Legislature(2003 - 2004)

2004-01-20 House Journal

Full Journal pdf

2004-01-20                     House Journal                      Page 2343
HB 383                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 383 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act approving an interim classification by the commissioner                                
     of natural resources closing certain land within the area of the                               
     proposed Bristol Bay (Alaska Peninsula) competitive oil and gas                                
     areawide lease sale to oil and gas exploration licensing and                                   
     shallow natural gas leasing; 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.  Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources                                                                
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2004, follows:                                  
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska                                       
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill approving an interim                                         

2004-01-20                     House Journal                      Page 2344
classification by the commissioner of Natural Resources closing                                     
certain land in the Bristol Bay region to oil and gas exploration                                   
licensing under AS 38.05.131 through AS 38.05.134 and shallow                                       
natural gas leasing under AS 38.05.177. The specific lands affected                                 
will be part of a future competitive oil and gas lease sale in the Bristol                          
Bay region. Closure avoids potential conflicts in land use for these                                
areas later, when the proposed competitive oil and gas lease sale                                   
occurs.                                                                                             
                                                                                                    
Under AS 38.05.300(c), a mineral closing order is an interim                                        
classification which does not become permanent unless approved by                                   
                              th                                                                    
the legislature by the 90 day of the next regular session, or                                       
adjournment. This legislation will help facilitate needed economic                                  
development and job creation in Alaska's Bristol Bay region.                                        
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely yours,                                                    
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Frank H. Murkowski                                                  
                                Governor"