2011 Legislative Report

Dear Conservation Voter,

Thank you for taking the time to look over the 2011 Alaska Conservation Voters Legislative Report.  Every year we review conservation policy moving in the Capitol building in Juneau.  It affords each of us an opportunity to reflect on conservation policy at the state level, thank our supportive elected officials, and hold legislators accountable.  We believe this is a critical part of moving Alaska toward the future we want.

This year we are releasing a Report rather than a Scorecard. Only 40 bills passed the legislature this session.  Far fewer conservation bills passed in 2011, leaving us a tiny pool of legislation to objectively “score” our elected officials.  We look forward to scoring all legislators in future years.

The 2011 Legislative Session will be remembered as one of the more contentious in recent years.  But after looking past the high-profile fights about the budget and oil taxes, a number of conservation issues were given much attention.  A $450 million energy infrastructure package was passed to further Alaska’s newly enacted energy policy.  Legislation on toxics moved forward.  Many harmful bills stalled.  Unfortunately some conservation issues moved backwards.  The biggest disappointment is the legislature chose not to extend the coastal management program that helps coastal communities move forward with responsible development.

Building from our past successes Alaska Conservation Voters looks forward to cultivating and supporting conservation legislators who promote policy to make Alaska’s environment and economy prosperous.  We hope you find the report relevant and informative.  Thank you again for checking out the 2011 Legislative Report.

Sincerely,                             

Kate Consenstein,

Board Chair