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

• Home Energy Conservation is part of
  Alaska's Energy Future
  Action Briefs
  • On the Move
  • New in Town
• Hearings this Week

We have all seen or heard the reports about $8/gallon gas in rural Alaska. In some parts of Alaska families are forced to chose between groceries and warmth. According to the 2005 Alaska Housing Assessment there were an estimated 24,445 low-income households unable to maintain a comfortable room temperature. Most of us agree we have a serious problem, particularly in rural Alaska. Now we need solutions - and action.

Alaska must decrease household energy needs to provide short-term relief while investing in long-term solutions to our energy needs.  Luckily for us, there are two bills being considered in Juneau that would do just that.  We have discussed HB152, a bill that would create a fund for renewable energy projects in Alaska.  Hopefully the legislature will pass and fund this bill with $250million and thereby address the issue of future energy resources. But what about cutting energy costs for Alaskans in the short-term? ACA strongly supports SB289, a bill that would do just that. 

One way to lessen the impact of rising energy costs to Alaskans is to decrease our energy demand.  Not only will it help us spend less on energy, it will also help make our energy supplies last longer and lessen our contribution to climate change.  The vehicle to accomplish this is SB289, a bill that just passed the Senate and is heading to the House.  Originally introduced by Senator Hoffman, Senators Stevens, Elton, Ellis, Kookesh, Therriault,Dyson, Thomas, Wilken, Wielechowski, McGuire, Stedman, Green, French and Davis have all given this bill their support and House sponsors are likely in the coming days. SB289 proposes increased funding and flexibility for Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation for weatherization and energy efficiency.  Here is how it would work:

• Weatherization:  SB289 would increase the amount of funding for the income-dependent weatherization program by $200million.  Currently, only individuals and families earning 60% median income are eligible for this service.  SB289 would increase this to those earning 100% median income (approximately $59,500 per household income in 2006 dollars) In the cold Alaskan winters, the savings can add up.  According to a 2006 study conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) the average natural gas heated house that participates in the low income weatherization program sees a 32.3 percent decrease in energy consumption for space heating. The 2005 Statewide Housing Assessment estimated the number of weatherization income-eligible households to be 45,000 statewide. If two-thirds of these homes were weatherized we would see more than one billion pounds of avoided carbon emissions and present value savings of more than $227 million.
• Efficiency:  SB289 would also increase the funding available for non-income dependent energy efficiency upgrades.  Anyone who increases the energy efficiency of their homes according to the standards of the program could be eligible for between $2,500 and $5,000 for efficiency upgrades.  No only does this program lessen the financial burden of home energy efficiency upgrades and decrease energy needs, it also provides a boost for Alaska’s construction industry during a time declining home construction.

ACV Executive Director, Kate Troll testified in favor of this bill on Friday in Senate Finance.   In her testimony, Kate Troll referenced the Alaska Energy Efficiency Program and Policy Interim Report from March 5, 2008. The report argues that expenditures in residential energy efficiency like that proposed in SB289 are particularly important at this point in time by helping “Alaska residents reduce energy bills, and to help Alaska’s builders and their construction workers weather the market downturn.” In 2005 there were an estimated 20,741 units in need of major repair.

Survey findings included:

• Of the more than 1,500 survey respondents, roughly 7.5 percent indicated their housing was in need of repair that they were unable to make. 
• Five percent of people who live in homes with 300 square feet per resident or fewer also report living in a dwelling that is falling apart and in need of replacement.
• Sixty-eight percent of households with less than $10,000 annual income report having homes that are drafty. 

SB 289 is at its core a responsible action to the energy crisis in rural Alaska. But is more than that.  Energy conservation and efficiency is the first prong of a building a secure, affordable energy future, the second prong requires investing in renewable energy: as such, SB 289 represents the first prong and HB 152 the second.  One provides much needed short-term assistance, the other sets the stage for Alaska’s secure, clean energy future.  We encourage you to contact your legislators to ask them to support both of these bills - by passing them this session and by providing the funding necessary for them to succeed.

On the Move - Budget numbers are flying all over the place and the issues are starting to sort out as the Legislature moves into the last month of the regular session.

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 is up for its first hearing since last April.  The hearing will be in House Community and Regional Affairs, this Thursday, March 20^th at 8am in room 124.  It’s Senate counterpart, SB161 has been heard several times this session . A committee substitute moved out of  Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee and has been sitting in Senate Resources. The CS grew a bit and included provisions adding back the Alaska Coastal Policy Council which was eliminated a few years ago as a result the sweeping reforms initiated by the Murkowski Administration.

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

HB257/SB180 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. The current CS that passed out of House Fisheries now focuses on marketing and allows aquatic farmers to use the Alaska Grown logo.  HB257 will be heard this Tuesday, March 18^th at 1:30pm in House Finance room 519.

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) | Rep. Fairclough (R-Eagle River) || Sen. McGuire (R-Anchorage)

This bill authorizes Alaska to join with 26 other states who 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. CSHB267 passed the House last week and passed out of Senate Resources on Friday.  The popular bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee for a likely floor vote. ACV supports this bill.

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 concern of many users of public lands in Alaska. Already through the House, HB268 was heard and held in Senate Judiciary last week. ACV supports this bill.

SSHB 294 Alaska Marine Highway Authority - Rep. Wilson (R-Wrangell) | Rep. LeDoux (R-Kodiak) | Rep. Seaton (R-Homer) | Rep. Doll (D-Juneau)

A sponsor substitute was introduced for HB294 late last month.  The new version 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 was referred to Transportation and Finance and was heard and held in House Transportation last week.  No additional hearings have been scheduled. In the Senate, SB 298, a new bill that also addresses marine transportation, is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee this Thursday.

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 out of Finance and is scheduled for the House Calendar for March 17, 2008.

SSHB 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. The bill was heard and held in House Finance. Debate continues about the intent of this measure and its impact on game initiatives.

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. Another popular bill, the House accepted the committee substitute and it has been scheduled for 3^rd reading on Monday where it is expected to pass the House.  ACV supports this bill.

HB 404 Alternative Energy Task Force - Rep. Fairclough (R-Eagle River) | Rep. Edgmon (D-Dillingham) | Rep. Thomas (R-Haines) | Rep. Wilson (R-Wrangell) | Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Olson (D-Soldotna) | Rep. Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) | Rep. Doll (D-Juneau) | Rep. Nelson (D-Bethel) | Rep. Kerttula (D-Juneau) | Rep. Dahlstrom (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) | Rep. Neuman (R-Wasilla)

HB404 would create a Renewable Energy Task Force to develop a report and recommendations on what types of energy development are best suited to different regions of the state, and programs that can provide information on renewable energy. It reflects a strong, bi-partisan legislative interest in renewable energy and a desire to improve coordination and planning. A work session was conducted recently to discuss the bill. Rep. Fairclough  has since proposed a CS. A Community and Regional Affairs Committee Substitute was moved out of the CRA Committee on Thursday. While the CS was not available at press time, it is our understanding that this version of the bill creates a more limited task force comprised of legislative membership only.  The task force would then  work in conjunction with the energy coordinator and others on the development of a statewide energy plan and related issues.

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 it was referred to Senate Resources where it will have its first hearing on Wednesday, March 19^th at 3:30pm in Room 205.

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 is awaiting a hearing in House Resources.

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 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, SB230 will be heard in House Labor & Commerce on Monday, March 17^th at 3pm in room 124.  ACV supports this bill.

SB246 Susitna Hydro Working Group; Report – Sen. Thomas (D-Fairbanks) | Sen. Therriault (R-North Pole) |  Sen. Wilken (R-Fairbanks)

SB246 is more detailed than House Bills 335 and 336 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. Discussions continue regarding the scope of this study and any related comparative analysis of alternatives.  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. However, a proposed CS makes some changes to bring it more in line with the House version.  It was heard and held in Senate Finance early last week. Railbelt energy planning will continue to be a major topic this session.

SB 253 Board of Game – Sen. Huggins (R-Wasilla) || Rep. Keller (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.  Already through the Senate, the bill was moved out of both the House State Affairs and Resources Committees last week. 

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

Stevens (R-Kodiak) | Sen. Elton (D-Juneau) | Sen. Ellis (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Kookesh (D-Angoon) | Sen. Therriault (R-North Pole) | Sen. Dyson (R-Eagle River) | Sen. Thomas (D-Fairbanks) | Sen. Wilken (R-Fairbanks) | Sen. Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) | Sen. McGuire (R-Anchorage) | Sen. Stedman (R-Sitka) | Sen. Green (R-Mat-Su) | Sen. French (D-Anchorage) | Sen. Davis (D-Anchorage)

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, effective state action this session to promote both the development of renewable energy and 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 over the weekend.  No hearings have been scheduled yet.

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. It was moved out of committee on Friday and is awaiting transmittal to its next committee.

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 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 has been referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee and Labor & Commerce Committee. At its first hearing on Friday, the Resolution was heard and held. 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.  It is expected to be taken up in HESS on Monday under Bills Previously Heard. ACV supports this resolution and Legislative Manager Sue Ely testified at the hearing.

New In Town

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 is scheduled for Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday March 20^th at 2:00 PM 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.