Governor introduces executive orders on DGC, habitat division

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

Gov. Frank Murkowski introduced two executive orders in the Legislature Feb. 12 moving permitting functions of the Division of Habitat and Restoration and the entire office of coastal management to the Department of Natural Resources.

“The people of Alaska have shown their strong support for a more effective permitting process, which is not done at the expense of the environment,” Murkowski said in a statement.

“The legacy we intend to leave Alaskans is a stronger economy, which is the foundation that supports everything the government provides for the people. Having a more efficient permitting process is key to creating a stronger, more vibrant economy. Moving these two functions into the Department of Natural Resources is the first logical step in creating that more efficient permitting process,” the governor said.

Executive Order 106 transfers the functions of the office of coastal management from the Office to the Governor to DNR. Executive Order 107 transfers the permitting functions of the habitat division to DNR; other functions of the division, including research, refuge management and special projects, remain in Fish & Game, the governor's office said.

The executive orders become effective in 60 days if the Legislature does not take action to disapprove them.