Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-07-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-07-20 Senate Journal Page 1885 SB 156 Message dated and received July 11, stating: Dear President Halford: On this date I have signed the following bill passed by the first session of the Twenty-second Alaska State Legislature and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 156(RES) "An Act amending the Alaska Land Act to clarify the requirement of a single written best interest finding required for the sale, lease, or other disposal of state land or resources or an interest in them, and relating to certain disposals involving multiphased development; and providing for an effective date." Chapter 101, SLA 2001 Effective Date: 7/12/01 This bill amends the Alaska Land Act clarifying that a single written best interest finding is required for the sale, lease, or other disposal of state land or resources. The bill makes clear that multiple best interest findings are not needed for all subsequent phases of development beyond the initial lease or sale. However, it adds explicit requirements that public notice and the 2001-07-20 Senate Journal Page 1886 opportunity to comment must be provided for subsequent phases of development, either directly through the Department of Natural Resources or under the Alaska Coastal Management Program consistency review. There are adequate mechanisms for review at later phases of development other than best interest findings. Post-disposal oil and gas activities are subject to numerous federal, state, and local permitting procedures. For most major projects this includes extensive analysis in environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C.A. §§ 4321-4370). In addition, major oil and gas developments are subject to Alaska Coastal Zone Management Program consistency analyses. As instructed by the bill, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will promulgate regulations providing for fair and adequate public notice and opportunity to comment on oil and gas projects not covered by public notice under the Alaska Coastal Management Program. In short, SB 156 offers additional opportunities for public comment on oil and gas projects at the exploration, development, and transportation phases. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor