Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2003-03-05 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0430 HB 160 HOUSE BILL NO. 160 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the emission control permit program; relating to fees for that program and to the accounting of receipts deposited in the emission control permit receipts account; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Environmental Conservation The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows: "Dear Speaker Kott: Under Authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill related to the state's air quality control program. 2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0431 The State of Alaska has responsibility for management of air quality and recognizes that air permits are necessary to maintain Alaska's excellent air quality. The bill achieves protection of air quality while reforming the permit review process to make permitting predictable, reliable and rational. Specifically, the bill will: · Allow DEC's program to reflect national precedents, court decisions, and incorporate best practices from other states into our permits. · Differentiate major source from minor source permits. · Regulate minor sources based on standardized permit conditions that incorporate best management practices. · Exempt sources based on standardized permit conditions that incorporate best management practices. · Exempt sources from permitting to the extent allowed under federal law. · Achieve efficiency through adopting federal rules by reference. In the end, the reform that this bill initiates will result in more efficient review of permits and more "hard-hat time" for field inspectors working to make sure standards are protective and permits are enforced. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"