Alaska Conservation Voters

Conservation Watch

Alaska Conservation Voters
works to protect Alaska's environment through public education and advocacy, and supports pro-conservation candidates for public office.

“You don't have to have a snow machine to blow up the pipeline, you can do it sitting in your truck.”
---Senator Ralph Seekins speaking on SB 85 at the Senate floor meeting February 8. The bill passed in the Senate this week and was transmitted to the House.

• Global Warming
• Pebble Mine & HCR29

In Every Issue

• On the Move
• New Legislation
• Hot Bills
• Hearings this Week

The evidence is clear and everyone in Alaska is experiencing it. In the last five decades, our state has warmed substantially. Overall, Alaska has warmed between 3 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit, far more than anywhere else in the nation.

For many years, scientists have documented measurable impacts from climactic warming in Alaska. Most of these impacts are adversely affecting communities, industries, and our natural environment. For example, did you know that:

• Warming permafrost throughout most of Alaska is undermining Alaska’s roads and utility infrastructure, pipelines and buildings. It also affects the availability of groundwater and surface water, and contributes to increased erosion along coasts and rivers.

• Record breaking forest fires, insect infestations, and other disturbances are projected to continue to increase in frequency and intensity in a warming climate potentially leading to widespread forest decline.

• Due to climate change related erosion, Shishmaref and many other coastal communities are facing relocation and other significant infrastructure costs.

• As a result of warmer temperatures on the North Slope, oil production is reduced in the summer because of gas compression impacts.

• In southcentral Alaska, several salmon streams are now exceeding AFD&G threshold temperatures; and in the Yukon River drainage, over 40% of the king salmon are now infected with a serious parasite.

• Glaciers important to tourism, such as Mendenhall Glacier and Portage Glacier, are melting at accelerated rates.

• Unpredictable weather, snow, and ice conditions due to climate change have made travel and hunting and fishing practices more hazardous and endangers lives.

• Climate change is likely to have significant impacts on the availability of key food sources such as salmon, herring, whales, caribou, moose, seabirds and waterfowl, and is already presenting serious challenges to Alaskan ways of life.

The facts are compelling and quite frankly, disturbing. Six former EPA heads (five Republicans and one Democrat) recently seemed to agree and acknowledged that global warming is a real problem in which humans bear significant blame. Corporate entities such as BP have also acknowledged global warming as a real threat and have been taking steps towards developing solutions.

Last year, the North Carolina legislature responded to the problem by enacting a law creating a Global Climate Change Commission (Session Law 2005-442). Several other states are also considering establishing a similar fact finding entity. More than anywhere else in the nation, Alaska- the proverbial canary in the coal mine - is experiencing impacts from increasing temperatures. Alaska is also in the prime position to explore further opportunities with carbon mitigation and development of renewable energy.

Nevertheless, no one has yet to analyze the potential economic costs, needs, and opportunities associated with climate change in the Great Land. As an issue that is vital the future of the state, it is essential that global warming's effects be thoughtfully documented and more importantly that there be recommendations on measures that would address or mitigate the near and long-term effects.

This is where Sen. Olson (D-Nome) and Rep. Joule (D-Kotzebue) have stepped in to come to the rescue. Both legislators – whose constituents have huge stakes in the outcome – have introduced different pieces of legislation, SB278 and HCR30, that would launch this very important effort by setting up a representative task force or commission to address a variety of impact questions and make recommendations to the Legislature. Our hearty and sincere thanks goes out for their leadership.

It’s high time to get the show on the road and ACV will be pushing hard to get these climate change measures through this legislative session.

With the Alaska Forum on the Environment running a total of 11 sessions on global warming at their conference this last week, not to mention the introduction of SB278 and HCR30, media coverage has been heating up the global warming debate in Alaska. For more information check out:

"Scientists Count Climate Change Costs," Anchorage Daily News

"Global Warming Threatens Our Future," Anchorage Daily News

"Polar Bears May Be Threatened," Anchorage Daily News

"Alaska Villagers Say Climate Change is Forcing Community Changes,"
Anchorage Daily News

Rep. Joule speaks out on HCR30 and the impact of global warming in Alaska

HCR 29 Takes a Dig at the Pebble Mine Debate

HCR 29 had its first hearing on Friday, February 10. Introduced by Rep. Hawker (R-Anchorage) and backed by a bipartisan group of House members—including Reps. Harris (R-Valdez), Berkowitz (D-Anchorage), Gara (D-Anchorage) and Kerttula (D-Juneau)—HCR29 calls for a management plan and a report from the State Commissioner of Natural Resources to be presented to the Legislature on whether or not companies should move forward with mining in the Pebble area.

Circimstances have changed quite a bit since the original Pebble plan was adopted. Since that time, plans for a larger, more complicated mine scenario have emerged. HCR 29 does not endeavor to make any kind of a judgment as to the merits of the Pebble mine. Instead it asks DNR to take a closer look at the potential effects of the Pebble Mine on the Bristol Bay water shed and to determine a comprehensive, science-based management plan for the project and vicinity.

In the face of statewide opposition and debate on the proposed mine, Rep. Hawker introduced HCR 29 as a means to examine the issue further and to ensure that the public is fully educated and involved in the decision making process. As Robert Gillam of the Renewable Resources Coalition stated at the hearing, “HCR 29 is an interesting resolution because really what is says to all of us in Alaska is ‘Does open pit mining make sense in the Bristol Bay Watershed?’ It is a step above-entirely above-the question of Northern Dynasty’s application or non-application.”

As one of the world’s most productive salmon and rainbow trout fisheries, the Bristol Bay region is home to numerous fishing lodges, small businesses and native communities that are linked to water quality and fishery issues that the Pebble Mine puts into question. If developed, the Pebble Mine has the potential to be the largest open pit gold mine in North America and could become Alaska’s newest mining district. HCR 29 is intended to ensure that Alaskans are equipped with the knowledge to make a responsible decision on the Pebble project.

The debate is expected to continue further on Monday, February 13, as Northern Dynasty makes its presentation and further public commentary is explored at HCR 29’s second hearing with the House Resources Committee.

For more information check out:

The Renewable Resources Coalition

“Lawmakers seek more scrutiny for Pebble Mine,” Anchorage Daily News

Alaskans for Responsible Mining

On the Move

INVASIVE SPECIES -- Good news: HB 324 Rep. LeDoux’s (R-Kodiak) invasive species bill that would address orange hawkweed and purples loosestrife, has been scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday. As a growing issue in both Alaska and other parts of the country, invasive species represent one of the largest threats to our land and water ecosystems. According to the EPA, they are the #2 cause of species extinction and loss of biodiversity in aquatic environments worldwide. These alien invaders can cause economic hardships through direct financial losses and control costs. They can also dramatically alter ecosystems which support commercial and recreational activities.

We applaud this proposal but remain concerned about the use of pesticides for eradication and will bring this issue up in the committee. We will also encourage the creation of a state endorsed working group or council similar to those in other states (such as Oregon) to address both marine and plant issues and move past the current piecemeal approach to develop a more comprehensive system for tackling problems.

RENEWABLE ENERGY -- More good news: HB335 by Rep. Berkowitz (D-Anchorage), which would create the Alaska Energy Research and Development Program in the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and a related Committee on Alaska Energy Research and Development, passed out of its first committee of referral last week.

The sponsor’s aide, Lisa Weissler, explained the bill and emphasized that their primary goal is to “jumpstart alternative energy development” in Alaska. The AEA opposed it as being duplicative and unnecessary but the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) thought the bill would compliment existing efforts. The Committee Substitute deleted renewable energy portfolio provisions and made a couple of other changes.

In the meantime, an almost identical senate version of HB335 - SB270 - was introduced by Sen. Hoffman (D-Bethel) this week. A new bill was also introduced by Rep. Thomas (R-Haines), HB445, which relates to the alternative energy grant fund and to alternative energy grants.

DALTON HIGHWAY OR BUST -- Now for the bad news: SB 85 passed the Senate on a fairly close vote ( 11 to 9; on reconsideration, 11 to 9). Republican Senator Wagoner joined the Democrats and courageously voted no. Senator Olson, who is passionately leading the charge against the bill, tried to amend it to require that state and federal agencies reach a cooperative management agreement with the North Slope Borough and the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. before the measure takes effect. The amendment failed. The bill has now been transferred to the House and referred to the House Transportation Committee where the battle will continue.

HB 318 KEEPS ROLLING -- HB 318, which limits the use of eminent domain for economic and recreational purposes, passed out of committee on Thursday. A series of technical changes were adopted along with two substantive amendments.

An exception to the rule that personal residences (up to approximately 4 acres) may not be taken for recreational needs is now available if the owner consents.

A second amendment proposed by Rep. Holm was drafted in consultation with the Department of Fish and Game, the bill sponsor Rep. McGuire and others. It further narrows the recreational taking restrictions and provides that the protection for personal residences does not apply where there is a need to gain point-to-point public access over private land to public land and water for hunting, fishing and similar activities when "there is no reasonable alternative."

New Legislation

These bills popped up since our last issue of Conservation Watch . If the bills fail to pass during this session, they will die.

HB378 Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council - Rep. Thomas (R-Haines)
HB 378 had its first hearing last Thursday, February 9, in the House Community & Regional Affairs Committee. As a result of borough consolidation, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was left with one less elected member, namely the mayor of the City of Haines . The bill is intended to replace this vacancy by a member of a Haines nonprofit recreational group, who will become an ex officio member of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council. A committee substitute was introduced at the hearing and changed the wording from "Chilkat Snowburners" to "Haines nonprofit recreational group." CS HB 378 moved out from the committee to House Resources.

HCR30 Creating an Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission - Rep. Joule (D-Kotzebue)
HCR30 is a resolution to create an Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission. In reaction to the number of problems that are on the rise in Alaska as a direct result of global warming, this legislation is intended to create a Commission that will analyze the effects of global warming and present recommendations to the legislature on potential courses of action.

SB278 Alaska Climate Change Task Force - Sen. Olson (D-Nome)
SB 278 by Senator Olson has a similar goal to that of Rep. Joule in HCR30. The bill sets up a task force charged with conducting hearings around the state, evaluating impacts, and providing findings and recommendations.

Hot Bills

Bills move at a rapid pace this time of year. You can obtain up-to-date legislative information on the BASIS website. The following chart notes the status of a few bills of importance to the conservation community.

Hearings this Week

Click on the date in the table below to get the most current schedule information for that day, or check the BASIS hearing schedule. Once a bill has been heard in a particular committee it may be brought up again without public notice or listing on the weekly committee schedule. You can click on a committee name to see a list of its members.