Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2018-01-24 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2018-01-24 House Journal Page 2241 HB 305 HOUSE BILL NO. 305 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to oil and hazardous substances and waiver of cost recovery for containment and cleanup of certain releases; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Environmental Conservation The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23 follows: 2018-01-24 House Journal Page 2242 "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to cost recovery relief for homeowners. This bill would offer cost recovery relief to homeowners when they have a release of oil or hazardous substance from equipment used for space heating or electrical power generation. Current statutes require the Department of Environmental Conservation to seek complete cost recovery for cleaning up spilled petroleum or other hazardous substances. This can deter homeowners from reporting or cooperating with the department when they experience a spill at their home, such as a spill from a heating oil tank. This bill would allow the Department to waive all or a portion of response costs for cleanup for homeowners. Requirements are: · Release was from piping, tankage, or other equipment solely used to heat an individual's home or residential building with no more than four housing units; · The individual did not willfully or negligently fail to comply with spill prevention, reporting, and response requirements; · The individual took immediate measures upon discovery of the release and provides reasonable assistance in the clean-up. Allowing relief from cost recovery would result in more timely and efficient cleanup of these contaminated sites, which protects human health and the environment. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor"