Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-02-13 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-02-13 Senate Journal Page 0216 SB 52 SENATE BILL NO. 52 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the duties and powers of the attorney general with respect to certain settlements directly related to oil and gas leases; providing exceptions for certain tax and regulatory matters; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Judiciary Committees. 2015-02-13 Senate Journal Page 0217 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated February 12: Dear President Meyer: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the powers and duties of the Attorney General to approve settlements related to matters involving disputes over oil and gas resources. The bill would protect the public interest by requiring that, before approving a settlement on a matter related to the settlement of an action directly related to oil and gas lease matters under AS 38.05.005 - 38.05.990 (Alaska Land Act), the Attorney General must determine that the proposed settlement is limited to issues necessary to settle the action, does not settle unrelated matters, and does not alter constitutional, statutory, or regulatory procedures required by law. This would not apply to settlements of oil and gas pipeline tariff matters, tax matters, or matters where the Department of Law performs the function of public advocate for regulatory affairs in matters before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. My proposal would safeguard the public's interest in the development of our oil and gas resources and assure that our State's tremendous resources are developed fairly and without harmful compromise. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor