(JUNEAU) - Representative Hugh "Bud" Fate (R) District 7, will be joining Governor Frank Murkowski at the Resource Development Council meeting Friday, June 13 for the signing of two important Resource development bills. Both HB 86 and HB 283 were sponsored by Representative Fate and should assist in moving Alaska forward in the resource-based industries.

HB 86 was introduced early in the session and is written to make responsible parties who maliciously attempt to stop projects, be more responsible. When it becomes law, individuals or groups who attempt to stop a state permitted project without a reasonable cause of action could face all of the costs associated with the delay. Presently, only partial attorney fees and court costs can be awarded if the suit is determined to be baseless or malicious.

The second bill, HB 283, will also be signed at the noon ceremony. This bill brings Alaska back into the competitive coal development business. It essentially doubles the amount of acreage that coal companies may bid on, for exploration and development leases. The expansion is necessary because the federal government is now offering huge coal leasing options in the Lower 48. HB 283 puts Alaska in line with those federal leases, as the majority of Alaska's coal is located on state land.

Fate said in response to the Governor's invitation, "This has been a good legislative session for Alaska, as we once again can look to a brighter, pro-resource development environment. As Chair of the House Resources Committee I worked with every member of the legislature, and the administration to assure that we responsibly get the state's people back to work. Likewise, I personally introduced legislation such as these two bills, to assure that process can begin. I look forward to being with the Governor this Friday as these two bills become law."

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