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 -

• Denali Commission Signal Interest in Renewables
• Action Briefs
  • On the Move
  • New in Town
  • Calendar - Week of 2-18-08

Denali Commission Gauges Renewable Energy Demand

A well known commission in Alaska, the Denali Commission, is proving to be a valuable resource for folks looking to gauge the need for renewable energy funding in the state as well as those looking for funding for renewable energy projects.  Created by the Denali Commission Act of 1998, the Denali Commission is a unique federal-state partnership aimed at providing economic support for energy utilities and infrastructure in Alaska.  According to the website, the Denali Commission’s specific purposes include:

• To deliver the services of the Federal Government in the most cost-effective manner practicable by reducing administrative and overhead costs.
• To provide job training and other economic development services in rural communities particularly distressed communities (many of which have a rate of unemployment that exceeds 50 percent).
• To promote rural development, provide power generation and transmission facilities, modern communication systems, water and sewer systems and other infrastructure needs.

In addition to the above general purpose, the Denali Commission Act  identifies “special functions” for the commission.  One special function includes providing assistance to rural utilities.  Another is providing for the repair or replacement of bulk fuel storage tanks. 

 

Enormous Demand for Renewable Energy Funding
Recently the Denali Commission released a request for proposals for letters of interest (LOI) in renewable energy projects across Alaska.  The response was tremendous with the commission receiving 181 LOI’s.  The total amount of funding requested was $1.546 billion for projects covering, biomass, ocean, solar, gas, hydro, and wind,  to increased efficiency.  The projects varied dramatically in size, cost, energy type and region but one thing was consistent, Alaskans are ready to explore alternative and renewable energy. HB 152, now in Senate Finance, is a key to opening that door. It would provide funding and guidance for new projects and is our highest priority. We are working hard to help get it passed this year.

Following is a sample of some of the proposed projects: 

Installation of 96 solar panels (17kw) on roof and walls of BSNC Building in Nome.

 

 Links:

• Denali Commission Homepage
• List of Proposals
• Potential Cost of Projects
• Type of Renewable Resource

 

On The Move

HB134 Protection of Salmon Spawning Water - Rep. Edgmon (D-Dillingham)
Back from last year, this bill – with bipartisan sponsors, including Rep. Ramras - would create statutory protections for salmon streams in Bristol Bay and is Rep. Edgmon's response to his concerns about the proposed Pebble Mine's impact on one of the most valuable wild salmon fisheries in the world. The newly proposed CS was discussed today by the committee. It attempts to address a variety of issues brought up previously and during field hearings. Most notably the bill is now limited to sulphide mining in anadromous waters of the reserve with legislative approval requirements for permits and leases, similar to existing requirement for oil and gas leases. Questions were raised about scope, intent and practical effects, including effects on gold mining operations. The CS was heard and held today in House Fisheries and will be heard again on Wednesday at 8:30am in Barnes room 124 to accommodate public testimony.

HB256/SB176 Active Game Management / Aerial Shooting  - Rules Committee by request of the Governor
Introduced by Governor Palin, State Fish and Game officials said they are proposing housekeeping measures designed to merge and simplify two confusing and sometimes conflicting wildlife management laws. Opponents of the bill disagree with the state’s characterization and fear that the “simplifications” will give the Board of Game too much discretion, 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. After three hearings, the House Resources Committee voted to move a committee substitute of HB256 on to House Judiciary where it will be heard on the 20^th.  In the Senate, this bill was heard for the first time today.

HB257/SB180 Transfer Aquatic Farming to DNR  - Rep. Harris (R-Valdez) | Sen. McGuire (R-Anchorage)
This 13-page series of changes would transfer duties related to aquatic farming and hatchery operations from the Department of Fish and Game to the Department of Natural Resources and would eliminate certain permit requirements applicable to aquatic farming and hatchery operations. HB257 and SB180 also direct the Department of Natural Resources to administer and supervise promotional and marketing work for aquatic farm products. After a series of delays, HB257 was heard in House Fisheries and a committee substitute was passed on to the next committee. Following discussions with industry, the bill has been narrowed down to a measure allowing aquatic farmers to use the Alaska Grown logo.  ADF&G is elevating the profile of aquaculture in the department and has promised to work more closely with industry.  The bill has a long way to go, but has a good chance of making it through the legislature.

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) 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.  The bill had three hearings in the House Resources Committee before a committee substitute was moved on to its next committee, House Finance.  The committee substitute includes an exemption for commercial fishing and big game commercial hunting services. It also defines “wildlife” and makes it clear that the compact does not supersede state law. In favor of passing the CS were Representatives Seaton, Fairclough (who signed on as a co-sponsor) Gatto and Johnson.  It will be heard tomorrow, Tuesday at 1:30 in House Finance.  

HB 271 Flame Retardants and Toxic Chemicals - Rep. Doll (D-Juneau) | Rep. Gruenberg (D-Anchorage)
HB271 prevents anyone from manufacturing, selling, or distributing a product that contains more than 0.1 percent by mass of pentaBDE, octaBDE, or a combination of pentaBDE and octaBDE, known commonly as PBDEs. PBDEs have been shown tohave negative health effects and are commonly found in many household products ranging from mattresses to television sets. Additionally, the bill allows the state to prohibit the use of other non-brominated flame-retardants if they are found to be not safe for public health or environment. HB 271 was heard and held in the House Labor & Commerce Committee on Friday where testimony was overwhelmingly in favor of the bill.  Much of the testimony focused on the potential alternatives to PBDEs. A few questioned whether the options that are available could do the job in all cases; therefore shifting the risk/benefit balance in favor of continued use to protect the public from the greater threat of burn injuries. But others said viable, cost effective alternatives do exist and, in fact, many other states and countries already have banned the substances.  No additional hearings have been scheduled.  ACA supports this bill.

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. It was heard and held last week but will have another hearing this Wednesday at 1pm.  Testimony is by invitation only.  

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.  It was referred to House Resources and had its first hearing last Monday where it was heard and held.  The next hearing for this bill is Wednesday, February 29th at 1pm in Barnes Room 124. The hearing will be teleconferenced but testimony is by invitation only. ACA supports this bill and will work to include language limiting pesticide use to control invasive species.  

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 and scheduled for a hearing last week but not heard. No additional hearing has been scheduled.  

HB 348 Board of Game Regulations - Rep Keller (R-Wasilla)
Rep. Keller introduced Sponsor Substitute for HB 348.  The bill states that the Board of Game is working with an allocation of an asset when they manage wildlife populations for abundance.  It was heard and held last week and will have another hearing this Wednesday, February 20^th at 1pm.  Testimony will be by invitation only.

HB 355 Disclosure of Contributions: Initiatives – Rep. Johansen (R-Ketchikan) | Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Samuels (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Wilson (R-Wrangell)
HB355 would require the disclosure of the identity of certain persons, groups, and nongroup entities that expend money in support of or in opposition to ballot initiatives and the aggregate amounts of significant contributions or expenditures made by those persons, groups, and nongroup entities.  It was scheduled for its first hearing last week but was not heard.  It has been rescheduled in House Judiciary for February 22nd, Friday at 1pm in Capitol Room 120.  

SB 226 Vexatious Litigants – Introduced by the Judiciary
SB26 relates to litigation brought by a vexatious litigant; amending Rules 3, 4, 12, and 41, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure.  Vexatious litigation is generally referred to as legal action filed, regardless of the merits of the case, intended to harass or subdue the defendant. At its first hearing, the Judiciary Committee voted to pass this bill on to its next committee.  It received a zero fiscal note from the Department of Law.  The next hearing for SB226 is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 20th at 9:00am in Senate Finance 532.  

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. The bill had it’s first hearing this weekend and was moved out of committee.  

SB246 Susitna Hydro Working Group; Report – Sen. Thomas (D-Fairbanks) | Sen. Therriault (R-North Pole) |  Sen. Wilken (R-Fairbanks)
SB246 is more detailed than HB335 and HB336 but is essentially asking for the same thing, a report and recommendation on the potential of building a hydroelectric facility on the Susitna River to supply cheap, greenhouse gas free electricity to homes and businesses on the Railbelt.  The Senate bill goes in depth on the formation and composition of a committee to study the project and provides more guidelines for the information they should supply.  It was heard and held last week and is up for a hearing again on Wednesday, February 20th at 3:30pm in Butrovich room 205.  

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 was scheduled for a hearing over the weekend but not heard.  No additional hearing has been scheduled. 

New In Town

Sponsor Substitute for SB 217  Energy Dividend: Increase 2007 PFD - Sen Wagoner (R-Kenai) | Sen. Therriault (R-North Pole) |Sen. Dyson (R-Eagle River)
This sponsor revised bill sets up a fund for energy assistance payments to individuals and utilities. It also would create an Energy Council in the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development consisting of two senators appointed by the President of the Senate, two representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Commissioner of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, an employee of the Office of the Governor appointed by the Governor, and nine public members appointed by the Governor.  Four of the public members must represent businesses involved in energy production, transportation, or distribution. Five of the public members shall be appointed from different geographical areas of the state and must represent energy users, including environmental organizations.  The Alaska Energy Council is asked to develop an Alaska energy plan by 2010 to provide an economical energy delivery system. The plan must include specific recommendations for addressing energy needs for (1)  residential housing, including weatherization and conservation methods; and (2)  municipalities and rural communities, including public facility improvements and conservation methods.

SB 262 Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary - Senator Elton (D-Juneau)
This bill is a companion bill to HB346.  It 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. It has been referred to Senate Resource and Finance Committees.

SB 268/HB365 Knik Arm Bridge & Toll Authority – Senator Ellis (D-Anchorage) | Representative Gara (D-Anchorage)
SB268 and HB365 were jointly introduced last week 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.  The logic behind this oversight is that of the estimated $600 million 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.  In both the Senate and the House, the bills will be heard in Transportation and Finance Committees.
ADN Coverage

SB 277 Policies Concerning Natural Resources – Sen. Olson (D-Nome)
SB277 requires the commissioner of natural resources to work to develop Alaska’s natural resource development industry.  In addition to the commissioner’s current duties, SB277 would require the commissioner to craft and publicize a position statement on federal regulations, regulations of another state agency, federal administrative orders, administrative orders of another agency of the state, ballot initiatives, municipal ordinances, or other state, federal, or municipal actions that may impede the development of the natural resources of the state.  The bill received a Resources referral.

Calendar: Week of February 11, 2008