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.
In this Issue
- Public Transit Funding
- Climate Change
- Legislative Potpourri
- From the Blog
- Bill Spotlight
- This Week in Committee
- New in Town
- Tweet of the Week
State funding for Public Transit
Though Alaska Conservation Voter's Regional Transit Authority priority bill (SB152) has not yet had a hearing, other transportation issues are cropping up often so far this session. For example, the House Transportation Committee released last week HB329, a transportation and public transportation endowment fund. And last month Senate Energy Committee co-chairs Bill Wielechowski and Lesil McGuire sent a letter to the Finance Committee recommending, among other renewable energy priorities, funding public transportation as one component of a comprehensive statewide energy policy.
This funding measure would assist communities in leveraging federal dollars for public transit projects. Important in a time when state and municipal budgets are stretched thin. And important in a time when federal transportation priorities are shifting toward public transit funding. The Federal Highway Trust Fund has run out of money, yet the federal government continues to operate under continuing emergency budget appropriations to sustain highway spending. This is not sustainable and will eventually lead to a shift in the way the federal government will fund transportation projects for roads.
Public transportation was discussed during a House Special Committee on Energy hearing last Thursday. However, some members of the committee were opposed to including in HB 306 proposed policy language embracing public transportation. Either because they felt it excluded communities without public transportation, they said, or because public transportation in general doesn’t pay it’s own way.
Though a village may not have a metro-scale bus system, it doesn’t mean it has no other transit requirements.
Also, it is true that most public transit does require a
subsidy and can’t pay its own way through collected fares alone. This is true of many transportation systems. Roads do not fully pay for themselves, they require yearly maintenance and gas taxes don’t include the true cost of traffic congestion on air quality and lost worker productivity. We also subsidize the marine highway system.
Though the costs of roads, airports, ports and bus stops are always high, the full social benefits of all transportation are hard to quantify.
Creating a state funding program for communities will promote public transportation and enable communities to provide and expand transit service. It will promote options for Alaskans for getting to work or to shopping districts. It will help lower highway maintenance costs by lowering Vehicle Miles Traveled. And, importantly in our post-earmark era, capture more federal revenue for Alaska.
Climate Change & Alaska's Economy
Climate Change Affects Alaska’s Economy – Not evil, not wrong
While you wouldn’t know it if you listen to the critics, the fact is that a vast majority of scientists have concluded that the climate is changing due to CO emissions and other factors. The Arctic is extremely vulnerable to observed and projected climate change and its impacts. The Arctic is now experiencing some of the most severe climate change on Earth. Over the next 100 years, climate change is expected to accelerate contributing to major physical, ecological, social, and economic changes, many of which have already begun. Changes in Arctic climate will also affect the rest of the world through accelerated global warming and sea level increase.
Many Alaska coastal communities and facilities face increasing exposure to storms. Severe coastal erosion will be a growing problem as rising sea level and a reduction in sea ice allow higher waves and storm surges to reach the shore. This is occurring right now in places like Shishmaref and Kivalina, in Northwest Alaska, where sea ice is forming later in the fall and storms are eroding the shore so severely that the town may relocate inland to the tune of tens of millions of dollars.
Thawing ground will disrupt transportation, buildings, and other infrastructure. Transportation and industry on land, including oil and gas extraction and forestry, will increasingly be disrupted by the shortening of the periods during which ice roads and tundra are frozen sufficiently to permit travel. As frozen ground thaws, many existing buildings, roads, pipelines, airports, and industrial facilities are likely to be destabilized, requiring substantial rebuilding, maintenance, and reinvestment. Future development will require new design elements to account for ongoing warming that will add to construction and maintenance costs. Permafrost degradation will also impact natural systems through collapsing of the ground surface, draining of lakes and toppling of trees in susceptible areas.
Indigenous communities are facing major economic and cultural impacts. Many Indigenous People depend on hunting polar bear, walrus, seals and caribou and they herd reindeer, fish and gather plant material for food and to support the local economy and also for a basis for cultural identity. Changes in the range of animal species, access to species, unpredictable weather and travel safety in changing ice and weather conditions, present serious challenges to human health and food security and even the survival of some cultures. Indigenous knowledge and observations provide an important source of information about climate change. This knowledge, consistent with complimentary information from scientific research, indicates that substantial changes have already occurred.
Global Warming presents a serious threat to Alaska’s economy, environment and quality of life. Warming streams are threatening our iconic salmon stocks and the subsistence, sport and commercial fishing industries that they sustain. Shellfish, corals, and much of our rich marine food web face the impacts of ocean acidification. Forests suffer from insect infestations and stronger wildfires that destroy habitat as well as local economic opportunities, and cumulatively these impacts and others threaten our statewide tourism industry. No wonder we are begging our leaders to find a way out of this terrible trap.
Legislative Potpourri
HB 20 Fisheries Loans: Energy Efficiency / Amount
House Bill 20 an Act relating to commercial fishing loans for energy efficiency upgrades and increasing the maximum amount for certain loans under the Commercial Fishing Loan Act; and providing for an effective date. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Bryce Edgmon, Rep. Bob Buch, and was sighed by Reps. Austerman, Thomas, P.Wilson, Munoz, Johansen, Kerttula, Seaton, Gara, Tuck, and Lynn.
HB20 was heard and held in Senate Resources on Wednesday, February 3rd. The bill amends an existing commercial fishing loan program to allow for up to $400,000 to be borrowed for energy efficiency upgrades to fishing vessels; efficient hulls and engines etc. HB20's definition of what is an Energy Efficiency upgrade was left vague on purpose to encourage innovation, according to bill sponsor Rep. Bryce Edgmon.
Many of the same questions that faced the bill last year resurfaced. Questions of whether the loan program can pay for itself; it can, and in fact the long-standing loan program has made money for the State of Alaska. Whether charter fishermen can access the program; no, the decades-long program was set up specifically for Alaska resident commercial fishermen to make improvements to their vessels to increase the value of their seafood product. However, charter fishermen have other loan programs they can access.
United Fishermen of Alaska and the Resources Development Council called in to testify in favor of HB20.
Alaska Conservation Voters supports HB20.
With recent fuel price volatility Alaska’s fishermen need to find ways to conserve, recycle and limit the energy used in their operations.
Loans used to maximize engine and hull efficiencies reduce the amount of high-priced diesel used during the season resulting in a higher standard of living for our fishermen, less expensive and more competitive seafood product and less climate-damaging emissions.
Recently Japan dedicated $700 million to improve the efficiency of their fishing fleet. To compete, both in seafood price and in technological innovation, Alaska needs the kind of dedication and funding provided by this bill. Alaska should be an exporter of efficiency ideas, techniques and technology proven “Alaska tough” by the state’s fishing fleet.
Efficient hybrid diesel electric drives, computer-controlled engines run by a variety of fuels, effective, drag-reducing and non-toxic bottom paint, heat exchangers on diesel engines, LED lights are but a few examples.
The bill is expected to give loans fishermen need to increase the efficiency of their operation and thereby decrease the use of unpredictably priced foreign fuel, reduce toxic and greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the competitiveness of Alaska’s fishing industry.
Energy efficiency in all its forms is a high priority for Alaska’s conservation community.
HB36 Initiatives: Contributions / Procedures
HB 36 An Act relating to ballot initiative proposal applications and to ballot Initiatives, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Johansen R-Ketchikan, Rep. Charisse Millett R-Anchorage, Rep. Peggy Wilson and signed by Rep. Craig Johnson and Rep. Kelly.
HB36, a bill was heard and held in the House Finance Committee yesterday.
The bill, adding new requirements to the citizen initiative process, moved into Finance in the final days of the 2009 session when it was passed out of H Judiciary despite the bill receiving a vote of four Nays.
ACA/ACV opposes HB 36.
Bill sponsor Rep. Johansen R-Ketchican and a member of his staff presented the bill to the Finance Committee members on Monday.
During the hearing Rep. Mike Kelly asked if the bill had support from the Administration. The Lt. Governor's office did support the bill according to John Cramer, Chief of Staff to Lt. Governer Craig Campbell. Cramer said that though he did not know if Gov. Sean Parnell also supported the bill, Parnell had expressed support when he was Lt. Gov.
It was unknown if a constitutional analysis had been performed on the bill. Similar bills, Rep. Gara said, had been struck down in other states.
Though HB36 has no fiscal note, it was called into question whether the Lt. Governor's office could afford eight or more meeting per initiative on its existing budget.
Rep. Johansen requested the bill be held in Finance to give time for public testimony.
HB 36 makes three primary changes to the initiative process.
First, it would impose a two-year moratorium on restarting a defeated initiative. Because of the timing of filing this requirement would in reality turn into a four-year delay.
A second change requires the sponsors to hold at least two public hearings in each of four judicial districts within one year after the Application is certified. Though the bill gives control of the hearings to the Lt. Governor's office (scheduling, controlling, staffing etc.), they expect to meet the new requirements within their current budget and employee base.
A third change would tip the balance of power in the initiative process toward the Legislature, requiring a standing committee of the Legislature to review each initiative certified by the Lieutenant Governor for the ballot.
The final change, requires petitioners to disclose who contributed to their efforts before the Lieutenant Governor approves the ballot proposal.
(For more information see: In the Blog February 4: 1:03 PM -- HB 36: The Good, The Bad, and the Is It Really Necessary?)
SB 104 Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary
Last week the Senate Resources Committee heard testimony regarding SB 104, an act seeking to extend the boundaries of the Stan Price Wildlife Sanctuary.
Located in the Pack Creek area of Admiralty Island (or “Kootznoowoo”, the fortress of the bears) the wildlife sanctuary is one of the prime brown bear viewing sites in Alaska, and according to one testifier, “stands unique in all the world”.
Senator Dennis Egan D-Juneau presented this bill to the committee as a co-sponsor, calling the bill good governance. The bill was originally introduced by former Senator Kim Elton. It would add state-owned tidelands and submerged lands known as the Upper Seymour Canal area to the existing Sanctuary, and further protect the area from bear hunting. It would not change any regulations, permit or otherwise, related to the flow of visitors to the area.
Senator Egan’s presentation was followed by testimony from Fish and Game, tour operators, and hunters, all of whom spoke in support of the bill and its efforts to keep the area open and free of bear hunting protecting commercial and public interests.
The committee held the bill to possibly refine the language, and plans to take it up again on Thursday, Feb 11, at 3:30pm.
From the Blog
February 8, 2010
7:20 PM -- HB 36 Heard and Held in House Finance Committee
House Bill 36 An Act relating to ballot initiative proposal applications and to ballot initiatives was heard and held in House Finance today. There was no public testimony.
Introduced in the first prefile of 2009, the bill is believed to violate the Alaska constitution and aims to erode Alaskans’ use of the ballot measure as a means to pass legislation. This legislation extends beyond what its title implies and places heavy burdens on public interest groups. ACA/ACV decided last year to oppose SSHB 36.
The bill is Sponsored by Rep. Kyle Johansen R-Ketchikan, Rep. Charisse Millett R-Anchorage, Rep. Peggy Wilson and signed by Rep. Craig Johnson and Rep. Kelly.
6:00 PM -- SB 59 Passes, Moves to Governor
Last Tuesday Senate Bill 59, An Act Relating to Low Speed Vehicles, was sent to the office of the Governor Parnell. Introduced by Senator Stedman, the bill would allow low speed vehicles, vehicles regulated to a maximum 25 mph, to have greater access to Alaskan roads in supporting municipalities with less than 35,000 people.
As electric vehicles have lower emissions and can be charged with renewable resources, this bill moves Alaska’s transportation system towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
After passing both the House and Senate without a Nay vote, the bill now waits to be signed into law, and will be addressed by February 19th.
February 4, 2010
1:18 PM -- What the recent Supreme Court decision on corporate personhood means to Alaska and Alaska Conservation Alliance and Alaska Conservation Voters
Many questions have arisen across the state of Alaska about the effect that the recent United States Supreme Court decision overturning the prohibition of independent expenditures by corporations, unions, and special interest will have on our local elections. There is a great deal of rhetoric flying around the news and the internet about this issue.
Here are some facts:
- “On Jan. 21, 2010, a divided Supreme Court removed limits on independent expenditures that are not coordinated with candidates' campaigns. The 5-4 majority also struck down part of the 2003 McCain-Feingold law that barred union- and corporate-paid issue ads in the closing days of election campaigns. The ruling leaves in place a prohibition on direct contributions to candidates from corporations and unions.”i
- Currently, both the Alaska Public Offices Commission, which monitors and regulates campaign law and lobbyists throughout the state as well as a team compiled by Alaska State Attorney General Dan Sullivan are researching the decision and determining the effect it will have on state campaign law.ii
What is clear is that this ruling does not affect contributions to a political candidate or a campaign which, in Alaska can only be made by an individual or a political action committee. The decision deals solely with independent expenditures or issue based advertising by a third party with no coordination allowed between the third party and the campaign. For example an ad that runs supporting Candidate Jane Doe for Governor, but paid for by an entity other than Candidate Doe’s Campaign.
Download a complete list of Campaign Contribution Limits & Restrictions in Alaska or visit http://doa.alaska.gov/apoc/pdf/2009ContributionLimits.pdf
Related News: http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/1123571.html
Sources:
KTUU - http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=11879920
1:03 PM -- HB 36: The Good, The Bad, and the Is It Really Necessary?
A Ballot measure or "Initiative (also known as popular or citizen's initiative) provides a means by which a petition signed by a certain minimum number of registered voters can force a public vote (plebiscite) on a proposed statute, constitutional amendment, charter amendment or ordinance, or, in its minimal form, to simply oblige the executive or legislative bodies to consider the subject by submitting it to the order of the day. It is a form of direct democracy." (source)
Unlike a bill introduced in the legislature, a ballot initiative is not subject to the rigorous vetting process by the legislature and can not be vetoed by the Governor. In Alaska the initiative process was most recently amended in the State Constitution in 2004 and now requires state wide proportional representation, or 21,000 individual signatures of registered voters gathered from 30 out of 40 legislative districts before a proposed ballot measure can be certified for a statewide vote.
HB 36, first introduced in January 2009 by Representative Kyle Johansen and co-sponsored by Representatives Charisse Millett, Peggy Wilson, Craig Johnson, Mike Kelly, seeks to further change the ballot initiative process and significantly increase the reporting requirements for individuals and organizations that sponsor or participate financially in the process, much in the same way that individual campaigns are required to report their donors.
It would also require that prior to the signature gathering process, the proposed ballot initiative would have to have public hearings in each of the four judicial districts across the state featuring, at a minimum, written testimony by at least one pro and one con proponent on the issue and require that more information regarding ballot initiatives be included in the voter pamphlets for regular and special elections.
HB 36 would also change the way signature gatherers are allowed to operate and the way in which they can be paid for their efforts.
What HB 36 does not do is regulate the source of funds that an initiative can solicit from in or out of state. It also changes the way that proposed ballot measures can be worded.
According to the sponsors of the bill, HB 36 would create a more open and transparent ballot measure process in keeping with the wishes of voters across Alaska who overwhelming supported ethics reform in 2007. According to opponents of the legislation, our initiative process is sufficiently onerous and the HB36 seeks to fix a problem that does not exist in this state.
Below are some resources to help you in forming your own opinion about this important issue:
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Read the the full text of the current incarnation of HB36
February 3, 2010
2:30 PM -- Senate Resources Committee to Discuss Important Energy Legislation
Today the Senate Resources Committee will be holding a session to discuss important energy legislation. The first piece up for deliberation is SB 220, the Senate Omnibus Energy Bill on which there has already been some discussion and much positive testimony. The bill, dubbed the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, lays out a state energy policy and includes previously submitted proposals addressing a wide variety of today's pressing energy issues.
Time permitting, the committee will also discuss HB 20, an act pertaining to commercial fishing loans to upgrade vessels for the purpose of improving energy efficiency. The bill comes to Senate Resources with overwhelming support from the House, and has also been referred to the Finance Committee.
Alaska Conservation Alliance will be at the hearing following today's events. Keep up with us on our website or check for updates on Facebook and Twitter.
1:45 PM -- House Special Committee on Energy passes HB 306
The Alaska state legislature made progress towards a statewide energy policy on Tuesday as the House Special Committee on Energy passed HB 306. The proposal aims to lay the foundation for a state energy strategy that will provide reliable, affordable energy to citizens across Alaska. It also sets specific goals for energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy sources. HB 306 is now on its way to the House Resources Committee for approval.
February 1, 2010
3:46 PM -- HJR 40 Opposes Critical Habitat Designation
Representative Charisse Millett last week released a resolution (HJR 40) opposing the proposed designation of critical habitat for the endangered beluga whale by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The NMFS proposal aims to protect 3,000 square miles of Cook Inlet to protect the beluga whale listed as an endangered species in 2008.
Representative Millet claimed in a press release this week that, "the only thing a critical habitat designation will accomplish is to harm the region's economy." The resolution cites evidence that the decimation of the beluga population was caused solely by unsustainable harvest and states that, "the conservation benefits, which are entirely uncertain and speculative, are outweighed by the costs and impediments posed by designation of critical habitat."
The resolution was co-sponsored Reps Mark Neuman, Bob Lynn, Craig Johnson, Wes Keller and Carl Gatto, and is supported by Governor Parnell and the entire Alaskan congressional delegation.
Copies of the resolution will be sent to the various national and state offices including that of President Obama.
Support for the resolution seems strong in the House where it was referred only to the Resources Committee, but its reception in the Senate with its bi-partisan majority remains to be seen.
Bill Spotlight
HB 305 : Omnibus Energy Bill
Sponsored by the House Energy Committee
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.
Alaska Conservation Voters supports the inclusion of out Priority Legislation (SB121: Energy Efficiency for Public Buildings and SB150: Emerging Energy Technology Fund) in HB305. However, the nuclear and coal language will require a closer look.
The bill was sponsored by the House Energy Committee and is referred to the Energy and Finance Committees. It was presented, by the sponsors, discussed and held January 26 at 3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124. It is scheduled to be heard again in (H) Energy on February 11 at 3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124. Testimony is by invitation only.
HB 312 : Advisory Vote On In-State Gas Pipeline
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Chenault
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.
Passed through (H) Resources Committee and referred to (H) Finance Committee
HB 329 : Transportation Fund/Public Transportation
Sponsored by the House Transportation Committee
An Act relating to the transportation infrastructure fund, to local public transportation, to motor fuel taxes, and to the motor vehicle registration fee; and providing for an effective date.
Referred to (H) Transportation Committee then Finance Committee
HB 330 : Transportation Fund/Public Transportation
Sponsored by Rep. Max Gruenberg
An Act establishing the Alaska transportation fund and the Alaska community transportation account; relating to local public transportation; and providing for an effective date.
Ak Majority Organization
Referred to (H) Transportation Committee then Finance Committee
HJR 42 : Constitutional Am.: Transportation Fund
Sponsored by the House Transportation Committee
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska creating a transportation infrastructure fund.
Referred to (H) Transportation Committee then Judicial then Finance Committees.
HB 267: Snow machine use in Dalton Highway Corridor
Relating to travel by snow machine within five miles of the right-of-way of the James Dalton Highway. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly and Rep. Mark Neuman and signed by Rep. Tammy Wilson.
Referred to (H) Transportation then Resources Committee.
This Week in Committee
Tuesday February 9, 2010
(H)Fisheries Special Committee
10:15 AM in Barnes Rm 124
SJR 22 Federal Preemption of Salmon Management
HB 266 Personal Use Fishing Priority
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Environmental Conservation, Finance Subcommittee
10:45 AM in Beltz Rm 105 (TsBldg)
Air Quality
Environmental Health
(H)Resources Standing Committee
12:00 PM in Capitol Rm 106
Lunch & Learn: An In-depth Look at Alaska's Resources Presentation by Greg Beischer, President & CEO, Millrock Resources, Inc.: "Bringing Mineral Investment to Alaska" Sponsored by Council of Alaska Producers
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Transportation Standing Committee
1:00 PM Capitol Rm 17
HJR 42 Constitutional Ammendment, Transportation Fund
HB 329 Transportation Fund/Public Transportation
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Natural Resources, Finance Subcommittee
1:00 PM Fahrenkamp Rm 203
Division of Oil and Gas -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Energy Special Committee
3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 296 Energy Efficiency Bonds; Loans; Fund
Presentations by Brian Butcher, AHFC: Overviews on Home Energy Rebate Program & Low Income Home Weatherization Program
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Administration, Finance Subcommittee
5:00 PM House Finance 519
Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission
Alaska Public Offices Commission
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Econ. Dev., Trade & Tourism, Special Committee
5:15 PM in Capitol Rm 106
Port MacKenzie Railroad Extension
Guest Speakers: Rick Mystrom, Former Mayor of Anchorage; John Duffy, Borough Manager, Matanuska-Susitna Borough; Pat Gamble, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Railroad; Dr. Paul Metz and Dr. Steve Colt, University of Alaska
Wednesday February 10, 2010
(H)Natural Resources, Finance Subcommittee
9:00 AM in Butrovich Rm 205
Presentation by Mark Myers: Gas Pipeline Implementation (AGIA Office)
(H)Resources Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 308 Oil and Gas Production Tax
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Resources Standing Committee
3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
SB 243 No Royalty on Geothermal Resource
SB 242 Geothermal Resource Tax Credits
Presentation: Pt. MacKenzie Rail Extension
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
Thursday February 11, 2010
(H)State Affairs Standing Committee
8:00 AM Capitol 106
Overview: Discussion on potential impact of the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in the CITIZEN UNITED case regarding campaign contributions
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Natural Resources, Finance Subcommittee
11:00 AM in Beltz Rm 105 (TSBldg)
Gas Pipeline Implementation -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Miscellaneous Meetings Other Committee
12:00 PM in Capitol Rm 106
DEC Response Fund Overview -Informational Presentation by Representatives from the Dept. of Environmental Conservation: Overview on the State's Oil and Hazardous Substance Release Prevention and Response Fund Contact: Rep. Austerman's Office Brown Bag Lunch Open to all
(S)Labor & Commerce Standing Committee
2:00 PM in Beltz Rm 105 (TSBldg)
SB 205 RCA Rate Change
SB 227 Public Accounting
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Energy Special Committee
3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 305 Omnibus Energy Bill -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- from members of the Alaska Federation of Natives
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Resources Standing Committee
3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
SB 220 Energy Efficiency/Alternative Energy
SB 104 Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
Friday February 12, 2010
(H)Natural Resources, Finance Subcommittee
9:00 AM in Butrovich Rm 205
Presentation by Kevin Banks: Division of Oil & Gas
(S)Judiciary Standing Committee
1:30 PM in Beltz Rm 105 (TSBldg)
HB6 Cruelty to Animals
SB 214 Cruelty to Animals
SB 252 Failure to Appear; Release Procedures
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
Monday February 15, 2010
(H)Fish & Game, Finance Subcommittee
5:00 PM in House Finance Rm 519
Boards Section
Division of Commercial Fisheries
Division of Habitat
New in Town
HB 329 Transportation Fund/Public Transportation
An Act relating to the transportation infrastructure fund, to local public transportation, to motor fuel taxes, and to the motor vehicle registration fee; and providing for an effective date.
Sponsored By the Transportation Committee, the bill has been referred to the Transportation Committee and then the Finance Committee. It is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, February 9, at 1:00PM in Capitol Room 17.
HB 330 Transportation Fund/Public Transportation
An Act establishing the Alaska transportation fund and the Alaska community transportation account; relating to local public transportation; and providing for an effective date.
Sponsored by Representative Gruenberg, this bill has been referred to the Transportation Committee and then the Finance Committee. A hearing date has not yet been scheduled.
HJR 42 Const. Am: Transportation Fund
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska creating a transportation infrastructure fund. Sponsored by the Transportation Committee, this resolution has been referred the Transportation Committee, and then to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. It is scheduled to be heard by the Transportation Committee on Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00PM in Capitol Room 17.
Tweet of the Week
Senate Resources Committee, 3:30 PM Wednesday February 3 in Butrovich Rm 205
Follow ACV on Facebook and Twitter
# Senate Resources adjourns. HB20 heard and held. SB220 Alaska Sustainable Energy Act was not heard. 4:48 PM
# CSHB20 sponsored by Reps. Bryce Edgmon and Bob Buch. Stevens supports. Wielechowski said bill will be held over. ACA supports CSHB20. 4:22 PM
# HB20 Energy efficiency loans for commercial fisherman. Updates an existing loan program to allow up to $400K for hull, engine, etc EE work. 4:17 PM
# SB 195 Goldstream Public Use Area on deck. Sen. Wagoner present. Public testimony is in progress. Bill protects area from 7/1/10 sunset. 3:47 PM
# Welcome to Senate Resources. Sens. French, McGuire, Wielechowski, Stevens present. HB20 EE Fishing Loans, SB220 Energy Omnibus up... 3:42 PM


