Conservation Watch #16 1/26/2010

In This Issue

• Alaska Sustainable Energy Act
• Energy Funding Recommendations
• In the Conservation Blog
• Bills on the Move
• This Week in Committee
• Previous Week in Committee
• New in Town

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:

Senate Bill 220: The Alaska Sustainable Energy Act

That energy is a key issue of the legislative session is made clear by the number of energy-related bills released in the first five days.

Among these are bills that give tax incentives for converting natural gas to liquid fuel, incentivize natural gas exploration in Cook Inlet and allow for the designation of energy improvements areas. Most exciting for the Alaska Conservation Voters are House Bill 305 Omnibus Energy Bill, House Bill 306: State Energy Policy and Senate Bill 220: The Alaska Sustainable Energy Act.

The Senate's Energy Act has already had two hearings in Senate Resources Committee. Caitlin Higgins, Executive Director of Alaska Conservation Voters, testified before the committee yesterday afternoon.  ACV is excited by this bill and believes the Act continues to put Alaska on an economically viable, sustainable, stable energy path to the future - a fundamental and much needed change the conservation community has encouraged for a number of years. ACV would like to thank the Resources committee for listening, and we encourage our readers to do the same. Email your thanks to co-chairs Sen. Bill Wielechowski and Sen. Lesil McGuire.

Alaska Conservation Voters strongly supports the inclusion of SB 121 that would make state-owned buildings more efficient. The Voters identified SB 121 as a priority for this session because we believe the cost and energy savings that result from investments in energy efficiency are well worth the state’s efforts.

Alaska has the opportunity to take advantage of the cheapest, cleanest and often simplest way to meet our energy needs through this resource.

While we support the inclusion of goals for energy efficiency, we believe that an energy efficiency goal of 20% by 2015 and 50% by 2025 is both achievable and meaningful and would be more likely to be met if found in codified language. The same is true of the bill's 50% renewable goal – we strongly support the goal’s inclusion and hope it will make its way into codified statute.
 
SB 150,The Emerging Energy Technology fund, also is in the bill - another of the Voter’s priority bills for this session. The potential entrepreneurial and technological innovation created by the fund makes it a vital component of SB220.

Alaska has unique circumstances that justify this local research and development effort. Voters believes fund investments will put people and projects to work in Alaska by providing opportunities for local project researchers and workers. The fund is a good first step towards putting Alaska on a path to leadership in the quickly advancing field of renewable energy technology.

ACV has encouraged lawmakers to include language that requires balanced representation from the sectors affected by funding decisions similar to the Renewable Energy Advisory Committee. And, we’ve requested that language be added to ensure that carbon costs are considered when determining awards from the fund. We want to make sure that funded technologies offer the best, economic, forward thinking results for our communities and make Alaska-developed technologies viable in the world market.

SB220 also encompasses some of the House Energy Committee's Statewide Energy Policy language, a plus. ACV sat on the advisory committee for the House Special Committee on Energy where we supported efforts to create similar legislation.

As good a bill as it is, SB220 still needs a few tweaks. For example , there may be a need to reconcile different definitions for renewable energy and alternative energy.

Senators recommend funding for clean energy projects

Senator Bill Wielechowski (D) Anchorage and Senator Lesil McGuire (R) Anchorage, co-chairs of the Senate Resources Committee, today released their recommendations for budget appropriations that will help lower energy costs for Alaskans and move communities towards greater energy independence and sustainability.

The recommendations include calls for:

• $25 million more for weatherization
• $175,000 for a public education campaign to help Alaskans learn how to lower their costs through inexpensive efficiency improvements
• $10 million for continued feasibility studies and pre-permitting work on Southcentral hydroelectric projects, including Susitna and Chakachamna
• $100,000 to provide technical assistance to businesses to help them decrease energy-related expenditures and improve profitability
• $25 million for the Renewable Energy Fund to follow through on the legislature’s commitment to provide $300 million over 6 years for clean and affordable renewable energy

 
We are very pleased to see proposals for additional funding for weatherization, full funding of the Renewable Energy Grant fund ($25 million requested on top of Governor Sean Parnell's proposed $25 million), funds for public transportation, as well as recommendations that take into account all regions of the state, including Southeast communities and rural Alaska. This diverse focus is important to bringing all areas of the state the funds required to address energy needs.

“Together with SB 220, the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, these recommendations will help provide affordable energy to Alaskans while encouraging economic development and jobs in-state,” Senator Wielechowski said.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to consider these recommendations as part of its normal budget process. Voters’ will stay close to these deliberations.

Bills on the Move

Energy Bills: Released in a flash
In the first week of this legislative session the House and Senate Energy Committees release two highly anticipated energy bills, House Bill 306 State Energy Policy, House Bill 305 Omnibus Energy Bill and Senate Bill 220 the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act. The bills are the result, in part, of public and stakeholder meetings held over the interim by the energy committees. Of which, Caitlin Higgins, Executive Director of Alaska Conservation Alliance and Alaska Conservation Voters, was a member.

Senate Bill 220 declares a state energy policy; relating to energy efficiency and alternative energy; establishing the energy efficiency grant fund, an emerging energy technology fund, a renewable energy production tax credit, and an energy use index; and relating to a fuel purchasing cooperative, to energy codes and efficiency standards, to energy conservation targets in public buildings, to a state agency energy use reduction plan, to the alternative energy revolving loan fund, and to the renewable energy grant fund.

Caitlin Higgins, ACV Executive Director testified in favor of the bill in Senate Resources Committee on Monday, January 25. It was heard and held in (S) RES.

The bill's next hearing is scheduled for (S) RES Wednesday, January 27 at 3:30 PM in Butrovich rm 205 with Public Testimony.

House Bill 306 Declares a state energy policy and was sponsored by the House Energy Committee. It was referred to (H) ENE and (H) RES. Overall the energy policy is a good bill. However, there are references to nuclear and coal power that need to be carefully examined.

The energy policy bill is scheduled to be heard in (H) ENE on Tuesday, January 26 at 3:00 PM in Barnes rm 124. It is teleconferenced

House Bill 305 Relates to energy; relating to the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority; amending the size and composition of the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority by removing the members of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority as directors of the Alaska Energy Authority and providing for designation or appointment of other members; amending the quorum requirement for the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority; and relating to nuclear waste material.

The bill was sponsored by the House Energy Committee and is referred to the Energy and Finance Committees. It is scheduled to be heard today, January 26 at 3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124. It is teleconferenced.

House Bill 312 An Act authorizing an advisory vote on use of Alaska permanent fund earnings for an in-state natural gas pipeline; and providing for an effective date. The bill, released Monday, was referred to Resources and Finance Committees. Rep. Mike Chenault sponsored the bill and Rep. Jay Ramras signed on. The Bill would set up an advisory vote on whether to allow use of Permanent Fund earnings for a natural gas line.

House Bill 278 Relates to the administration of the Alaska energy efficient home grant fund by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is sponsored by Rep. Chris Tuck, Rep. Cathy Munoz, Rep. Pete Petersen, Rep. Bob Herron, Rep. Reggie Joule, Rep. Neal Foster and Rep. Les Gara.

HB 278 would change energy update programs to allow up front funding.

Rep. Cathy Munoz (R) Juneau said in a press release that Alaskans not eligible for the income based program currently need to come up with funding for improvements up front and get reimbursed by the state at the end of the process. HB278 would allow the money to be obligated earlier allowing many more Alaskans to participate in the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Energy Update programs.

The bill was referred to the House Energy and Finance Committees.

Low speed Motor Vehicles get new lease on life
Senate Bill 59 Low-speed Motor Vehicles (HCS CSSB 59(TRA)), sponsored by Sen. Bert Stedman (R) Sitka, has passed the House and awaits Concurrence in the Senate. The bill passed with zero Nays.

The bill would allow Low-speed Motor Vehicles, limited by Federal law to 25mph top speed, to access 45mph roads. By allowing low speed vehicles to access more mileage of state and municipal roads the bill is expected to allow those already in possession of a low-speed vehicle to get more use out of their investment while at the same time giving an added incentive to low-speed vehicle purchases by meeting more customer needs.

From The Conservation Blog

January 25, 2010
5:00 PM -- Low speed Motor Vehicles get new lease on life Senate Bill 59 Low-speed Motor Vehicles, sponsored by Sen. Bert Stedman (R) Sitka has passed the House and awaits Concurrence in the Senate.

The bill would allow Low-speed Motor Vehicles, limited by Federal law to 25mph top speed, to access 45mph roads. By allowing low speed vehicles to access more mileage of state and municipal roads the bill is expected to allow those already in possession of a low-speed vehicle to get more use out of their investment. While at the same time giving an added incentive to low-speed vehicle purchases by meeting more customer needs.

4:30 PM -- Next up: New Ferry Construction
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is awaiting action from legislators regarding the go-ahead for a new Alaska Class ferry to serve routes in the Southeast.

Proposals for new ferries have long been in the works to replace members of the AMHS's aging fleet. The modern, energy-efficient design includes passenger comforts such as quieter running volume, improved seating, and group meeting spaces.

With design nearly complete, the project's future is now up to legislative funding. The Federal Government approved the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program with up to $60million in December.

Governor Sean Parnell did not include funding for the new ferry in his 2011 budget. However, an amendment can bring those funds back into play and move the project into the construction phase.


January 21, 2010
3:14 PM -- A quick update on some energy legislation introduced yesterday, specifically related to the priority bills.

Of the many energy related things introduced, one bill – the senate’s Alaska  Sustainable Energy Act (SB 220) – was an exciting introduction that seems to have some traction. It was discussed yesterday in the Senate Resources committee and was scheduled to be discussed again today during the committee meeting. Today's meeting was canceled.

The Senate Resources committee introduced items with money attached to them this morning during a press conference at 11am.

Included in the bill are 2 of our 3 priorities – the emerging energy tech fund and energy efficiency for public buildings bills.

Unfortunately, no Regional Transit Authority (SB 152) stuff. Bills like SB152 tend to stay in singular form, rather than being rolled into an omnibus, because they’re just too complicated to deal with in a giant package of bills. Though that doesn’t mean it won’t be eventually rolled in if the powers that be deem that appropriate.

This means that on the senate side, discussions about Energy Efficiency (SB 121) and Emerging Energy Technology (SB 150) will likely happen now in the context of SB 220.

January 20, 2010
The House and Senate Energy Committees each introduced new energy legislation yesterday afternoon, HB 305, HB 306 and SB 220 respectively.

HB 306 "An Act declaring a state energy policy" was referred to the House Energy and Resources Committees.

HB 305 OMNIBUS ENERGY BILL was referred to the House Energy, Finance and Resources Committees.

SB 220 Energy Efficiency / Alternative Energy was referred to Senate Resources and Finance Committees. Heard today, the bill is scheduled to be heard again Thursday in (S) RES at 3:30pm in Butrovich Rm 205.

January 19, 2010
Hello and welcome to the Alaska Conservation Alliance Web log.

Today here in Juneau the 26th Alaska State Legislature will open its doors to begin the 2010 legislative session. A slow economy on the verge of a predicted upswing, a series of upcoming elections, high but unpredictable fuel prices, and a series of energy proposals that will set the course for Alaska's future combine to set an exciting stage as officials from around the state converge on the capital.

The Alaska Conservation Voters will be in the middle of the action throughout the term, working to make sure conservation minded Alaskans are heard. Simultaneously we will be keeping an ear to the ground so that we can help keep you informed of what is happening with our government and what policies are being enacted for the future of our state.

Tune in for regular blogs on this site, as well as updates on Facebook and Twitter. Stay in the loop with the goings on around the capitol and the political, economic, and environmental implications for Alaska at large.

This Week in Committee

Tuesday, January 26

(S)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in Senate Finance Rm 532
Dept of Revenue, Commissioner Pat Galvin    
Oil Production & Revenue Forecast    
State Revenue Forecast - FY2011    
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Fisheries Special Committee
10:15 AM in BARNES Rm 124
HB 227 Holitna Basin Reserve
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Environmental Conservation Finance Subcommittee
10:45 AM in BELTZ Rm 105 (TSBldg)
Commissioner's Office Administrative Services Environmental Health

(H)Resources Standing Committee
12:00 PM in Capitol Rm 106
Lunch & Learn - An In-depth Look at Alaska's Resources    
Presentations by Rick Harris, Executive V.P., Sealaska; Peter Brand, V.P., Pinnacle Pellet (retired) & V.P., Ventek Energy Systems; Markku Riionheimo, President, Ventek Energy Systems: "Wood Residue Green Energy for Southeast Alaska"
Sponsored by Sealaska Corporation
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Transportation Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124    
Joint w/Senate Transportation    
DOT Update by Frank Richards, Deputy Commissioner    
(continued from Jan. 21 meeting)
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Finance Standing Committee
1:30 PM in House Finance Rm 519
Overview on Endangered Species Act
TELECONFERENCED

(S)Resources Standing Committee
(S)Energy Special Committee
1:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
Joint w/(S) Special Committee on Energy    
Presentation: Denali Biodiesel
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Energy Special Committee
3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 305 Omnibus Energy Bill
HB 306 State Energy Policy
TELECONFERENCED

Wednesday, January 27

(S)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in Senate Finance Rm 532
FY2011 Budget Overview & Fiscal Summary
Office of Management & Budget, Director Karen Rehfeld    
Legislative Finance Division, Director David Teal    
TELECONFERENCED

(S)Resources Standing Committee
3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
SB 220 Energy Efficiency/ Alternative Energy    
Energy-Related Budget Recommendations    
*Public Testimony

Thursday, January 28

(H)Transportation & Public Facilities Finance Subcommittee
8:30 AM in Capitol Rm 17
Overview: Governor's FY11 Budget    

(H)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in H Finance Rm 519
Governor's FY11 Budget Overview: University of Alaska    
TELECONFERENCED

(S)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in S Finance Rm 532
FY2011 Budget Overview & Fiscal Summary Office of Management & Budget, Director Karen Rehfeld and Legislative Finance Division, Director David Teal    
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Fisheries Special Committee   
10:15 AM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 46 Mixing Zones/Sewage Systems
TELECONFERENCED

(S)Transportation Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
SB 218 Suspending Motor Fuel Tax
TELECONFERENCED

(S)Labor & Commerce Standing Committee
2:00 PM in Beltz Rm 105 (TSBldg)
Gasline Training Overview: By Commissioner Bishop, Labor and Workforce Development    
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Energy Special Committee
3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
Presentation by Bob Pickett, Chairman of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska:    
Net Metering Regulations review and Proposed Cook Inlet natural gas storage project update
TELECONFERENCED

(S)Community & Regional Affairs Standing Committee
3:30 PM in Beltz Rm 105 (TSBldg)
SB 212 Municipal Energy Improvements Program
TELECONFERENCED

(S)Resources Standing Committee
3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
Overview of the "Open Season" Process for Building Fuel Transportation Pipelines, Scott Hobbs - Administration Consultant    

Friday, January 29

(H)Education Standing Committee
8:00 AM in Capitol Rm 106
HB 295 University Land Grant
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Natural Resources Finance Subcommittee
9:00 AM in Butrovich Rm 205
Presentations by Commissioner Tom Irwin: FY10 Budget Status Update, FY11 Budget Highlights    

(H)Resources Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 217 Tax on Gas for In State Manufacturing
TELECONFERENCED

(H)Finance Standing Committee
1:30 PM in H Finance Rm 519
Governor's FY11 Budget Overview: Dept. of Revenue, Dept. of Natural Resources
TELECONFERENCED

Last Week in Committee

Wednesday, January 20

(S)Resources Committee in Butrovich Rm 205
Overview: Senate Omnibus Energy Bill & Proposed Alaska Energy Policy. SB 220 Energy Efficiency / Alternative Energy was heard and held    

(H)(S) Joint Session in the House Chamber
Annual State of the State by the Honorable Sean Parnell, Governor of Alaska    

Thursday, January 21

(H)(S) Joint Fish caucus in Capitol Rm 106
Marine Advisory Program Presentation by Paula Cullenberg, Program Leader, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program

(S)(H) Joint Transportation in Barnes Rm 124
DOT Update by Frank Richards, Deputy Commissioner
Draft Report from the Governor's Community Transportation Task Force    

Friday, January 22

(H)Finance in House Finance Rm 519
Office of Management and Budget Legislative Finance Division: FY11 Governor's Budget Overview Comparative Fiscal Summary

Monday, January 25

(H)Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee in House Finance Rm 519
Governor's FY11 Budget Proposal

(H)Finance in House Finance Rm 519
Governor's FY11 Budget Overview: Dept. of Environmental Conservation & Dept. of Fish & Game

(S)Resources in Butrovich rm 205
SB 220 Energy Efficiency / Alternative Energy & Energy-Related Budget Recommendations. Caitlin Higgins, Executive Director of Alaska Conservation Voters was invited to give testimony. The bill was heard and held.

(H)Revenue in House Finance Rm 519
Governor's FY11 Budget Proposal Overview: Commissioner's Office

New In Town

SSHB 227 HOLITNA BASIN RESERVE An Act relating to the establishment of state fish and game reserves; creating the Holitna River Basin Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Reserve; and providing for an effective date. The bill is sponsored by REP. HERRON and Rep. Mark Neuman. It is scheduled to be heard in House FSH on January 26 at 10:15 AM in BARNES 124. The hearing is scheduled to be teleconferenced.  SSHB was referred to House FSH and House RES.

HB 290  SUSPENDING MOTOR FUEL TAX An Act suspending the motor fuel tax; and providing for an effective date. Sponsored by House Rules by request of the Governor, the bill was referred to Transportation and Finance Committees.

HB 295 UNIVERSITY LAND GRANT An Act relating to the grant of certain state land to the University of Alaska; relating to the duties of the Board of Regents; relating to deposits made to the Alaska permanent fund received from certain lands conveyed to the University of Alaska; ratifying and reauthorizing certain prior conveyances of land to the University of Alaska; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

The bill, Sponsored by House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, was referred to Education, Resources, and Finance Committees. HB 295 is scheduled to be heard in Education on Friday January 29 at 8 AM in Capitol 106. It is Teleconferenced.

HB 296 ENERGY EFFICIENCY BONDS; LOANS; FUND An Act authorizing and relating to the issuance of bonds by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; establishing the Alaska energy efficiency revolving loan fund and relating to the fund; authorizing municipalities and the State of Alaska to borrow money from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for the purposes of the Alaska energy efficiency revolving loan fund; and providing for an effective date.

The bill was sponsored by the Rules Committee, by request of the Governor. It was referred to the House Energy and Finance Committees.

HB 303 SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS An Act establishing the Alaska energy efficient small business grant fund and program.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kurt Olson and signed by Rep. Peggy Wilson and Rep. Mark Neuman, was referred to House Energy, Labor and Commerce, and Finance Committees.

HB 305 OMNIBUS ENERGY BILL An Act relating to energy; relating to the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority; amending the size and composition of the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority by removing the members of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority as directors of the Alaska Energy Authority and providing for designation or appointment of other members; amending the quorum requirement for the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority; and relating to nuclear waste material.

Sponsored by House Energy, HB 305 was referred Energy, Resources and Finance Committees. It will be heard today at 3 PM in Barnes 124. It is Teleconferenced.

HB 306 STATE ENERGY POLICY An Act declaring a state energy policy.

Sponsored by the House Energy Committee, HB 306 was referred to Energy and Resources Committees. It is scheduled for hearing today, January 26 at 3 PM in Barnes 124.

HB 308 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX An Act relating to the tax rate applicable to the production of oil and gas; relating to credits against the oil and gas production tax; and relating to the period in which oil and gas production taxes may be assessed.

The bill was referred to Resources and Finance Committees and is sponsored by Rep. Craig Johnson, and signed by Rep. Mark Neuman, Rep. Jay Ramras, Rep. Charisse Millett, Rep. Kyle Johansen, Rep. Mike Hawker

HB 312 ADVISORY VOTE ON IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE An Act authorizing an advisory vote on use of Alaska permanent fund earnings for an in-state natural gas pipeline; and providing for an effective date.

The bill iss sponsored by Rep. Mike Chenault and signed by Rep. Jay Ramras. It was referred to Resource and Finance Committees.

HCR 18 STATE LIABILITY UNDER AGIA Requesting the governor, the commissioner of natural resources, the commissioner of revenue, and TransCanada Alaska Company, LLC, and Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd., jointly as licensee, to enter into a memorandum of understanding concerning the state's potential liability to the licensee under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act should the state pursue the development of an intrastate gas pipeline

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jay Ramras, was referred to Resource and Finance Committees.

SB 218 SUSPENDING MOTOR FUEL TAX An Act suspending the motor fuel tax; and providing for an effective date.

Sponsored by Rules Committee, the bill was referred to Transportation and Finance Committee. it is scheduled to be heard in (S) Transportation Committee on Thursday, January 28 at 1:00 PM in Butrovich 205. It is Teleconferenced.

SB 220 ENERGY EFFICIENCY/ ALTERNATIVE ENERGY An Act declaring a state energy policy; relating to energy efficiency and alternative energy; establishing the energy efficiency grant fund, an emerging energy technology fund, a renewable energy production tax credit, and an energy use index; and relating to a fuel purchasing cooperative, to energy codes and efficiency standards, to energy conservation targets in public buildings, to a state agency energy use reduction plan, to the alternative energy revolving loan fund, and to the renewable energy grant fund.

Senate Resources Committee sponsored SB 220. Referred to (S) Resources and Finance Committees, SB 220 is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, January 27 at 3:30 PM in Butrovich 205.

SB 223 ENERGY EFFICIENCY BONDS; LOANS; FUND An Act authorizing and relating to the issuance of bonds by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; establishing the Alaska energy efficiency revolving loan fund and relating to the fund; authorizing municipalities and the State of Alaska to borrow money from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for the purposes of the Alaska energy efficiency revolving loan fund; and providing for an effective date.

Sponsored by (S) Rules Committee by request of the Governor, SB 223 was referred to (S) Energy and Finance Committees.

SB 225 UNIVERSITY LAND GRANT An Act relating to the grant of certain state land to the University of Alaska; relating to the duties of the Board of Regents; relating to deposits made to the Alaska permanent fund received from certain lands conveyed to the University of Alaska; ratifying and reauthorizing certain prior conveyances of land to the University of Alaska; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

Sponsored by (S) Rules Committee by request of the Governor, SB 225 was referred to (S) Resources and Finance Committees.

SB 228 TAX INCENTIVES FOR GAS-TO-LIQUID An Act providing for an industrial incentive investment tax credit and including a gas-to-liquids facility as an eligible investment; and providing for a production tax limit on gas used as a raw material for producing liquids or petrochemicals from gas in the state.

Sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire and signed by Sen. Bill Wielechowski and Sen. Johnny Ellis, the bill was referred to (S) Resources and Finance Committees.

SB 232 MUNICIPAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES An Act relating to an optional municipal property tax exemption for residential property. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Wielechowski and signed by Sen. Johnny Ellis, SB 232 was referred to (S) Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees.

SB 233 BOARD OF GAME/FISH & GAME COMMISSIONER An Act relating to the duties of the commissioner of fish and game and to the interest of the Board of Game in public safety as it relates to game. Sponsored by Sen. Kevin Meyer, SB 223 was referred to State Affairs and Resources Committees.

SJR 25 OPPOSING S. 1535--LIMIT ON AERIAL HUNTING Urging the United States Congress to reject S. 1535 and H.R. 3381, the Protect America's Wildlife Act of 2009, which seek to limit aerial hunting of wildlife. SJR 25 was referred to (S) Resources Committee. Sen. Con Bunde sponsored the bill and Sen. Donny Olson, Sen. Albert Kookesh, Sen. Thomas Wagoner and Sen. Fred Dyson signed on.