AK HB49

Establishes a carbon offset program allowing the Department of Natural Resources to lease state land for carbon management purposes including seaweed farming, afforestation, reforestation, and similar greenhouse gas mitigation projects for up to 55 years.

Authorizes the sale of carbon offset credits through registered projects, with revenue deposited in a separate carbon offset revenue fund; unobligated amounts exceeding $10,000,000 lapse into the general fund annually on June 30.

Permits carbon offset projects on land in legislatively designated state forests and the Haines State Forest Resource Management Area, provided projects are consistent with applicable management plans.

Requires the director to make a written finding that proposed carbon offset projects serve the state's best interests, considering baseline and additionality criteria, registry protocols, economic effects, and consistency with state law.

Mandates that state land used for carbon offset projects remain open to the public for access, hunting, fishing, and other generally allowed uses as determined by the department.