Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-01-14 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-01-14 Senate Journal Page 1929 SB 265 SENATE BILL NO. 265 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the schedule of proposed oil and gas lease sales and to a related report to the legislature; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Therriault: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the scheduling of proposed oil and gas lease sales. This bill would allow the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources to produce additional revenues for the State of Alaska from oil and gas lease sales by quickly responding to changing industry, market, and other conditions. New areas, particularly frontier areas of the state, can be brought into production sooner than currently possible. The bill would still permit legislative review of the lease sale program. Currently, the commissioner is required to prepare a "Five Year Schedule of Proposed Oil And Gas Lease Sales" and submit it to the Legislature in January of the first regular session of each Legislature. A proposed lease sale must be included in the schedule for at least two calendar years before the sale can actually be held. This is a ponderous process that makes it difficult to implement the most effective oil and gas lease sale program possible. This bill is an important part of our mission to use natural resource wealth to produce long-term, stable revenue sources for the state, local and property tax revenue for municipalities, and high paying jobs for Alaskans. 2004-01-14 Senate Journal Page 1930 I urge your prompt and favorable support of this legislation. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor