Lazy Approach to Public Policy Remains the Status Quo

Senate Bill 26 is terrible public policy that drastically alters the sale, exchange, permitting and use of state lands/water. It passed the House under its sister bill HB77. Obviously, the Governor has this on the fast track. Why?, one might ask.

Approximately 223,205 people (AKDOL, R&A, US Census 2010) – one third of the total state population, live in unorganized places all across the state. How will this legislation impact their lifestyles and/or livelihoods? Has this been studied?

Does city, borough or tribal governments have a role in the appeal process? It doesn’t seem so. Are any decisions throughout the appeal process resolved at the local government level before going to the highest (only) level which is Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner, or in some cases DNR Division Director?

Senate Bill 26 (SB26) gives much too much authority to one person – the Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources. To appeal the Commissioner’s decision is futile. One must appeal to the same Commissioner that wrote the first decision. The Commissioner of DNR is not even required to reply in writing.

SB26 shows an absence of fair appeal, no public impact study, and a minimal public comment opportunity. This combination makes for bad legislation. To add insult to injury, the accompanying fiscal notes say it won’t cost anything. That is unbelievable.

Contact your Senator before it becomes the law of the land. Get the word out. Let elected leaders know we want smarter public policy! We don’t need more sloppy, lazy, legislation.
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Tara Jollie is the former Director of the State of Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs.