Gov. Mike Dunleavy wants the state of Alaska to revisit the idea of taking over one of the most complex and contentious development authorizations in the country. Via AlaskaJournal
Dunleavy spokesman Jeff Turner wrote in response to follow-up questions that state primacy over Section 404 permitting will produce faster decisions on permits that could make development projects more feasible. That should ultimately mean more job growth and improved revenue to the state, according to Turner.
Alaska most recently investigated taking over Section 404 permitting in 2013 under Republican Gov. Sean Parnell, when lawmakers passed a bill authorizing the state to pursue the program and providing $1.5 million to do it. However, the funding was cut the following year as the state’s financial situation worsened.
DEC officials say the Legislature’s 2013 Section 404 program approval is sufficient for today so no additional legislation is needed beyond the budget request. They also acknowledge the plan is aggressive but hope to have the program implemented in fiscal year 2024. Brian Litmans, legal director for the Anchorage-based environmental law firm Trustees for Alaska, said he believes the effort will prove too costly once again. Trustees attorneys regularly challenge permit approvals for development projects in court.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Newborn baby found abandoned in cardboard box in AlaskaAlaska State Troopers found a newborn baby in a cardboard box on Dec. 31, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
Read more »
'Icemageddon' Strikes Alaska in Record Bout of Extreme WeatherExtreme weather in Alaska that has brought record high temperatures and torrential downpours has left authorities in the far northern US state warning of 'Icemageddon'.
Read more »
Alaska oil and gas regulators fine Hilcorp more than $50,000 for violationsThe Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission expressed concerns about the company’s record and behavior, saying in one order that it exhibited a ‘lack of good faith’ in its compliance efforts.
Read more »
Baby abandoned in box on frigid Alaska street corner | AP NewsJUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A newborn baby was reported in stable and healthy condition Monday after being found days earlier abandoned in a cardboard box in frigid temperatures near a rural intersection around Fairbanks, according to authorities in Alaska.
Read more »
Alaska fish board member resigns four months after appointmentGov. Mike Dunleavy has until Jan. 19 to name a replacement; he failed to pick a board member on time last year.
Read more »
Alaska reports 3,700 new COVID infections in 7-day periodIn the week after Christmas, Alaska saw a 262% increase in the number of COVID-19 cases compared to the seven-day average in the previous reporting period
Read more »