Revised ACMP regulations filed with Lt. Governor’s office Nov. 27

Knowles administration completes three-year revision process for Alaska Coastal Management Program regulations

Petroleum News Alaska

A regulation revision package improving the permitting process for development projects proposed in Alaska’s coastal zone became final Nov. 27 with the filing of the regulations in the lieutenant governor’s office. The action completes action on the regulation revisions following a comprehensive three-year public and agency review process, the state said.

“We appreciate the three years of effort led by the Knowles administration to complete this new regulatory package,” Judy Brady, executive director of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, said in the state’s news release.

Final approval of the regulations was given by the Alaska Coastal Policy Council on Nov. 27. The regulations will go into effect on Jan. 21.

“The regulations are meant to make sure that local input on proposed development activities is assured, and that decisions on coastal matters are being made in the state,” Jack Cushing said in the state’s release. Cushing, mayor of Homer, is the public member co-chair of the council. He represents the lower Cook Inlet.

Under the Alaska Coastal Management Program, projects that affect coastal uses or resources must be reviewed for compliance with local, state and federal coastal policies before development permits can be issued, the state said. A coordinated coastal review process was first spelled out in regulation in 1984. As these regulations were implemented, the state said, it became clear that improvements were needed.

Regulations meet two goals

The state said the revised regulations identify the roles, responsibilities and procedural requirements of the coastal review process, fostering a coordinated work environment for the project proponent, state permitting agencies, the coastal district, and the public.

Brady said a diverse group of stakeholders worked through three years of hearings and comments to craft the new regulatory package.

“These regulations are an important first step in the permit streamlining process. We believe the Coastal Policy Council has made significant strides in clarifying key elements of the coastal zone program by approving these regulations,” Brady said.

“The Coastal Policy Council has now approved changes to the original regulations which address most of the issues that have surfaced over the years,” said Marty Rutherford, a member of the council representing the Department of Natural Resources. “Specific amendments have been made to clarify scope of review, applicability, timelines, and content of proposed and final consistency determinations. These changes make for a more predictable and certain review process.”