May 24, 2017

Notice of Intent to Evaluate Oil and Gas Exploration License Proposal,

Request for Additional Proposals, and

Request for Comments on Exploration within Solicitation Area

Notice of Intent to Evaluate Oil and Gas Exploration License Proposal

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G) intends to evaluate the acceptability of an oil and gas exploration license proposal for the Susitna Valley area. In accordance with AS 38.05.133, AS 38.05.945(b), and 11 AAC 82.912 and 11 AAC 82.918. The proposal was received in accordance with AS 38.05.133(b) and 11 AAC 82.909(d).  

Request for Additional Proposals

DO&G requests additional proposals for oil and gas or gas only exploration within the Susitna Valley solicitation area. The solicitation area consists of state-owned, unencumbered land within T 18 N., R. 5-12 W., T. 19 N., R 5-12 W., T. 20 R. 5-12 W., T 21 N., R. 5-12 W., T. 22 N., R 5-12 W., T. 23 N., R. 5-12 W., T. 24 R. 5-12 W., T. 25 N., R. 5-12 W. Seward Meridian.

A notice of intent to submit a proposal must be submitted within 30 days of the date of this notice (11 AAC 82.912(b)). To submit a proposal, please complete the Exploration License Application form, available at http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Programs/ExplorationLicensing.htm, provide the required attachments, and send all documents to the address listed at the end of this announcement. Proposals must be received within 60 days from the date of this notice to be considered (11 AAC 82.912(c)). If proposals are received and the commissioner finds that an exploration license should be issued, the commissioner will request competitive sealed bids from each applicant who submitted a proposal. 

Request for Comments on Exploration within the Solicitation Area

DO&G requests comments on exploration for oil and gas resources within the solicitation area (refer to map). A successful license holder will have the exclusive right to explore state land within the license area for deposits of oil and gas for up to 10 years, and may convert all or a portion of the license area to oil and gas leases after meeting the work commitment specified in the license. Before issuing an exploration license, DO&G must, in writing, find that an exploration license in this area is in the state’s best interest (AS 38.05.133(f)).

How to Submit Comments, Notices of Intent, and Proposals

Clearly mark submittal(s) as “Comment on Exploration in the Susitna Valley Solicitation Area”, or “Agency Information on Exploration within the Susitna Valley Solicitation Area” and send to:

Best Interest Findings

500 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501

or email to: dog.bif@alaska.gov

COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 P.M., June 23, 2017

The DO&G complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990. On request, this announcement will be made available in alternative communication formats. A person is eligible to file a request for reconsideration of the commissioner’s decision and file a subsequent appeal to the Superior Court only if the person has meaningfully participated in the process by either submitting written comment during the period for receipt of public comment or has presented oral testimony at a public hearing, if a public hearing was held, and is affected by the final written finding (AS 38.05.035(i)).