(Wasilla) - Representative Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla) will participate as Governor Frank Murkowski signs into law House Bill 300. The 3:30 pm event will take place at the Palmer Visitors Center 723 S. Valley Way on Sunday, July 9th.

HB 300 will change the makeup of Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission by adding the requirement that the public member of the commission must have a fundamental understanding and knowledge of the industry. "Alaska's Oil and Gas industry has been, and will continue to be, the lifeblood of the state. It is imperative that all three members of the Commission responsible for overseeing and regulating have knowledge of the highly technical nature of the industry," Representative Kohring said.

He added, "I introduced House Bill 300 because the Commission needs to function with all three members having a demonstrated experience on oil and gas issues from the very first day they take office. I strongly support having a public member on the panel, but it can be very difficult to assume the responsibilities without that knowledge base."

The bill signing will take place following the Governor's Veterans Picnic and official dedication of the Alaska Veterans/Pioneers home located at 250 E. Fireweed Ave. in Palmer.

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