Alaska's Coastal Policy Council (CPC) voted July 24 to approve new regulations streamlining the permitting process for projects affecting the state's coastal uses or resources.
The regulations-developed over a 3-year period with the input of state resource agencies, coastal communities, regulated industries, and the environmental community-clarify the roles and authorities of review participants and establish a more timely, predictable permit process for project proponents. Both were goals voiced by all participants in the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP).
A statement released by the governor's office said the new review process should ensure that Alaska's coast is "managed as a whole" (to sustain coastal communities and ecosystems), rather than "fragmented into multiple jurisdictions and management philosophies."
"This regulations package provides a model for regulatory reform in Alaska," said Robert Fagerstrom, public co-chair of Alaska's CPC. "The involvement and input of each of the stakeholder groups allowed the CPC to approve a well-rounded package."
Following a review by the Alaska Department of Law and the Federal Office of Ocean and Resource Management, the new regulations will be incorporated into the ACMP for implementation.
