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                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
SB 103                                                                                            
Message dated and received July 11, stating:                                                        
                                                                                                    
Dear President Halford:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. II, sec. 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I                              
have vetoed the following bill:                                                                     
                                                                                                    
                    CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 103                                          
                  "An Act relating to election campaigns and                                       
           legislative ethics."