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.
In this Issue
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.
Synthetic Liquid Fuels
Synthetic fuel typically is produced in a heat and chemical reaction called Fischer-Tropsch. The product is a liquid hydrocarbon, like crude or diesel, which is cleaner burning than traditional fossil fuels; it causes less wear and tear on parts, saving money and commanding a premium on the market. Synthetic fuel is predictable and can make high-quality petro-chemicals and plastics.
Turning coal into a liquid fuel may sound like an innocuous process, something akin to melting blocks of ice. However, it is a highly energy intensive and carbon dioxide laden process.
The first step in converting coal to liquid fuel is to gasify the coal producing a methane-like syngas that can be used like natural gas in power generation, heating, and feed stock for chemical manufacturers like Agrium in Nikiski. Agrium had plans in 2008 to start a coal gasifier, called Blue Sky, to replace the dwindling Cook Inlet NG feedstock.
Traditional coal liquefaction comes with all the inherent drawbacks of traditional coal energy -- namely, mining, transportation and carbon and toxic pollution. Underground Coal Gasification (where the Fischer-Tropsch process is done completely underground in the coal seam) could alleviate some of these concerns. However, there are still many questions concerning this technique.
While coal liquefaction can take several forms natural gas
liquefaction typically uses the Fischer-Tropsch process. Fischer–Tropsch is operated in the temperature range of 150–300 °C (302–572 °F). The process converts the coal to gas and uses a catalyst to convert the gas into liquid. The catalyst is often a metal, like cobalt, however much research is going into finding new and more efficient catalyst materials.
Using Usibelli coal from Healy Alaska would technically be called Brown Coal to Liquids BCTL. Since Usibelli's coal is sub-bituminus or Lignite, would need an extra drying process to remove water. This research was done by Japan in early 1990s. The process fell out of favor due to cheap oil.
Though liquefied gas is traditionally thought of as compressed and refrigerated gas shipped in large quantities over long distances, traditional LNG is far too unwieldy to use as an everyday fuel source. Instead, to make liquid fuel you can handle at room temperature and atmospheric pressures, one that can burn clean in existing transportation fleets, it needs to be liquefied through Fischer-Tropsch.
Though natural gas is a source of carbon dioxide pollution and its exploration and extraction have an impact on Alaska’s invaluable environment, natural gas is the best option to bridge between our current heavy reliance on fossil fuels to 2025 when at least half of our energy can come from renewable energy systems.
Alaska Legislators have introduced a bill to incentivize the development of a synthetic fuels market in Alaska. SB228 Tax Incentive for Gas-to-Liquids 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
While the bill language does include natural gas liquefaction, the gas in Gas-to-Liquids can come from coal, biomass or other feedstock.
The bill is sponsored by Senators Lesil McGuire, Bill Wielechowski and Johnny Ellis. It was referred to (S) Resources then (S) Finance.
The Department of Defense plans to use synthetic fuels 50 percent of its aviation fuel use. Coal liquefaction was the initial favorite technology. However, new procurement rules require that the synfuel be less carbon-intensive than traditional fossil fuel refinement processes. Even including carbon capture and sequestration or biomass blending (feeding CO2 to algae etc.), coal liquefaction may have trouble meeting this mark. Natural Gas liquefaction could meet the requirements of the Dept. of Defense while at the same time incentivizing in-state natural gas development.
Synthetic fuel manufacture is not a new technology. Coal liquefaction was used by Germany in WWII and by South Africa due to sanctions related to apartheid. The patent for the Fischer Tropsch process was published in 1930. However, there have been recent advances in direct liquefaction processes and advances in catalyst technology, which might include carbon nano-tubes to increase the surface area for reactions.
The newest Direct to Liquids technology can be found in China. Invented in 1990 or 1991, the Chinese perfected the process from 2002 to 2009 for around $2 billion.
Legislative Potpourri
The geothermal incentives in SB 242 & SB 243
Mt. Spurr
Geothermal power is attractive as a renewable energy source that also can provide continuous “base-load” electricity or heat to utilities or homes. Two new bills introduced last week aim to incentivize this mature industry in Alaska. SB No. 242 an Act providing income tax credits for geothermal resource exploration and development; and SB No. 243 an act removing the royalty obligation for geothermal resources.
The bills were written to incentivize more heavily State land development, according to bill sponsor Sen. Lesil McGuire (R)-Anchorage.
SB 243 removes the state's existing geothermal royalty, the highest geothermal royalty in the nation.
Sen. Thomas Wagoner (R)-Kenai asked if the geothermal bills would harm Bernie Karl's geothermal operation in Chena Hotsprings. Currently Karl uses his revolutionary low-temperature geothermal power to run Chena Hotsprings Resort and a 16-ton absorption chiller that creates temperatures cold enough to maintain an ice museum year-round. However, if Karl's plans to hook his power into the grid, he would benefit from the bills, McGuire said.
McGuire said the bill removes the state’s royalty because hot geothermal water can be recycled, renewed while the state should exact a royalty from something that is forever removed from the ground. Like coal, oil and gas.
Ormat Technologies, a company looking to develop the geothermal resources on Mt. Spurr near Anchorage, said the bills were an imperative to the success of the Mt. Spurr project and others. The bill helps fight the operation and maintenance costs of the projects, according to an Ormat spokesperson. And the proposed 20-year credit would lower costs to rate-payers by 5% - 10% “by as much as a cent.”
Sen. Bill Wielechowski asked if Ormat would agree to an amendment requiring any reduction in state royalties to be passed on to rate payers? While no amendment was proposed, Ormat said it agreed in principal depending on the language of the amendment.
Alaska Federation of Natives Testifies on HB 305
Speaking out about exorbitant fuel costs and fragmented programs that aren’t adequately addressing energy needs, members of AFN - coming from locations all over Alaska and representing over 200 communities - gave strong support for HB 305: Omnibus Energy Bill before the House Special Energy Committee on Thursday.
Ralph Angesan, the Chariman of AFN’s Energy Working Group, was the first to speak in favor of the bill. His testimony focused on eight reasons why the federation backs HB 305.
Angesan praised the energy efficiency standards, index and upgrades proposed in the bill and expressed his support for the Emerging Energy Technology Grant Fund. In addition to his positive comments regarding this Alaska Conservation Alliance / Alaska Conservation Voters priority legislation, Angesan talked about Alaska's need for “steady and sufficient funding for the Renewable Energy Fund” and tax incentives for renewable energy production. To coordinate the efforts of Alaska's many energy governance agencies, Angesan said the creation of a Department of Energy is "crucial."
Angesan was followed by further testimony from Julie Kitka, President of AFN, Thomas Tilden of the Chogguing Tribal Council, and Loretta Bullard the president of Kawerak Inc. Each speaker supported the bill as an important step toward the federation’s main goal of building sustainable communities.
What's next for the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act (SB 220)
The scheduled hearings on SB 220 are as follows:
(S) RES February 15th at 3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205 (public testimony not scheduled)
(S) RES February 17th at 3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205 (public testimony not scheduled)
(S) RES February 18th at 3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205 (public testimony not scheduled)
SB 220, introduced by the Senate Resources Committee, combines several previously introduced bills into one and sets energy reduction and efficiency goals for Alaska. Included in SB 220 are Alaska Conservation Alliance priority bills SB 121 Energy Efficiency Buildings / Public Works and SB 150 Emerging Energy Technology Fund. The Alliance is pleased to see these bills as components of the Act.
The Alliance is also happy to see legislative intent language within SB 220 which calls for increasing Alaska’s energy efficiency by 10% by 2015 and 15% by 2020. It also calls for the utilities to generate 50% of Alaska’s electrical needs using renewable energy by 2025. These are goals long promoted by the Alliance.
The Senate Resources Committee took public testimony on January 27th. Many of the participants had been recruited by the Strategies for Alaska's Future Liaisons on behalf of the Alaska Conservation Alliance. The level of support was wonderful.
It’s clear that Alaskans want an energy policy that will address our immediate needs as well as make investments in long-range projects providing affordable clean energy, jobs, and an overall improvement in our quality of life.
From the Blog
Monday, February 15, 2010
Happy President's Day
8:45 AM -- Though today is a holiday, Senate Resources is scheduled to hear SB220 Alaska Sustainable Energy Act at 3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205. Testimony not scheduled.
Senate Resources has a busy week scheduled for SB220, with hearings on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205.
HB280 Natural Gas, is also scheduled for hearing today at 3:15 PM in Barnes Rm 124.
HB 280 an Act relating to natural gas; relating to a gas storage facility; relating to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; relating to the participation by the attorney general in a matter involving the approval of a rate or a gas supply contract; relating to an income tax credit for a gas storage facility; relating to oil and gas production tax credits; relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; relating to production tax credits for certain losses and expenditures, including exploration expenditures; relating to the powers and duties of the director of the division of lands and to lease fees for the storage of gas on state land; and providing for an effective date.
Introduced as a prefile on January 15, HB280 has a long list of signers. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Hawker and Rep. Mike Chenault, it is signed by Rep. Craig Johnson, Rep. Kurt Olson, Rep. Joe Thomas, Rep. Jay Ramras, Rep. John Harris, Rep. Charisse Millett and Rep. Bob Lynn.
HB 280 is scheduled to be heard again Thursday, February 19th at 1:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124.
Friday, February 12, 2010
6:00 PM – Transportation Committee Debates Dedicated Transportation Fund
The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday to discuss a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would create a dedicated transportation infrastructure fund.
If passed, HJR 42 puts the fund before the voters during the next general election. Representative Peggy Wilson shepherded the resolution through the committee, moving it out and to the House Finance Committee. Much of the Committee debate took place over the companion bill to HJR 42, House Bill 329.
Progress slowed as the committee took up HB 329 which holds the details of the proposed transportation fund. The bill proposes seeding the fund with a $1 billion allocation, and would sustain it through management of an endowment and additional contributions from state fuel taxes.
The bill provides a breakdown for fund expenditures of which 5% is dedicated to local public transportation and transit. In addition to setting the terms of the proposed transportation infrastructure fund, the amendment also attempts to "promote and support methods or modes of local public transportation serving persons in various regions of the state" to the DOT&PF duties.
5:20 PM – HB 20 Moves On to the Senate Finance Committee
After deliberation in the Senate Resources Committee for the second week in a row, HB 20, was passed on Thursday to the Senate Finance Committee. The bill allows commercial fisherman in Alaska to obtain loans of up to $400,000 to upgrade their vessels for improved energy efficiency. The bill is expected to bolster Alaska's fishing fleet, give the sluggish economy a boost, and reduce carbon emissions.
Bill Spotlight
HB 20 FISHERIES LOANS: ENERGY EFFICIENCY / AMOUNT sponsored by Rep. Bryce Edgmon and Rep. Bob Buch, the
bill has passed out of the House and referred to Senate Finance Committee. After deliberation in the Senate Resources Committee for the second week in a row, HB 20, was passed on Thursday to the Senate Finance Committee. The bill allows commercial fisherman in Alaska to obtain loans of up to $400,000 to upgrade their vessels for improved energy efficiency. The bill is expected to bolster Alaska's fishing fleet, give the sluggish economy a boost, and reduce carbon emissions.
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 by some 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 co-sponsored by Rep. Craig Johnson and Rep. Kelly.
HB 234 LAND GRANT TO UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA an Act relating to the grant of certain state land to the University of Alaska; relating to the duties of the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska; and relating to the university research forest. Sponsored by Request of Rep. Jay Ramras, the bill was referred to (H) Resources and (H) Finance Committees.
By not conveying controversial lands to the University, HB 234 addresses the Voters' biggest collective concern with the Governor's University Lands bills HB295 and SB225.
HB234 is a good solution to put to bed the long standing University Lands debate.
The bill has yet to have a hearing in the House.
HB 276 FORT ROUSSEAU CAUSEWAY HIST PARK an Act amending the description of parcels within the Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park; and providing for an effective date. Moving fast, released as a prefile on January 15th, HB276 received one committee referral in the house, CRA, passed through committee, the House Floor then referred only to Community and Regional affairs in the Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Peggy Wilson, Rep. Sharon Cissna.
HB 278 Energy Efficient Home Grant Fund an Act relating to
the administration of the Alaska energy efficient home grant fund by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Released as a prefile, the bill was referred to (H) Energy then (H) Finance. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Tuck, Rep. Cathy Munoz, Rep. Pete Peterson, Rep. Bob Herron, Rep. Reggie Joule, Rep. Neal Foster and co-sponsored by Rep. Les Gara.
HB 295 / 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 (H) Rules Committee by request of the Governor, HB 295 has a long way to go. Referred to Education, Resources, and Finance. Passed out of Education with one Due Pass Rep. Peggy Wilson and Bob Buch, Rep. Bryce Edgmon, Rep. Munoz giving No Recommendations.
ACV opposes this bill because it conveys controversial parcels. HB 234 is a good alternative.
It is scheduled to be heard in (H) Community and Regional Affairs on February 18th at 8:00 AM in BARNES Rm 124
TELECONFERENCE
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
Companion bill 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. Referred to (H) Transportation Committee then Finance Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Max Gruenberg.
HB 329 is scheduled to be heard in (H) TRA on February 18th at 1:00 PM in BUTROVICH Rm 205.
HJR 42 CONST. AM: TRANSPORTATION FUND Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska creating a transportation infrastructure fund. The bill was referred to (H) Transportation, Judiciary and Finance Committees. It has already passed out of (H) TRA with six Due Pass and one No Recommendation.
The resolution moves on to Judiciary. HJR 42 is sponsored by the (H) Transportation Committee.
Scheduled to be heard (H) Judiciary on February 17th at 1:00 PM – CAPITOL Rm 120.
SB 59 Low-Speed Vehicles 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.
SB 108 STAMPEDE STATE RECREATION AREA an Act creating the Stampede State Recreation Area. Sponsored by Senator Joe Thomas (D)-Fairbanks, the bill was last heard in Senate Resources Committee in April of last year. It was passed out of committee with one Due Pass and five No Recommendations. It is referred Senate Finance, no hearing is scheduled.
SB 195 MAKE GOLDSTREAM PUBLIC USE AREA PERMANENT an Act relating to the repeal of the establishment of the Goldstream Public Use Area. Introduced as a prefile on January 19th, the bill, referred to one committee, has already passed through the Senate and transmitted to the House. No House referrals yet. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Joe Thomas.
SB 267 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; relating to the tax rate applicable to the production of oil and gas; relating to a rebate of the production tax on oil and gas based on the employment of resident workers; relating to credits against the oil and gas production tax; relating to the period in which oil and gas production taxes may be assessed; relating to the interest rates applicable on certain amounts due related to various taxes, penalties, payments, and the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act; and providing for an effective date.
Referred to (S) Resources and (S) Finance Committees, SB 267 is sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire (R)-Anchorage.
SB 267 is scheduled to be heard in (S) Resources on February 17th at 3:30 PM – BUTROVICH Rm 205.
This Week in Committee
Monday, February 15th (President's Day)
(H)LABOR & COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
3:15 PM – BARNES Rm 124
HB 280 NATURAL GAS TELECONFERENCED
(S)RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
3:30 PM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
SB 220 ENERGY EFFICIENCY/ ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCE
[Heard and Held]
Tuesday, February 16th
(S)FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE
9:00 AM – SENATE FINANCE Rm 532
Oil & Gas Production Forecast; Oil & Gas Exploration & Development Outlook - Dept Natural Resources; Oil & Gas Industry Employment in Alaska Dept of Labor & Workforce Development
-Testimony <Invitation Only>-
(H)RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
12:00 PM – CAPITOL Rm 106
Lunch & Learn: An In-depth Look at Alaska's Resources: Presentation: "Heavy Oil in Alaska," by Eric West, Manager, Alaska Heavy Oil Team, BP Alaska
(S)TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
1:00 PM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(H)ENERGY SPECIAL COMMITTEE
3:00 PM – BARNES Rm 124
HB 31 NET ENERGY METERING
HB 303 SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(S)ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE
3:30 PM – FAHRENKAMP Rm 203
FY2011 Budget Overview
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(H)NATURAL RESOURCES FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE
8:00 AM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
-Time Change-
Division of Mining Land and Water Guide Concession Program and other issues by Dick Mylius, Director of DNR
Teleconference: 3 minute limit
(S)SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS JOINT COMMITTEE
9:00 AM – Sen Conf Rm 103 TSB
Senate Subcommittee: Public Comment; Executive Session; Public Session
(H)JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE
1:00 PM – CAPITOL Rm 120
HJR 42 CONST. AM: TRANSPORTATION FUND
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(H)RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
1:00 PM – BARNES Rm 124
HB 308 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(H)(S)SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS JOINT COMMITTEE
3:00 PM – FAHRENKAMP Rm 203
-Public Comment-
Chair/Staff Report: Update on Ethics Disclosures due Feb. 17
- Ethics Training Update
- Informal Advice Staff Report
- Outreach - Visiting Legislative Offices during Interim
- Committee Member Appointments / Confirmations
- Legislation: Update on HB193, Legislative Ethics
(S)RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
3:30 PM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
SB 267 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX
SB 220 ENERGY EFFICIENCY/ ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
Thursday, February 18, 2010
(H)COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
8:00 AM – BARNES Rm 124
HB 295 UNIVERSITY LAND GRANT
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(H)FISHERIES SPECIAL COMMITTEE
10:15 AM – BARNES Rm 124
HB 344 SALMON PRODUCT DEVELOP. TAX CREDIT
HCR 15 BRISTOL BAY MINING STUDY
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(H)(S)JOINT SESSION OTHER COMMITTEE
11:00 AM – HOUSE CHAMBER
Annual Address by the Honorable
Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator
(H)(S)TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
1:00 PM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
-Please Note Location Change-
Presentation by Marine Transportation Advisory Board (MTAB)
Update: Alaska Marine Highway System, by Jim Beedle, Deputy Commissioner, Marine Operations, DOT/PF
HB 329 DEDICATED TRANSPORT FUND / PUB TRANSPORT
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(S)ENERGY SPECIAL COMMITTEE
1:30 PM – Sen Conf Rm 103 TSB
Overview: Alaska Statewide Digital Mapping Initiative
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
(H)ENERGY SPECIAL COMMITTEE
3:00 PM – BARNES Rm 124
Overview: Rural Energy Issues from Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, The Denali Commission, Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Dept. of Health & Social Services, Alaska Dept. of Community & Regional Affairs, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
-Testimony <Invitation Only-
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
(S)RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
3:30 PM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
SB 220 ENERGY EFFICIENCY/ ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
Friday, February 19th, 2010
(H)NATURAL RESOURCES FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE
9:00 AM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
Division of Agriculture Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Office of Project Management and Permitting
(H)RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
1:00 PM – BARNES Rm 124
HB 280 NATURAL GAS Pending Referral
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
Saturday, February 20th, 2010
(H)ENERGY SPECIAL COMMITTEE
10:00 AM – HOUSE FINANCE Rm 519
-- Please Note Day & Time Change --
Overviews on Comparative Railbelt Energy Project Analysis: Susitna Hydro Project, by Alaska Energy
Authority; Chakachamna Hydro Project, by TDX Power; In-State Natural Gas Pipeline, by Bob Swenson, In-State Gas Pipeline Coordinator, Coal Gasification and Fire Island Wind Farm, CIRI
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled TELECONFERENCED
New in Town
HB 276 FORT ROUSSEAU CAUSEWAY HIST PARK an Act amending the description of parcels within the Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park; and providing for an effective date. Moving fast, released as a prefile on January 15th, HB276 received one committee referral in the house, CRA, passed through committee, the House Floor then referred only to Community and Regional affairs in the Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Peggy Wilson, Rep. Sharon Cissna. Released February 12, 2010.
HB 332 GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE TAX CREDITS an Act providing income tax credits for geothermal resource exploration and development. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Hawker (R)-Anchorage and Rep. Bob Lynn (R)-Anchorage the bill was referred to (H) Resources and (H) Finance Committees. Released February 10, 2010.
HB 337 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX: CREDITS / INTEREST an Act relating to interest on certain underpayments or overpayments for the oil and gas production tax, to certificates for certain oil and gas production tax credits for qualified capital expenditures, and to alternative tax credits for expenditures for certain oil and gas development and exploration activities for the oil and gas production tax; relating to the use of the oil and gas tax credit fund to purchase certain tax credit certificates; and providing for an effective date.
(H) Rules Committee sponsored HB 337 by Request of the Governor. The bill was referred to (H) Resources then (H) Finance Committees. Released February 10, 2010.
HB 340 SHORT TITLE: MUNICIPAL SALES OR USE TAX ON MOTOR FUEL an Act relating to municipal sales or use taxes on motor fuels; and providing for an effective date. Sponsored by Rep. Kurt Olson (R)-Kenai and signed by Rep. Mike Chenault (R)-Nikiski, the bill was referred to (H) Labor & Commerce then (H) Finance Committees. Released February 10, 2010.
HB 341 AQUATIC FARMING an Act relating to aquatic farming and to payment made to the Department of Fish and Game for the removal of wild stock of a shellfish species that exceeds an insignificant amount; and providing for an effective date. Sponsored by Rep. Kyle Johansen (R)-Ketchican, the bill was referred to (H) Fisheries and (H) Resources. HB 341 has a Senate companion bill, SB 275 sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire (R)-Anchorage. Released February 10, 2010.
HB 343 EXTENDING STAYED MINERAL / OIL / GAS PERMITS an Act relating to the period in which a permit authorizing activities related to the exploration, development, or production of mineral resources, oil, or gas is valid when activities authorized by the permit have been stayed by a court or administrative order. Sponsored by Rep. Craig Johnson (R)-Anchorage, the bill was referred to (H) Resources then (H) Judiciary. Released February 12, 2010.
SB 267 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; relating to the tax rate applicable to the production of oil and gas; relating to a rebate of the production tax on oil and gas based on the employment of resident workers; relating to credits against the oil and gas production tax; relating to the period in which oil and gas production taxes may be assessed; relating to the interest rates applicable on certain amounts due related to various taxes, penalties, payments, and the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act; and providing for an effective date.
Referred to (S) Resources and (S) Finance Committees, SB 267 is sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire (R)-Anchorage. Released February 10, 2010.
SB 267 is scheduled to be heard in (S) Resources on February 17th at 3:30 PM – BUTROVICH Rm 205
SB 273 LAND MANAGEMENT: HUNTING & TRAPPING an Act relating to management by the Board of Game and Department of Natural Resources for sport and subsistence hunting and trapping.
Referred to (S) Resources Committee, SB 273 is sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire (R)-Anchorage. With only one committee to pass, this bill could move quickly. It was introduced last week, February 10th.
SB 275 AQUATIC FARMING an Act relating to aquatic farming and to payment made to the Department of Fish and Game for the removal of wild stock of a shellfish species that exceeds an insignificant amount; and providing for an effective date was introduced last week, February 10th.
Sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire (R)-Anchorage, the bill was referred to (S) Resources and (S) Finance Committees. SB 275 has a House companion bill HB 341, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Johansen (R)-Ketchikan.
SB 277 PUB. UTILITY EXEMPTION: RENEWABLE ENERGY an Act exempting from regulation by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and by municipalities generators of electricity from renewable energy resources that sell electricity to regulated utilities. Sponsored by Senate Energy Committee, the bill was referred to Resources and Judicial Committees. The bill was introduced and referred to Resources on February 12th.
Tweet of the Week
From the House Special Committe on Energy at 3:00 PM Wednesday, February 11 in Barnes Rm 124
4:54 PM House Special Committe on Energy adjourns. HB305 heard and held.
4:53 PM Thomas Tilden, Choggiung Tribal Council testified in (H) ENE. Concerned w/ transport and delivery of fuel in Western Alaska. Approves HB305.
4:45 PM (H) ENE soft news: Today is Rep. Charisse Millett's birthday. Happy Birthday Rep. Millett!
4:23 PM Loretta Bullard, Pres. Kawerak Inc. in Nome: Alaska can be at the forefront of alternative energy. Requires long-term planning. H ENE.
4:16 PM Rep. Charisse Millett impressed with energy innovations at rural villages H Energy Committee visited over the summer.
3:51 PM House Special Committee on Energy: Alaska Federation of Natives testifying.
3:45 PM Alaska Federation of Natives testify on HB305: AK Dept. of Energy is crucial Continue to fund Renewable Energy Fund Support Energy-use Index
3:32 PM Members of the Alaska Federation of Natives are scheduled to testify on HB305 in H Energy Committe today.
3:29 PM Hello from House Energy. Actually from just outside the door, it's a full house in Barnes Rm 124. Up today: HB305 Omnibus Energy Bill.
