Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2022-03-11 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2022-03-11 Senate Journal Page 1991 SB 228 SENATE BILL NO. 228 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act requiring the designation of outstanding national resource water to occur only by statute; relating to the management of outstanding national resource water by the Department of Environmental Conservation; 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 Environmental Conservation Governor's transmittal letter dated March 10: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to designation of Outstanding National Resource Waters (Tier III) in Alaska. 2022-03-11 Senate Journal Page 1992 The Environmental Protection Agency requires that states have a process by which an “Outstanding Natural Resource Water,” or a Tier III water, may be designated, and has approved the Department of Environmental Conservation’s policy to direct nominations for Tier III waters to the Legislature. The designation of a Tier III water includes significant use restrictions and requires substantial evaluations on that water and would exceed the Department’s statutory authority to regulate the quality and purity of the water. This bill would establish that a Tier III water may only be designated in statute, and water may not be managed as Tier III waters unless they have been designated. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor