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

• Legislative Update, 24 Hour Rule, and more...
• Odds 'N Ends
  Action Briefs
  • On the Move
• Hearings this Week

Legislative Update, 24 Hour Rule and More...

We’re in the final days of the 25^th Legislature; the second - but first 90 day - session.  Things are moving fast in a methodical sort of way.  The 24-hour rule went into effect on Thursday, meaning that hearings can be scheduled daily and heard with previous day notice, not the usual 5-day notice.  During this last phase - where it’s do or die for all bills and resolutions introduced during the regular session, - it’s also day-by-day with issues coming and going.  We recommend that you check the calendar every day (and night) to see what’s happening. 

After a long and productive effort, our main legislative goal – getting Alaska on a path toward a sustainable energy future – is very close to becoming a reality with the marriage of HB 152 and SB 289.  SB 289 encourages energy efficiency and conservation. This financial assistance program would help qualified Alaskans reduce their energy costs by weatherizing homes. The supplemental bill signed by Governor Palin included $300 million for Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s weatherization and energy efficiency program. Once SB 289 passes, the program will be expanded to include all Alaskans at the median income level.   HB 152 is about a decisive shift to cleaner, cheaper renewable energy and has been at the top of our list for the last two years. It would create a funding and prioritization mechanism for renewable energy projects and launch a focused effort to jumpstart Alaska’s renewable energy industry.

These last few days will see a lot of review and discussion of these bills along with possible changes. We are hopeful that HB 152 will receive the same level of support as SB 289 -  $300 million in funding.   If you haven’t already, this is your last chance to write in favor of these bills.

Odds and Ends

Coastal Zone Regulations were the topic at a recent Regulation Review Committee meeting, chaired by Senator McGuire. DNR said again it was reviewing existing regulations adopted under the Murkowski Administration that drastically revised the program to the frustration of many. It is our understanding that DNR intends to conduct the same kind of objective and time sensitive review of the issues that occurred for the Habitat transfer. While legislation is pending in both bodies we suspect the Legislature will allow this process to proceed but keep close tabs on progress. This issue will be back next year.

On the Move - The 24 hour rule is in place and things are moving fast!

SB57 Marine Parks Additions/Hunting Allowed - Sen. Elton (D-Juneau) || Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau)

This bill addresses issues related to hunting in marine parks of the Alaska state park system and makes additions and changes to the current marine park units. SB57 passed the House  - 38-1. Next stop: Governor Palin.

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 EPA's permitting oversight. 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 was debated on the Senate floor over the weekend and is waiting for a floor vote.  If it passes, the only remaining outstanding issue is the budget for the program.

HB152 Establishing A Renewable Energy Fund - Rep. Harris (R-Valdez) | Rep. Thomas (R-Haines)

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. HB 152, ACV’s main priority for this session, had a hearing 2 weeks ago in Senate Finance where it was heard and held.  Many important questions were discussed including how much money was necessary for the success of the fund, whether an endowment is the best way to go and how much oversight the Legislature will have over the grant-making process. Senator Hoffman and others stressed the need to get projects done soon to help Alaskans, especially rural Alaskans, with staggering energy costs. We expect to see a Senate Finance hearing sometime this week for some additional changes to the bill before it moves to the Senate floor for a vote. 

HB 267 Wildlife Violator Compact - Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage)

This bill authorizes Alaska to join with 26 other states that have entered into the Wildlife Violator Compact (WVC) that allows the revocation of appropriate licenses in Alaska for failure to comply with the terms of a wildlife resource citation issued in another state that is a party to the compact. ACV supported this bill.  ***PASSED Legislature***

HB 268 Damaging a Vehicle on Public Land by Starting a Fire or Causing an Explosion – Rep. Stoltze (R-Chugiak)

The bill would make intentionally burning or exploding cars on state or municipal land a Class C felony - arson in the third degree.  It addresses a longstanding concern of many users of public lands in Alaska. HB268 has already passed the House, moved from Senate Judiciary late last week and is awaiting discussion on the Senate Floor.  ACV supports this bill.

SSHB 294 Alaska Marine Highway Advisory Board - Rep. Wilson (R-Wrangell) | Rep. LeDoux (R-Kodiak)

A sponsor substitute for HB294 would establish the division of marine transportation, the Alaska Marine Transportation Authority Board and the position of director of the division of marine transportation. SSHB294 passed the House last week, has been submitted to the Senate and was referred to Senate Finance. ACV supports this bill.  ***Passed the House***

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 CS of the bill was heard and moved out of House Transportation last week.  It was heard in House Finance over the weekend where a different CS was passed out of committee; the Finance CS has not been published yet. 

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 discussed.  HB315 passed the Senate last week and has been transferred to the Governor. ***PASSED Legislature***

HB 330 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Plants - House Resources Committee

HB330 was originally introduced by the House Resources Committee to create a “Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Board” in order to limit economic loss andadverse effects to the state's agricultural, natural, and human resources.  The bill has since changed several times in both the House and Senate.  The Board was replaced with a state coordinator for noxious weed, invasive plant, and agricultural pest management and education. ACV supported this bill and worked to raise general awareness of our concerns including language limiting pesticide use and allowances for natural northern migration of species due to climate change.  After passing the House, a Senate CS was passed by the Senate, agreed to by the House and transmitted to the Governor over the weekend. ***PASSED Legislature***

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

HB336 directs the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), in consultation with the Railbelt electric utilities, to study the potential of a Susitna hydroelectric power project and prepare a proposal for an “appropriately sized” Susitna hydroelectric project. The bill gives AEA over a year to complete the study, mandating that AEA review prior studies and data on hydroelectric power projects in the area. The bill includes the option to stop the study if at any point the authority finds that the hydro project is nonviable.  CSHB 226 (RES) passed the House last week and has been referred to Resources in the Senate.

This issue will be resolved in the budget where it is likely that enough money will be appropriated to do a full study of Susitna and other energy sources in an effort to find the best power option(s) for the region. ***Passed the House***

HB338 Power Project Fund/Bulk Fuel Loan Fund – Rep. Nelson (D-Bethel)

HB338 allows the Alaska Energy Authority to borrow money from the power project fund for the bulk fuel revolving fund. The bill was passed out of the Legislature last week and transmitted to the Governor.  ***PASSED Legislature***

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 was moved out of its final committee in the House and has been before the House several times but has failed to pass.  It was returned to the Rules Committee last week. This controversial bill may be in trouble.

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 Legislature last week and is awaiting transmittal to the Governor. ACV supported this bill ***PASSED Legislature***

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 Legislature and is awaiting transmittal to the Governor. ***PASSED Legislature***

HJR 31 Oppose Fed. Law Re: Aerial Hunting – Rep. Keller (R-Wasilla) | Rep. Wilson (R-Wrangell) | Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage)

HJR 31 was introduced as a vehicle to send a message from the Alaska Legislature to the US Congress to oppose the enactment of the Protect America's Wildlife Act of 2007. This act would prohibit aerial hunting of wildlife, which the sponsors of HJR31 see as essential for predator control in Alaska. HJR 31 moved out of the Senate Resources Committee and is currently in Rules.

SB57 Marine Parks Additions/Hunting Allowed - Sen. Elton (D-Juneau) || Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau)

This bill addresses issues related to hunting in marine parks of the Alaska state park system and makes additions and changes to the current marine park units. It has already passed the Senate and was transferred to the House with a Finance referral.  It passed out of House Finance last week and was heard on the House Floor over the weekend where it was passed. ACV supported this bill.  ***PASSED Legislature***

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. This bill moved fast last week with a House CS passing.  It was returned to the Senate for consideration and passed and will now move on to the Governor.  ***PASSED Legislature***

SB216 Purple Heart Trail – Sen. Ellis (D-Anchorage)

"An Act designating the Alaska Highway and portion of the Richardson Highway as the Purple Heart Trail." Introduced this session, SB 216 passed the Legislature last week and is awaiting transmittal to the Governor. ***PASSED Legislature***

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

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.  A CS was moved out of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and on to Resources. This bill may not move again.

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 two weeks ago and was moved out of both the Resources and Finance Committees in the House.  It is likely to be taken up for consideration in the House early this week. ACV supports this bill.

SB230 Film Office/Film Production Tax Credit - Sen. Ellis (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, the bill has been heard and held several times in House Finance to address some concerns brought up by public testimony on the potential unintended consequences encountered by other states with Film Incentive Programs. A House Finance CS is now being debated.

SB 253 Board of Game – Sen. Huggins (R-Wasilla) || Rep. Keller (R-Wasilla)

SB253 changes the rules surrounding the timing of appointments relative to existing terms and replacement of Board of Game members.  The bill passed the Legislature last week and was transmitted to the Governor the changes go into effect immediately.  The bill has passed both the House and Senate and was transmitted to the Governor on the 1^st of April.  It is due back from the Governor by April 18^th. The bill has an immediate effective date ***PASSED Legislature***

SB 289 Home Energy Conservation – Sen. Hoffman (D-Bethel)

This bill raises the income level eligible for weatherization and increases funds available for increasing energy efficiency in Alaskan homes.  It has been met with great enthusiasm by many who would like to see strong and effective state action this session to promote energy efficiency/conservation. It is strongly supported by ACV.  The bill was passed out of Finance where it was promptly transmitted to the Senate and passed 18 to 1.  SB 289 moved to the House where it only received a Finance referral and appears to be part of the final adjournment game plan.  It was heard and held but keep checking BASIS because this bill is not done moving. 

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." ACV supports this bill. At its hearing last week a Transportation CS was moved out of committee and referred on to Senate Finance Committee. 

SJR 17 Offshore Oil & Gas Revenue – Sen. Wielechowski (D-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 both the House and Senate, SJR 17 is through its final committee referral and will await discussion on the House floor. 

SJR18 ChildProduct Safety – Sen. Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Ellis (D-Anchorage)

SJR18, is a resolution requesting the President of the United States to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to test 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 moved out of Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee and the Senate Labor & Commerce.  It was considered in the Senate over the weekend and passed unanimously. ACV supports this bill.

SCR 22 Natural Gas Development Authority: In-State Gas Pipeline - Senate Resources Committee

SCR 22 was introduced late last week and quickly passed through the Legislature. The Concurrent Resolution urges the governor to expand the subjects to be discussed in the upcoming Special Session to include the possibility of an in-state natural gas pipeline for the transport of natural gas produced on the North Slope and to develop a plan for the economical distribution of that natural gas to communities throughout the state. ***PASSED Legislature***

Hearings this Week
Remember, we're in the 24-hour rule
so check BASIS for the most up-to-date schedule

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.