This is perfect for a world where none of the numbers matter. Where cheerleading makes or breaks one of the largest construction projects in the world.

Glenfarne should release the state contract it signed with the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation to see what promises have been made on our behalf.

Glenfarne can release its updated cost estimate, if one exists. There was testimony in Juneau this week that the $46 billion number is based on work that took place before Glenfarne arrived on the scene. What is the real number and where is the money coming from?

The in-state pipeline is supposed to cost $12 billion or more. Who is going to pay for that?

If the Dunleavy tax cut is approved by the Legislature, will Glenfarne be able to cite that state action as evidence that it has created additional value for the project and will be able to translate that into cash from the state if it walks away? We won’t know that until the secret contract is released.

We need answers, not “Build the Line!” pep rallies and politicians playing cheerleaders.