Walker hires former attorney general as oil, gas consultant

In this November 2015 file photo, former Attorney General Craig Richards speaks to the media. The governor announced in June that Richards was resigning from his post. On Friday, Craig Richards was hired as an oil and gas consultant for the state.

In this November 2015 file photo, former Attorney General Craig Richards speaks to the media. The governor announced in June that Richards was resigning from his post. On Friday, Craig Richards was hired as an oil and gas consultant for the state.

Gov. Bill Walker has hired Craig Richards as an oil and gas consultant, less than a month after Richards resigned as Alaska’s attorney general.

Walker’s office on Friday released the contract signed earlier this week. The contract runs through year’s end and is for up to $50,000.

Richards resigned last month as attorney general, citing a desire to re-focus on his family.

[Alaska attorney general, resources commissioner resign]

As attorney general, Richards was a public face of Walker’s unsuccessful proposal calling for structured annual draws from Alaska Permanent Fund earnings to help pay for state government.

Richards’ legal experience includes areas of oil and gas and taxation.

Walker’s office said other attorneys general went on to work on oil and gas issues, including John Burns, who is outside counsel for the Alaska Gasline Development Corp.

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