Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2003-04-04 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2003-04-04 House Journal Page 0783 HB 246 HOUSE BILL NO. 246 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the limitation on upland acreage that a person may take or hold under oil and gas leases; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Oil & Gas and the Resources Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Natural Resources 2003-04-04 House Journal Page 0784 The Governor's transmittal letter dated April 3, 2003, follows: "Dear Speaker Kott: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would amend AS 38.05.140(c) to increase the upland acreage limit for oil and gas leases from 500,000 acres to 750,000 acres, except for land north of the Umiat Meridian baseline. Currently, under AS 38.05.140(c) oil and gas lessees may hold not more than a total of 500,000 acres on tide and submerged land and no more than 500,000 acres on uplands. While oil and gas leases with certified wells and those included within units are excluded from these acreage limitations, many operating oil and gas companies are already either at the existing 500,000 acre limitation or close to it. The bulk of this acreage is located on the North Slope and Beaufort Sea. In the past few years, the Department of Natural Resources has been encouraging exploration of frontier areas such as the North Slope foothills. The bill would increase the maximum upland acreage to 750,000, of which no more than 500,000 acres could be located north of the Umiat Meridian baseline. Thus, companies would be able to lease and explore acreage in Alaska's frontier basins while still maintaining their interests on the North Slope. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"