 April 30, 2003
"I am committed to enhancing Alaska's economy through resource development. I am equally committed to protecting Alaska's environment," Murkowski said. "This bill does both." Senate Bill 74 lengthens the
approval period of an Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency
Plan from the current three years to five years. These plans
describe the actions taken to prevent spills as well as the resources
and procedures for responding to a spill. C-plans are required
for operators of oil terminals, refineries, crude oil transmission
pipelines, oil exploration and production facilities, oil tank
vessels, oil barges, non-tank vessels of over 400 gross tons,
and railroad tank cars. "Inspecting and testing oil spill prevention mechanisms as well as conducting spill response drills are the most effective means of maintaining a safe oil production, transportation and storage system", said Environmental Conservation Commissioner Ernesta Ballard. "Additionally, it is through spill drills that we can assess the best available technology to accomplish the job." The change will also make the state renewal cycle consistent with the five year renewal cycle for federal oil spill contingency plans required under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as well as those of other West Coast states.
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