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.

Conservation Watch (CW) is a weekly publication of ACV highlighting conservation issues in the AK Legislature.

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Contributing Editors

Sue Ely
Legislative & Communications Manager
sue@akvoice.org

David Rogers
ACV Lobbyist

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ACV- Juneau
419 6th Street, #321
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 463-3366
(907) 463-2554 fax

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ACV- Anchorage
810 N Street #203
Anchorage, AK 99801
(907) 258-6171
(907) 258-6177 fax

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Web Resources

ACV Legislation Page
Bill position papers, back issues of Conservation Watch, and legislative updates

Legislative BASIS
Current bill text, history & committee schedules

Legislature Homepage
Find Your Legislators, party links, committee lists

State Homepage
Links to state agencies and the Governor

 ACV Homepage

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In This Issue

• Senator Murkowski's Request:
  Pass Home Energy Conservation and
  Renewable Energy Bills
  Action Briefs
  • On the Move
  • New in Town
• Hearings this Week

Senator Murkowski addressed the State Legislature last Tuesday in Juneau.  One of the main topics of her speech was Alaska’s energy future.  Senator Murkowski warned that the oil the state has depended on will not always be available and Alaska should begin preparing for it.  She also asked that leaders in Alaska take into account the cost of increasing energy prices to Alaskan consumers, who are “empty[ing] their pockets just to stay warm and keep the lights on at home and work.”  She pointed out that while Alaska’s Congressional Delegation is working hard in Washington for funding for the Energy Bill of 2007, it is necessary for Alaska to “have its own plan as well” and put their own “money in the game.” 

Senator Murkowski applauded the State for the work on SB 289, a bill to increase funding for home weatherization and energy efficiency.  “Expanding Alaska’s weatherization program will make buildings more energy efficient - allowing for increased conservation - an important step in addressing the rising cost of energy.”

She also talked of the importance of alternative energy funding.  Senator Murkowski highlighted Iceland as something to strive for – an isolated, cold place with a small population that can provide clean, sustainable energy at a low cost to consumers.  In particular, Senator Murkowski highlighted HB 152, by House Speaker Harris and Representative Thomas, to establish a renewable energy fund that could be used to match federal funding for renewable projects.  She took this even a step further by requesting that the bill not only be passed but passed with the necessary funding by the end of this session. 

Take Action

HB 152 will be heard this Wednesday, March 26^th at 9am in Senate Finance Committee in room 532.  Letters to the Senator Finance Committee and local newspapers are needed to ensure that this bill passes with enough funding for it to be successful. Two things to include in the letter:

• Tell Senate Finance Committee Members that you support HB 152, a bill to establish a renewable energy fund for Alaska.
• Ask them to provide at least $250 million in funding for this bill.

Senate Finance Members:

Senator Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel) - Senator_Lyman_Hoffman@legis.state.ak.us

Senator Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) - Senator_Bert_Stedman@legis.state.ak.us

Senator Charlie Huggins (R-Wasilla) - Senator_Charlie_Huggins@legis.state.ak.us

Senator Donny Olson (D-Nome) - Senator_Donny_Olson@legis.state.ak.us

Senator Joe Thomas (D-Fairbanks) - Senator_Joe_Thomas@legis.state.ak.us

Senator Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River) - Senator_Fred_Dyson@legis.state.ak.us

If you would like to write a Letter to the Editor - click here to find your local paper. 

Information Links:

• Bill Text
• Sponsor Statement
• Senator Lisa Murkowski's Address

On the Move - The free conference committee on the operating budget is coming soon. When that happens, the “24 hour rule” takes effect resulting in daily - no longer weekly - hearing schedules. As always, this will cause things to start moving and shaking.

HB149 Pollutant Discharge Permits  - Introduced by request of the Governor

This bill was introduced by request of Governor Palin last session to revise certain provisions of law governing the department's permitting and enforcement authority in order to align the state's permit requirements with the EPA's. The EPA is currently reviewing Alaska's application to run the federal NPDES permitting program. The changes made by the bill are necessary to align state laws with the more stringent federal law.  HB149, whose future has been in question, will have a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday, March 28^th at 1:30pm in room 211. Failure to take action on the bill this year may be seen as a setback – or primacy death knell. Related budget discussions are also in play.

HB152 Establishing A Renewable Energy Fund  - Rep. Harris (R-Valdez) | Rep. Thomas (R-Haines) | Rep. Crawford (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Gara (D-Anchorage) | Rep.Salmon (D-Beaver) | Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Guttenberg (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Gardner (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Nelson (D-Bethel) | Rep. Edgmon (D-Dillingham) | Rep. LeDoux (R-Kodiak) | Rep. Dahlstrom (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau) | Rep. Wilson (R-Wrangell) | Rep. Holmes (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Doll (D-Juneau) | Rep. Meyer (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) | Rep. Joule (D-Kotzebue) | Rep. Seaton (R-Homer) | Rep. Lynn (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Gruenberg (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Johansen (R-Ketchikan) || Sen. McGuire (R-Anchorage) | Sen. Therriault (R-North Pole) | Sen. Dyson (R-Eagle River) | Sen. Wagoner (R-Kenai) | Sen. Bunde (R-Anchorage) | Sen. Ellis (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Kookesh (D-Angoon) | Sen. Elton (D-Juneau) | Sen. Stevens (R-Kodiak) | Sen. Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Thomas (D-Fairbanks)

HB152 sets up the infrastructure for the Alaska Energy Authority to provide grants and loans to finance the development of renewable energy projects in Alaska. Last session the Alaska Energy Authority requested 5 technical changes that were adopted in the current CS.  HB 152, ACV’s main priority for this session, will have a hearing this Wednesday, March 26^th in its last substantive committee of referral – Senate Finance. We expect to see some additional changes to the bill before it moves to the Senate floor for a vote.

HB241 Stampede State Recreation Area  - Rep. Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) | Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau)

This bill would establish the Stampede State Recreation Area to perpetuate and enhance general public recreation and public enjoyment of fish and wildlife, protect and maintain fish and wildlife habitat, and provide an area for the public to enjoy the full spectrum of public uses, including maintenance and enhancement of motorized and non-motorized recreational opportunities. It will have its first hearing of the year this Wednesday, March 26^th at 1pm in House Resources.

HB 243 Coastal Management Program - Rep. Joule (D-Kotzebue) | Rep. Edgmon (D-Dillingham)

HB243 deals with the Alaska coastal management program to ensure that the objective of the program includes the protection of subsistence values. Additionally, the measure provides for DEC to provide notice and an opportunity for public comment before making any findings when reviewing activities that do not require a DEC permit or approval. HB243 had its first hearing of the session last week in Community and Regional Affairs Committee where a CS was passed out of committee. The state reiterated its intent to re-evaluate the program working closely with their “network partners”. Under this approach, they would come back next year with recommendations, including any necessary legislation. The goal is to “restore confidence and balance to the program”, according to one state official.

HB257/SB180 Transfer Aquatic Farming to DNR - Rep. Harris (R-Valdez) | Sen. McGuire (R-Anchorage)

HB257 has changed considerably since its introduction.  The current Finance CS adds promotion and marketing of aquatic farm products to the duties of the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. It also allows the “Alaska Grown” to be used on aquatic farm products. HB257 was passed out of House Finance last week and has been referred to Rules. SB180 has not had a hearing yet.

HB 314 G.O. Bonds for Transportation Projects – Rules by Request of the Governor

Among other projects, this bill appropriates $8,900,000 from the 2008 transportation project fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the South Denali Access Road Design and Construction project. A hearing, with testimony by invite only, will be held in House Transportation Committee on Tuesday, March 25^th at 1pm in room 17.  If HB 314 passes out of the Transportation Committee it will have a hearing in House Finance on Thursday, March 27^th at 1:30pm in room 519.

HB 315/SB 225 Extend Big Game Commercial Services Board - Rules by Request of Leg Budget & Audit

The Governor introduced legislation to delay the termination date of the Big Game Commercial Services Board from 2008 to June 30, 2012. The bill was introduced into both the House and Senate but only the House version has been heard.  HB315 has already passed the House and was passed out of Senate Labor & Commerce Committee last week.  It will have its first Senate Finance hearing on Thursday, March 27^th at 9am in room 532.

HB 330 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Plants - House Resources Committee

HB330 was introduced to create a “Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Board” in order to limit economic loss and adverse effects to the state's agricultural, natural, and human resources.  The bill has since been changed, replacing the Board with a state coordinator for noxious weed, invasive plant, and agricultural pest management and education. The coordinator is required to work in cooperation with the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service and the Association of Conservation Districts’ Board of Directors. ACV supports this bill and has been working to raise general awareness of our concerns and include language limiting pesticide use and allowances for natural northern migration of species due to climate change.  CSHB 330 (RES) passed the House last week and was transferred to the Senate where it is awaiting a hearing in Finance Committee. The Senate Resources referral was waived by the House. ***Passed the House***

HB 336 Susitna Hydroelectric Project - Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage), Rep. Harris (R-Valdez) | Rep. Ramras (R-Fairbanks) | Rep. Kelly (R-Fairbanks)

HB336 directs the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to study the potential of a Susitna hydroelectric power project and prepare a proposal for an ‘appropriately sized Susitna hydroelectric project.” The bill gives the AEA over a year to complete the study. The bill was heard and held in House Finance for possible further work including fiscal note adjustments. One issue that keeps coming up is whether this study should include detailed analysis of alternatives; or whether that should happen later, after an initial cut is made about the basic economic viability of the Susitna project. It will have a hearing in House Finance on Tuesday, March 25^th at 1:30pm in room 519.

SSHB 348 Board of Game Regulations - Rep Keller (R-Wasilla) | Rep. Kelly (R-Fairbanks)

The sponsor substitute introduced by Rep. Keller for HB 348 states that the Board of Game is working with an allocation of an asset when they manage wildlife populations for abundance.  Debate continues about the intent of this measure and its impact on game initiatives. SSHB348 passed its final committee in the House and was referred to Rules.  A hearing has already been noticed in Senate Resources, pending referral, so watch for this one this week.

HB 370 Protection of Forested Land – Rep. Kelly (R-Fairbanks)

HB 370 modifies the wording in AS 19.40.010 to change the term ‘forest fire’ to ‘wildland fire’. The central purpose of the bill is to allow firefighters the discretion to protect dwellings during a forest fire. HB370 passed the House last week and was referred to Resources Committee in the Senate.  ACV supports this bill. ***Passed the House***

HJR 14 Exxon Plaintiffs ; H.R. 2419, SEC. 12801 - House Fisheries Committee

Urging the United States Congress to enact H.R. 2419, sec. 12801, so that individuals receiving a damage award from the Exxon Valdez oil spill can benefit from the income averaging and retirement contribution provisions of the bill. This resolution passed the House unanimously. In the Senate, the popular resolution is already through its only committee and has been referred to Senate Rules.

SB118 Plastic Bag Fee; Establish Litter Fund  - Sen. Elton (D-Juneau)

SB118 was heard in Senate Labor & Commerce this week and has been held to allow for further work on the measure over the interim. SB 118 would impose a $.15 fee for disposable plastic bags and establish the Alaska litter and marine debris reduction and recycling fund. ACV supports this bill and we are glad to see the discussion continue. Its first hearing is this Thursday, March 27^th at 1:30pm in room 211.

SB 214 Hunting by Members of the Military - Sen. Huggins (R-Wasilla)

SB 214 gives non-resident members of the military service and their dependents special exemptions for big game hunting.  After passing out of Senate Resources, SB 214 received an additional Finance referral.  In its first Finance hearing on Monday morning the bill was passed on to Senate Rules Committee.

SB229 Tanana Valley Forest/Minto Flats Refuge - Sen. Thomas (D-Fairbanks)

SB299 transfers certain portions of Tanana Valley State Forest land to the Minto Flats State Game Refuge. SB229 quickly made its way through the Senate with a unanimous vote and will have its first hearing in House Resources on Friday, March 28^th at 1pm in room 124. ACV supports this bill.

SB230 Film Office/Film Production Tax Credit - Sen. Ellis (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Stevens (R-Kodiak) | Sen. Davis (D-Anchorage) || Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau) | Rep. Buch (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Olson (D-Nome) | Rep. Ramras (R-Fairbanks) | Rep. Gardner (D-Anchorage)

SB230 would create an Alaska Film Office and give a tax credit to TV and film producers to encourage them film to shoot in Alaska.  Senator Ellis is bringing attention to the fact that Alaska is the setting of many movies that are not actually filmed here.  The intention of the bill is to get those producers filming in Alaska so that Alaskans can benefit economically.  Already through the Senate and its first committee in the House, SB230 will be heard in House Finance on Friday, March 28^th at 1:30pm in room 519. ACV supports this bill.

SB 268/HB365 Knik Arm Bridge & Toll Authority – Senator Ellis (D-Anchorage) | Representative Gara (D-Anchorage)

SB268 and HB365 were jointly introduced earlier in the session to give the legislature more control over the final decision-making of the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA).  The bills call for a 60-day public review of any agreement reached by KABATA and would require legislative approval before any decision could go forward.  An estimated $600 million is needed for the project; about $105 million of it will come from Alaska's federal highway money and another $10 million will come from direct state contributions.  With this much taxpayer money at stake, Senator Ellis and Representative Gara would like to institute greater oversight.  The Senate version will have its first hearing in Senate Transportation this Tuesday, March 25^th at 2pm in room 205. 

SB 298 Marine Transportation: Board & Division – Introduced by request of the Transportation Committee.

Referred to Senate Transportation and Finance Committees, SB 298 is "An Act establishing the division of marine transportation; establishing the Alaska Marine Transportation Authority Board and the position of director of the division of marine transportation, and assigning the powers and duties of each; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." A hearing was scheduled for Senate Transportation last week but was canceled and no additional hearings have been scheduled.

SJR 17 Offshore Oil & Gas Revenue – Sen Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) | Sen. French (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Dyson (R-Eagle River) | Sen. Thomas (D-Fairbanks) | Sen. Wagoner (R-Kenai) | Sen. Bunde (R-Anchorage) | Sen. Therriault (R-North Pole) | Sen. McGuire (R-Anchorage) | Sen. Wilken (R-Fairbanks) | Sen. Stedman (R-Sitka) | Sen. Elton (D-Juneau) | Sen. Hoffman (D-Bethel) | Sen. Ellis (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Green (R-Wasilla) | Sen. Olson (D-Nome) || Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau) | Rep. Samuels (R-Anchorage)

This resolution urges the United States Congress to provide a means for consistently sharing, on an ongoing basis, revenue generated from oil and gas development on the outer continental shelf with all coastal energy-producing states to ensure that those states develop, support, and maintain necessary infrastructure and preserve environmental integrity. Enjoying enormous success in the House and Senate, SJR 17 is scheduled for a hearing on Friday, March 28^th at 1pm in room 124. 

SJR18 Child Product Safety – Sen. Wielechowski (D-Anchorage)

SJR18, is a resolution requesting the President of the United States to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to the materials that are used in toys and other products for children and to make those results pubic.  Sen. Wielechowski’s resolution points out that the chemicals that make up the toys and products used by children in Alaska and across the US are not tested for short or long-term health effects.  This resolution passed out of Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee and was referred to Senate Labor & Commerce.  It will be heard Tuesday, March 25^th at 1:30 in room 211. The resolution is supported by DEC who said SJR 18 is a good idea; and timely, since federal legislation on the topic is on the table in Washington. ACV supports this resolution.

New In Town

SB 306 Board of Game Regulations – Sponsored by Senate Resources

Introduced late last week by the Senate Resources Committee, SB306 adds new language to the Board of Game regulations authorizing the board to regulate regarding the conservation, development, or utilization of game in a manner that addresses whether, how, when, and where the public asset of game is allocated or appropriated.  It has only a Resource referral and will have its first hearing on Monday, March 24^th at 3:30pm in room 205.

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 Committee to find all of the committees with their members.