AK HB163

Expands the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority's authority to acquire and condition natural gas from the North Slope and other regions of the state, not limited to the North Slope alone

Clarifies that the Authority may deliver natural gas to markets within the state or to tidewater for shipment to outside markets, removing references to specific geographic limitations like the Glennallen spur line to Southcentral Alaska

Defines "project" to include gas transmission pipelines extending from the North Slope or other state regions to in-state markets or to tidewater at Prince William Sound or Cook Inlet

Establishes that the acquisition of natural gas from the North Slope and other regions, including the Alaska outer continental shelf, and its delivery to state or outside markets constitutes an essential government function

Adds a definition of "North Slope" as the part of Alaska north of 68 degrees North latitude, including the Brooks Range foothills