Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2003-02-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2003-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0221 SB 72 SENATE BILL NO. 72 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." 2003-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0222 was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Community and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18: Dear President Therriault: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would extend the life of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) to avoid its termination on June 30, 2003. The bill also includes a provision for an immediate effective date. It is important to pass this bill before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska's termination date. The RCA regulates utilities statewide and intrastate pipelines. The continued operation of the RCA is essential to ensure that Alaskan consumers have reliable and affordable utility services and to assure a stable business environment for utilities and pipelines. Failure to extend the commission this session would significantly interfere with its work. Though the sunset Act provides for a "wind down" year, the commission would have to redirect its time and energy to plan for closing its operations. Failure to extend the RCA would leave the regulated utilities as well as consumers in a state of confusion and uncertainty. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor