SB 5432-S.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that, in section 5002 of the federal oil pollution act of 1990, the United States congress found that many people believed that complacency on the part of industry and government was one of the contributing factors to the Exxon Valdez spill and, further, that one method to combat this complacency is to involve local citizens in the monitoring and oversight of oil spill plans. Congress also found that a mechanism should be established that fosters the long-term partnership of industry, government, and local communities in overseeing compliance with environmental concerns in the operation of crude oil terminals. Moreover, congress concluded that, in addition to Alaska, a program of citizen monitoring and oversight should be established in other major crude oil terminals in the United States because recent oil spills indicate that the safe transportation of oil is a national problem.

Establishes in the office of the governor the oil spill advisory council. The primary purpose of the council is to maintain the state's vigilance in the prevention of oil spills, while recognizing the importance of also improving preparedness and response. The council is an advisory body only.

Requires that, by September 15, 2006, the council shall recommend to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature, proposals for the long-term funding of the council's activities and for the long-term sustainable funding for oil spill preparedness, prevention, and response activities.

Requires that, by September 1st of each year, the council shall make recommendations for the continuing improvement of the state's oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response activities through a report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives.

Directs the department to evaluate the functions of advisory committees created by the department regarding oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response programs, and shall revise or eliminate those functions which are no longer necessary.