Gas Line Construction: What is the Health Impact?

Posted by health4all

Posted: May 27, 2008 - 5:38 pm

What are the probable impacts on the health of Alaskans all across the state with the construction of a huge gas pipeline? Would mental health care providers and medical care providers abandon their current jobs in Alaska for the better-paying jobs offered by construction-related facilities and towns? Would there be a huge increase in drug and alcohol abuse in impacted communities? Whose job is it to find out and plan for this? The following communication was just released by Representative Sharon Cissna, co-chair of the Legislative Health Caucus:

On the Health Caucus website: www.akhealthcaucus.org (left-hand side page links) you will find a growing collection of down-loadable studies and writings on mega-project socio-economic impacts.

Following the rich discussion about Alaska’s unique workforce and their problems in last month’s ‘Week of the Uninsured’ Health Caucus, health issues have grown in intensity. Ending the regular Session with the knowledge of the Gas Line as the upcoming Special Session focus does channel attention.

The gas line is an issue that is critical to most because of our need for affordable energy. That can dominate in current personal and political subject priorities. Some social scientists have increased study of impacts to public mental and physical health in addition to community core service costs and economic interests in mega-projects.

According to the latest Alaska Economic Report dated May 27, 2008, AGIA (Alaska Gasline Inducement Act)… binds the state from pursuing citizen’s best interests. During the forum that begins tomorrow, AGIA Gasline Determination Public Forum, my office will be asking this and other important questions. If you have feedback or questions that we can add to the discussion email back your response. Many have said the discussion needs to occur, yet it has not risen to a notice-worthy level to date.

My office has worked to accumulate information to share with policy-makers and others on this subject. We believe that this is an important and timely issue. We need to hear from the public to create a vocal demand for better protection through the past experience’s ‘lessons learned’.

For those interested in picking up hard-copies of the report or attending an informal meeting reviewing materials and discussion, there will be a meeting tomorrow, Wednesday May 28th, at 5 p.m., Legislative Information Office, 716 West 6th Avenue, 2nd floor conference room. For additional information call: 907-269-0190.

Rep. Sharon Cissna, CoChair, Legislative Health Caucus

P.S.: Note the flier on the front page of the akhealthcaucus site. If the currently circulated Legislative schedule continues, we will be able to host the Legislative Health Caucus on “Health Beyond Hospitals” from the Anchorage LIO on June 18th. During a series of forums this interim, we will look at the health costs and challenges in State Government outside of the Department of Health and Social Services. June’s look at the Department of Corrections will look at their statewide health challenges.

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