Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-01-20 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-01-20 House Journal Page 2344 HB 384 HOUSE BILL NO. 384 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the schedule of proposed oil and gas lease sales and to a related report to the legislature; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Oil & Gas and the Resources Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2004, follows: 2004-01-20 House Journal Page 2345 "Dear Speaker Kott: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the scheduling of proposed oil and gas lease sales. This bill would allow the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources to produce additional revenues for the State of Alaska from oil and gas lease sales by quickly responding to changing industry, market, and other conditions. New areas, particularly frontier areas of the state, can be brought into production sooner than currently possible. The bill would still permit legislative review of the lease sale program. Currently, the commissioner is required to prepare a "Five Year Schedule of Proposed Oil And Gas Lease Sales" and submit it to the Legislature in January of the first regular session of each Legislature. A proposed lease sale must be included in the schedule for at least two calendar years before the sale can actually be held. This is a ponderous process that makes it difficult to implement the most effective oil and gas lease sale program possible. This bill is an important part of our mission to use natural resource wealth to produce long-term, stable revenue sources for the state, local and property tax revenue for municipalities, and high paying jobs for Alaskans. I urge your prompt and favorable support of this legislation. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"