Cooperative agreements were developed between agencies to share staff, knowledge, equipment, and office space. This unique working environment eliminates duplication of work, is more customer oriented, and simplifies complicated and lengthy government processes. This is a more responsive way of doing business with the private sector and is strongly supported by Alaska State Governor Tony Knowles. The Joint Pipeline Office, a consortium of State and Federal agencies, will regulate the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and other Alaskan oil and gas pipelines in the best interests of the people of the nation and the State of Alaska. Safety, environmental protection, pipeline integrity, and regulatory compliance will be achieved through partnering with industry.
All agencies retain their individual authorities, however.
A unique aspect of this arrangement is the integration of staff into the various sections. A State employee can supervise Federal personnel and vice versa. All agencies coordinate activities such as permitting projects as needed. This was designed to secure full participation by Alaska Natives in Alaska's burgeoning oil and gas industry. This Agreement helped secure a route for the pipeline unencumbered by Alaska Native land selections.