2002-05-17                     House Journal                      Page 3854
HB 2001                                                                                           
HOUSE BILL NO. 2001 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                      
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act setting timelines for issuance of final orders by the                                  
     Regulatory Commission of Alaska, amending the authority of the                                 
     commission to enter compromise settlement orders, and extending                                
     the commission's termination date to June 30, 2006; and providing                              
     for an effective date."                                                                        
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Community & Economic Development                                               
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated May 17, 2002, follows:                                      
                                                                                                    

2002-05-17                     House Journal                      Page 3855
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
I am transmitting this bill to the special session extending the "sunset"                           
date of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for four years, to June                                 
30, 2006.                                                                                           
                                                                                                    
The commission began regulating utilities and pipelines in the state on                             
July 1, 1999 as a replacement for the Alaska Public Utilities                                       
Commission.  Utility regulation has been a function of state                                        
government since statehood.  The commission's mission to protect the                                
public interest remains important today.                                                            
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure during the                                  
special session.                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely,                                                         
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Tony Knowles                                                        
                                Governor"