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 -

• Action Briefs
  • On the Move
  • New in Town
  • Calendar - Week of 2-4-08

On The Move

HB41 Transfer Habitat Div. From DNR To F&G - Rep. Gara (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Crawford ( D-Anchorage) | Rep. Kertulla (D-Juneau) | Rep. LeDoux (R-Kodiak) | Rep. Buch (D-Anchorage)
This bill would return certain habitat management duties to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Introduced last session, the first hearing this session for HB41 took place on Friday in the House Fisheries Committee.  After considerable discussion, a committee substitute, CSHB41, moved out of the committee with a new effective date. Several members made it clear they trust and respect the folks who work on these issues but noted that perception was a big reason for their decision to support the bill. Perception is also a concern of Pebble Mine officials as expressed in a letter to the committee. However, they say they haven’t taken a position on the bill and can work with the state either way.  Rep. Seaton also pointed out that there is a conflict between DNR and Fish and Game missions that would be resolved by moving Habitat back to where it belongs.  It will be heard next in House Resources Committee. A decision on the transfer question is expected soon by the Palin Administration.

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 was heard and held last week for additional work. DEC explained the bill and took questions. There should be at least one more hearing to take public testimony.

HB 156 Mining Production & License Taxes / Royalties  - Rep. Seaton (R-Seward)
HB156 was passed out of House Ways & Means Committee last week and has been transmitted to House Resources. HB156 seeks to get a fair share of mining revenues for Alaska. This bill is strongly opposed by the mining industry.  The ADN ran a story on mining taxes in AK last Friday, click here to read “Tax Bill Could Double State Mine Revenue”. There appears to be some bi-partisan support for this proposal but the state has not yet taken a position and will continue to analyze impacts and options. However, a recent memo from the Assistant State Assessor released through the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development says that “due to allowed deductions for Mineral Incentive Credits, other taxes, percentage based depletion allowances and other issues, the net income calculation (under current law) may be a questionable measure.”

HB256/SB176 Active Game Management / Aerial Shooting  - Rules Committee by request of the Governor

These measures were introduced at the request of Governor Palin last session. State Fish and Game officials said they are housekeeping measures designed to merge and simplify two confusing and sometimes conflicting wildlife management laws. SB176 received Resources, Judiciary and Finance committee referrals while HB256 only received Resources and Judiciary referrals. The bill had its first hearing in the House Resources Committee last week.  Testimony was heard on both sides of the issue.  Opponents of the bill disagree with the state’s characterization of the bill and fear that the “simplifications” will take away scientific standards, limit public participation and encourage ideologically motivated decision making by the Board of Game   According to the ADN, the aerial shooting program has killed 700 wolves with a goal of reducing wolf populations in certain areas by 80% annually.  A second hearing was held today at 1pm and another hearing has been scheduled for this Friday, February 8th at 1pm. Public testimony will be heard during the Friday hearing.

HB 267 Wildlife Violator Compact - Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Dahlstrom (R-Anchorage) |Rep. Wilson (R-Wrangell)| Rep. Buch (D-Anchorage) | Rep. Chenault (R-Nikiski) | Rep. Ramras (R-Fairbanks)
This bill authorizes Alaska to join with 26 other states in entering into the Wildlife Violator Compact (WVC) and authorizes the compact to supersede existing statutes by approving standards, rules, or other actions under the terms of the compact.  It also 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. HB267 was referred to Resources and Finance. While it appeared to have good support in general, the bill was held over on its first hearing to address remaining questions and concerns of committee members.  It will be heard again this Wednesday, February 6^th at 1pm in Barnes Room 124.

HB 268 Damaging a Vehicle on Public Land by Starting a Fire or Causing an Explosion – Rep. Stoltze (R-Chugiak) | Rep. Lynn (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Ramras (R-Fairbanks) | Rep. Gatto (R-Palmer) | Rep. Crawford (D-Anchorage)

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 problem of concern to many users of public lands in Alaska.  It will have its first hearing in House Judiciary Committee this Wednesday, February 6^th at 1pm in Capitol Room 120.   The hearing will be teleconferenced.

HB 288 Net Energy Metering - Rep. Seaton (R-Homer)

Representative Seaton introduced HB288, a bill that requires electric utilities to offer customers the option of installing a net-metering system, in order to provide incentives for energy customers to generate their own electricity using alternative energy sources such as wind, hydro, solar, tidal, and geothermal.  Net-metering allows consumers to get a credit on their bill for the energy they create through alternative energy. HB288 was referred to Labor & Commerce and Finance.  ACV supports this legislation providing concern on rural village utilities is addressed. The bill was heard this past Friday. Wile there appears to be some support for the proposal, some utilities expressed concern about cost and revenue effects. The bill did not move.

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 and was heard and held in House Resources Committee last Monday. Committee discussion focused on the intent of the proposal and the cost of doing a solid review of options. It will have its second hearing this Wednesday, February 6^th at 1pm in the House Resources Committee in Barnes 124.

SB161/ HB243 Coastal Management Program  - Sen. Olson (D-Nome)

Introduced late last session, SB161 deals with the Alaska coastal management program to ensure that the objective of the program includes the protection of subsistence values. Additionally, the measure requires DEC to provide notice and an opportunity for public comment before making any findings when reviewing activities that do not normally require a DEC permit or approval. SB 161 was heard and held last Tuesday. A committee substitute was introduced that would re-establish the Alaska Coastal Policy Council among other changes. The state has not taken a position on the new CS but has concerns.  The next hearing for SB161 will be held Thursday, February  7^th at 3:30pm in the Community and Regional Affairs Committee in Beltz Room 211.

New In Town

HB 346  Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary – Rep. Doll (D-Juneau) | Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau)
This bill would extend the existing Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary (Admiralty Island) into state-owned tidal and submerged land and water. The purpose of this bill is to provide permanent protection for brown bears and their habitats in the area and enhance bear viewing opportunities within the sanctuary.  HB 346 has been referred to House Resources and Finance.

HB 347 Regional Cruise Ship Impact Committee - Rep. Thomas (R-Haines) | Rep. Doll (D-Juneau)
HB347 was introduced last week to create the Regional Cruise Ship Impact Fund Advisory Committee. This bill describes the positions on the committee and their duties.  It was referred to House Finance Committee.

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.

SB 253 Board of Game – Sen. Huggins (R-Wasilla)
SB253 changes the rules surrounding the timing of appointment relative to existing terms and replacement of Board of Game members.  If passed, the changes go into effect immediately.  The bill received only a Senate Resource Committee referral but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

Calendar: Week of February 4, 2008