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Conservation Watch- Legislature Adjourns, Governor Calls Special Session

The legislature adjourned shortly after midnight Monday morning after a chaotic final few days. The Senate and House spent most of the final day in floor session making the final maneuvers to pass priority bills. Major issues resolved included extending film tax incentives, requiring autism insurance coverage, and establishing oil and gas tax incentives for areas outside the North Slope and Cook Inlet. Final agreement on the operating and capital budgets was also reached on Sunday.

Conservation Watch- Session Set to End Sunday

Two days remain in the legislative session, and legislators are making their final moves to pass priority legislation. Negotiations appear to be on track to finalize work on the operating and capital budget by Sunday. Oil tax legislation hit a snag as key Senators are working to build a critical mass of support to pass the bill. In-state gas line legislation, a priority of the House majority caucus, has yet to gain traction in the Senate. Many committees are holding their final hearings, moving bills in an attempt to have them pass in final days. All these issues will be considered in this final weekend of the session. This Conservation Watch will cover some of the remaining issues to be resolved.

Conservation Watch- Final Days of Session Ahead

The legislative session is nine short days away from its scheduled ending. Despite the tight timeframe, major business remains to be finished, causing some to wonder whether session will go into overtime. An operating and capital budget must be passed. In-state gas line and oil tax legislation remains unresolved. Increases for education and scholarship funding are also in the mix.

Conservation Watch- In-State Gasline Bill Clears House

It took a marathon session on the House floor, beginning Tuesday night at 5pm and ending early Wednesday morning, to send HB 9, the House Majority in-state gasline bill, to the Senate. The eight-hour floor session was the high point of the action in Juneau this week.

Conservation Watch- Late Nights in Finance Mark Week

The pressure builds with only twenty-three days remaining in the legislative session slated to end April 15th. Legislators are positioning priority bills to pass before adjournment. Both the Senate and House Finance committees heard public testimony on major bills until late Wednesday night, the first of what is sure to be many long days in the waning session. The Senate took testimony on the capital budget while the House spent its night on in-state gasline legislation. Also, a bill that would impede Alaskans from challenging flawed state permits or illegal industry operations remains in play, and the Susitna state forest bill is moving. This edition of the Conservation Watch will cover all this and get you ready for key hearings next week.

Conservation Watch- Final Days of Session Begin with Supreme Court Rejecting Redistricting Plan

Legislators and staff returned to the capitol building Monday after taking a long weekend to allow a contingent of legislators to attend Energy Council in D.C. Everyone returned to packed committee schedules and operating budget hearings on the House side. While committee remain busy, fewer issues are being discussed as time in the session runs short. Renewable energy legislation cleared another hurdle and the new coastal management bill was heard for the first time. Meanwhile, all of the legislative action may be eclipsed in importance by the Supreme Court decision overturning the redistricting board’s proposed plan.

Conservation Watch- Energy Break Slows Legislative Business

Energy break shut down the Capitol building the second half of this week as twelve legislators travelled to D.C. for meetings, while most other legislators returned to their home district. The four-day break in the middle of session lets Alaskan legislators meet with other officials from energy producing states in the nation’s capitol. Some also may take the opportunity to meet with the Obama Administration to discuss Alaska issues.

Conservation Watch- Senate Takes First Look at Capital Budget

The highlight of legislative activity in Juneau this week was a dust-up on the House floor late Wednesday night. A bill that would provide tax credits for oil research and development caught some legislators off-guard, when they learned that major oil corporations, which are currently receiving other tax breaks, will also be eligible for the new benefit.

Conservation Watch- Conservation and Energy Bills Begin to Move

Committee schedules were packed this week but major legislation on oil taxes and coastal management sat in committee. Senate Resources focused on oil taxes and House members from coastal districts introduced a bill to re-establish the coastal management program. Those high profile issues continue to attract much of the attention in the building while bills that would establish a permanent funding source for energy projects and ban growing genetically modified fish in Alaska began moving through the process.

Conservation Watch- Oil Tax Fight Flares Up

Debate on oil taxes ratcheted up a notch this week as Senate Resources continued serious discussion on a new piece of legislation, while the Governor weighed in, supporting his old plan mid-week. Gov. Parnell fell back and continued to support his own oil tax reduction legislation, which would give industry approximately $2 billion a year in tax breaks. His legislation, HB 110, is generally considered dead in the Senate. The new Senate legislation is a work in progress, seeking a compromise.

Conservation Watch- Coastal Management Initiative Hits Critical Milestone

The Alaska Sea Party’s efforts to re-instate the coastal management program cleared the first hurdle this week as Lt. Gov. Treadwell certified the initiative for the ballot this coming fall. While coastal management dominated the headlines coming out of Juneau this week, other major news included the legislative unveiling of the Southeast energy plan and a resolution asking the Bureau of Land Management to clean up historic drilling sites on the North Slope. This edition of the Conservation Watch will cover all these issues and highlight what to expect next week.

Conservation Watch- Business Picks Up Pace

Bills are beginning to move in Juneau and operating budget work is beginning in the House. The action included significant renewable energy legislation moving through its first step in the legislative process, conversations about protecting salmon streams, and, of course, oil and gas taxes. This week’s Conservation Watch will review all this and prepare you for more action in the busy week to come.

Conservation Watch- Gasline Plans Dominate Quiet Week

The second week of the legislative session is winding down. Many are saying the pace at the Capitol is quicker than last year but committees are mainly hearing informational and department presentations.

Conservation Watch-2012 Session Kicks Off

The second year of the legislative session started on Tuesday. Legislators and staff have completed the move to Juneau and are back in the Capitol building. The Senate and House held the first, mostly ceremonial floor sessions earlier this week. Committees are starting to hold hearings but major issues have yet to be addressed. As the legislature prepares for the serious discussions later in session, we’ll take the moment to catch you up on the coastal management initiative, our legislative priorities, and the Governor’s State of the State address.

Conservation Watch 2011 Special Edition: Budget Vetoes and the Alaska Coastal Management Program

Special Edition: Read about the $400 million budget vetoes and see how this affects clean energy and energy efficiency in Alaska.

Conservation Watch 2011 #16: Special Session Ends Amidst Controversy

2011 #16: Special Session ends amidst controversy over the Alaska Coastal Management Program and the capital budget.

Conservation Watch 2011 #15: No End in Sight for Special Session

2011 #15: Check out this week's edition for the latest on the special session, the Susitna hydro project permitting and more!

Conservation Watch 2011 #14-Legislative Impasse Continues on First Day of Special Session

2011 #14: Legislative Impasse continues on the first day of special session. Read this edition for more details on the Alaska Coastal Management Program bill just passed in the House and updates on energy projects in the proposed budget.

Conservation Watch 2011 #13- Last Days to Resolve Major Legislation

2011 #13- Only six days remaining in this legislative session. Inside this edition find updates on oil taxes, the PBDE phase out bill, and the Alaska Coastal Management Program.

Conservation Watch 2011 #12- Heavy Workload Remains for Legislature

2011 #12: Less than 2 weeks left in this session. In this issue- the Legislature locking horns, a new energy efficiency report from the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, and movement of the Energy Efficiency bill.

Conservation Watch 2011 #11- Compromise on Oil and Gas Tax Looms

2011 #11: Inside this week's issue- oil and gas tax bill, businesses speak out on the need for energy efficiency support and more!

Conservation Watch 2011 #9- 34 Days to Go

2011 #9: 34 days to go and oil and gas tax dominates the Legislature. Inside this issue read the latest on the PBDE phase out bill, a SE state forest timber bill and the Alaska Coastal Management Program.

Conservation Watch 2011 #10- Tax issues continue to dominate discussions

2011 #10: Oil and Gas Tax issues continue to dominate discussions as the AEA bill moves and more!

Conservation Watch 2011 #8- The Second Half Starts

2011 #8: The second half of the Legislative Session starts with discussion on oil and gas taxes, possible room to negotiate in the coastal management program, and invasive vegetation.

Conservation Watch 2011 #7 Building Ready for Mid-Session Slow Down

2011 #7: Legislators are ready for a mid-session slowdown. Meanwhile Murkowski advocates for more drilling and legislators head to the lower 48 for an energy conference.

Conservation Watch 2011 #6- Legislature Celebrates President's Day with a Long Day of Hearings

2011 #6: President's Day was no holiday for legislators. Read the latest on oil and gas reform, the AEA bill, and PBDE phase out legislation.

Conservation Watch 2011 #5- Crowded Hallways

2011 #5: One third of the session is already over as AEA talks about restructuring and the House Majority announces their priorities.

Conservation Watch 2011 #4- Energy Issues Dominate Week 3

2011 #4: Week three of the session is dominated by Energy issues. The House will be hearing updates on SB220, last year's energy omnibus bill, and Senate Resources hears a bill that would open up state forests to logging.

Conservation Watch 2011 #3 'Legislators Listen and Learn'

2011 #3: The theme for this week is 'Listen and Learn' as legislators are slammed with committee hearings emphasizing informational presentations. Also this week, hearings were held on the proposed Susitna project.

Conservation Watch 2011 #2 January 25th, 2011

Inside this issue find information on the State of the State address, recent Budget Committee hearings, Susitna hydro and Mt. Spurr geothermal among others!

Conservation Watch 2011 #1 January 18th, 2011

Inside this issue: Check out this week's issue of the Conservation Watch for information on our priorities, the Governor's budget, Susitna mega-hydro and all the pre-filed conservation related bills.

Conservation Watch #28 4/22/2010

A huge year for conservation issues. Alaska Conservation Voters environmental priorities fare well in raucous final week of the 26th Alaska State Legislature.

Conservation Watch #27 4/13/2010

It's the final countdown. Six days left to pass all the bills that are going to get passed in this final regular session of the 26th Alaska State Legislature. Ladies and gentlemen, hold on to your hats...

Conservation Watch #26 4/06/2010

 

Conservation Watch #25 3/30/2010

Week 11 of the legislative session. Holy cow! Only three weeks left! ACV priority bills may take a break this week with no hearings scheduled for SB 220, HB 305 and HB 306. However, SB 220 and HB 305 can be brought up in committee under bills already heard

Conservation Watch #24 3/23/2010

Week ten and our priority energy bills are at it again. The Senate's omnibus energy bill is scheduled for its first hearing in Senate Finance Committee and Alaska Coastal Management Program was heard first time this year.

Conservation Watch #23 3/16/2010

Week nine and time is short. At least for Alaska Conservation Voters' three Environmental Priorities: Energy Efficiency, Emerging Energy Technology and Public Transit.

Conservation Watch #22 3/09/2010

Energy bills show spark of life after week waiting out the National Energy Conference. House and Senate Energy bills get ready for another day in committee and SB152 Regional Transit Authority is scheduled for its first hearing.

Conservation Watch #21 3/02/2010

Week seven pushes past the mid point of the session. A slow week ahead as legislators head off to attend the Energy Conference. New bills abound.

Conservation Watch #20 2/23/2010

Week six and all is busy. The operating budget is moving right along; oil taxes and energy issues dominate the remaining conversations while many bills sit nervously in the Finance Committees watching the 90 day clock and hoping to see more action soon.

Conservation Watch #19 2/16/2010

Five weeks in and the Legislature is ablaze with action. New Bills released this week range from incentives for Geothermal development to regulations of Aquatic Farming. Transportation and Energy: ACV priority issues making tracks in this brief 90-day session.

Conservation Watch #18 2/09/2010

Welcome to week four of the 2010 Alaska State Legislature. Transportation, Natural Gas and lots more Energy are the hot topics. This week marks the first third of this year's session.

Conservation Watch #17 2/02/2010

Week three of the 90-day legislative session. Energy is the talk of the town with lots of opportunity in the coming weeks for progress on clean energy. Let's get going...

Conservation Watch #16 1/26/2010

The pace is picking up quickly as we enter the second week of the 90 day 2010 session. Lots to do and not much time to do it. Here’s the latest news:

Conservation Watch #15 1/19/2010

Welcome back to the 26th, Legislative Priorities, Omnibus Energy Bills, Social Media, This Week in Committee, Pertinent Prefiles, Bills Held Over

Conservation Watch #14 - 4/22

Wrap-up of the 2009 Legislative Session. Status of bills and homework for the summer!

Conservation Watch #13 - 4/13

Only 7 Days Left | Energy Roundtable | On The Move | New In Town | Calendar

Conservation Watch #12 - 4/6

Palin administration's Railbelt electric utility corporation | On The Move | New In Town | Calendar

Conservation Watch #11 - 3/30

2nd Round of Renewable Energy Grants Announced | On The Move | New In Town | Calendar

Conservation Watch #10 - 3/23

Energy Stimulus: To be or not to be? | On The Move | New In Town | Calendar of Hearings

Conservation Watch #9 - 3/16

ACV Legislative Priority Milestone | Legislative Fly-In Success! | On The Move | New In Town | Calendar

Conservation Watch #8 - 3/9

Conservation Watch, Sitka Sets Example in Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions, On The Move, New In Town, Calendar

Conservation Watch #7 - 3/2

ACV got a face-lift - check us out, Energy Tech Fund, Efficiency Bills, On The Move, New in Town, Calendar

Conservation Watch #6 - 2/23

* Legislative Committee approves $100 million in Renewable Energy Grants * On The Move * New in Town

Conservation Watch #5 - 2/17

ACV Conservation Watch #5 February 17, 2009 Legislators introduce bills to return local voice to AK's Coastal Management Program, On The Move, New In Town, Calendar

Conservation Watch #4 - 2/9

ACV Conservation Watch #4 - February 9, 2009 Debate on $100 Million in Renewable Energy Projects, On The Move, New In Town, Calendar

Conservation Watch #3 - 2/2

Members of the House Energy and Senate Resources Committees questioned Steve Haagenson, the Governor's Energy Advisor, in response to his much awaited energy plan, "Alaska Energy: A First Step Toward Energy Independence." Also covered, the Alaska legislative calendar.

Conservation Watch #2 - 1/26

ACV's 2009 Legislative Priorities. Alaska’s conservation community has chosen promoting emerging clean energy technology, an Energy Savings Center and more public transportation as our top three priorities for this legislative session. Also covered, the Alaska legislative calendar.

Conservation Watch #1 - 1/20

The 26th Legislative Session gets rolling and ACV Thanks Governor Palin for Taking another Big Step Towards Making Alaska a Renewable Energy Leader.

Conservation Watch

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