Nobody has "passed on it" yet.  These are called negotiations.  It was thought by some that if Alaska owned 51% of the gasline project we would not be kept from internal discussions and decisions as we would be being "under the table" with TC sitting in our chair.   We need a gasline down the spine of this state, whether it is a 48" line or a 24' line serving only the state and entities like mines and utilities.   With the amount of quality wet gas Alaska has to offer to a "very close" Asian/Pacific market over decades, it behooves the state to take the lead (if the slope cartel members are demanding too high of a "hurdle rate").  The state can afford a lower one in the early years of gas production if we have enough anchor customers for our gas, including added exports from Cook Inlet and new in-state customers.  We have the best team to put a line together than we ever had before.  I`m for the state owning 51% of the pipeline.  A "controlling interest" it`s called in business terms.