Legislature(2011 - 2012)
2011-01-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2011-01-19 Senate Journal Page 0046 SB 49 SENATE BILL NO. 49 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the interest rate applicable to certain amounts due for fees, taxes, and payments made and property delivered to the Department of Revenue; relating to the oil and gas production tax rate; relating to monthly installment payments of estimated oil and gas production tax; relating to oil and gas production tax credits for certain expenditures, including qualified capital credits for exploration, development, and production; relating to the limitation on assessment of oil and gas production taxes; relating to the determination of oil and gas production tax values; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Stevens: Oil production in Alaska remains the backbone of our economy. As oil production declines and as the federal government forbids multiple development opportunities we must better incentivize development of 2011-01-19 Senate Journal Page 0047 state lands. To that end, under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to make Alaska more competitive as an oil producing state by proposing amendments to Alaska's oil and gas production tax. The bill would provide tax incentives and credits for the oil and gas industry to increase exploration for, and development of, Alaska's oil and gas resources at any price range. We must remain focused on getting more oil into the pipeline, and creating jobs for Alaskans. The bill accomplishes six primary goals: (1) encourages development of new, currently undeveloped leases or properties; (2) encourages investment in exploration, development, and production at all price ranges; (3) strengthens the minimum tax; (4) extends tax incentives to North Slope activities and allows producers to apply tax credits in one year; (5) limits the time for assessment of additional production taxes; and (6) reduces the interest rate on delinquent taxes and refunds. These changes would ensure the State continues to receive reasonable revenue and establish a more competitive investment climate for job creation. These amendments to Alaska's oil tax regime will foster new production sources to stem the decline in North Slope production. More oil means more jobs for Alaskans, more long-term revenue to the State, and lower Trans-Alaska Pipeline System tariffs per barrel. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor