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Status of other oil, gas bills as of May 8
Petroleum News Alaska Staff
Senate Bill 319 Short title: Shallow natural gas: leasing and discharges
This bill, by Sen. John Torgerson, R-Kasilof, expands the state’s shallow natural gas leasing program to make it commercial. It has been passed by the Legislature. The bill is awaiting transmittal to the governor’s office and is expected to be signed. Senate Bill 360 Short title: Alaska natural gas project act
This bill would give gasline owners tax-exempt railroad bonding; property tax and royalty relief if, among other things, construction begins by a specified date. It would expedite permitting from all state agencies, limit judicial review for claims brought by state entities and provide waivers of law from the governor if a provision of law impedes the project.
An aide to Sen. John Torgerson, R-Kasilof, told PNA May 8 that “SB 360 isn’t going to move. If an incentive package moves these next few days, HB 519 will be the vehicle. But they will have to make some substantive changes to it before it will pass the House.” House Bill 519 Short title: Natural gas pipeline: special provisions
In House Rules as of 8 a.m., May 9
This is the bill which would provide a property and sales tax holiday during construction and the first year of operation of a gas pipeline and revive the stranded gas act.
HB 519 has been scheduled for the House floor several times but each time it has been pulled back into the Rules committee. Supporters say they don’t have the votes needed to pass the bill, so they are negotiating with the administration and others to amend it.
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