Alaska's governor is opposing creation of a citizens' advisory council to weigh in on Arctic drilling proposals. Gov. Sean Parnell says the proposal approved by a U.S. Senate committee Tuesday is unnecessary and would merely create another level of review and oversight to oil and gas development off Alaska's coast. Parnell says there's a "rigorous" existing regulatory framework in place, and his office chided Alaska Democratic Sen. Mark Begich for not consulting with Parnell or his staff before pushing the proposal. Begich says such councils "have proven their worth in Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet without harming the oil and gas industry." He adds that he thinks Alaskans should be involved in making decisions about their state's resource development "from Day 1." The provision, which Begich's office says cleared the Senate Commerce Committee, would allow for greater local participation on development decisions, environmental monitoring and oversight for spill planning and readiness.

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)