BILL NUMBER:  AB 368
  VETOED	DATE: 10/11/2009




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 368 without my signature.

This bill would delay the effective date of a quitclaim deed filed to
terminate a mineral extraction lease with the State Lands Commission
(Commission) until such time that the lessee restores the lease
premises and the Commission formally accepts the quitclaim.  The
effect of this bill would be that mining lessees would have to
continue to pay rent and maintain insurance and bonds before and
during the reclamation process.

It is unclear why this bill is needed, since I have not seen, or have
been provided, any evidence that would indicate widespread abuse of
mineral extraction leases held under existing law by the oil
industry, the gas industry, or the hard rock mining industry.  Absent
such evidence, this bill appears to be a "solution" in search of a
"problem."

For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger