FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 9, 2006 No. 06-179 Murkowski Lays Out State’s Plan for Managing Prudhoe Bay Shutdown; Announces Hiring Freeze and Calls for Passage of New Oil Tax, Approval of Gas Pipeline Contract In remarks today to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature, Governor Frank H. Murkowski briefed lawmakers and the public on his administration’s interim management plan to address BP’s shutdown and plans to resume oil and gas production at Prudhoe Bay, the nation’s largest single oil field. from State of Alaska News & Announcements