Conservation Watch #20 2/23/2010

In this Issue

Geothermal Energy: Picking up Steam | Legislative Potpourri 

In the Blog | Bill Spotlight | This Week in Committee | New in Town | Tweet of the Week

Geothermal Energy: Picking up Steam

Hellisheidi near Reykjavik, Iceland. Courtesy Arnitr at flickr

Geothermal energy is a promising option in a long list of renewable resources being discussed in Juneau right now.  Though not a new power source in Alaska, geothermal potential far outweighs its current in-state use, and as oil prices remain high, that potential to tap into this natural energy source looks more attractive all the time.

Fed by heat miles below the surface of the earth, geothermal hot spots are expressed in Alaska as volcanoes, fumaroles, geysers, or hot springs.  That power can be tapped in two ways.  In its simplest forms geothermal heat can be used directly to warm homes, greenhouses, swimming pools, or other human spaces.  Or, through more complexly constructed systems, humans can use geothermal energy sources for heating, cooling, or electrical generation.

Here in Alaska geothermal development has occurred in small scale localized ventures, the first and most prominent of which was the Chena geothermal power plant outside of Fairbanks spearheaded by Bernie Karl and United Technologies Corporation.   That operation provides enough electricity to power an entire resort, and has provided cutting edge technological research that can be applicable to other similar environments around the state and even internationally. In Southeast, the Juneau Airport and a new community pool will use geothermal resources through ground source heat pumps to provide energy to these large facilities.

There also remains major potential for large scale development, as Alaska is home to more geothermal sources than any other state.  Estimates of geothermal power production plans predict that Mount Spurr could provide much of the electricity to satisfy the growing energy need in the Railbelt.  If developed, Mt Spurr could be the first of many volcano-side power plants in a state where such sources are often more conveniently located than the nearest oil pipeline or traditional electrical generation facility.

During a legislative session that has focused heavily on energy issues, geothermal got into the mix last week as senators looked closely at Senate Bills 242 and 243.  Both bills, sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire (R)-Anchorage, would incentivize the development of geothermal resources.  SB 242 would provide income tax credits to individuals and energy companies that conduct geothermal exploration and provide electricity using geothermal sources.  SB 243 would remove the royalty normally charged companies that use state land to earn a profit, based on the premise that renewable geothermal power generation involves no extraction, and no pollution, and therefore should be free from financial barriers to development. Some contend that one more of these incentives are essential to project development.

It is uncertain whether these bills will be acted on alone, or will be rolled into Energy Omnibus Bills, but they electricity industry and environmentalists across the state are hoping the legislature will act to incentivize this clean and renewable energy source. The continued funding of the Renewable Energy Fund and the creation of an Emerging Energy Technology Fund would also contribute greatly to the growth of geothermal here in Alaska.

Alaska has the potential to achieve energy independence and also push to the forefront of another international clean energy industry. With the energy debate hotter than ever, the actions of lawmakers during this session may well determine the direction of geothermal development in the last frontier.

Legislative Potpourri

When smoke gets in your eyes

HR 13 Anchorage Vehicle Inspection Program: Encouraging the repeal of the Anchorage Vehicle Inspection and Management Program. The bill is sponsored by Reps. Bill Stolze (R)-Chugiak/Mat-Su, Bob Lynn (R)-Anchorage and Mike Hawker (R)-Anchorage.

According to the Anchorage municipal web site “The [Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance] Program is the primary means in Anchorage to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) pollution produced by vehicles. The major source of carbon monoxide (CO) pollution, between 80 and 90 percent, in Anchorage is from automobile emissions.” Anchorage’s Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program was established to identify and fix polluting vehicles. HR 13 recommends ending this 25-year-old program. The bill was released on February 3rd, 2010. It was read a second time on the House Floor and returned to (H) Rules.

HEARING: (H) Rules Committee on February 23rd at 2:00 PM in CAPITOL Rm 120

Officials Brief Transportation Committee on Ferries

Leaders from the Alaska Marine Highway System and the Marine Transportation Advisory Board gave testimony regarding the state of Alaska’s ferries during a joint Transportation Committee Hearing last week.

The Marine Transportation Advisory Board presentation put forth short and long term goals on Thursday.  For the short term, MTAB proposed operating the Kennicott on a full schedule throughout the summer and increasing funding to the Fairweather for upgrades to allow for a more rigorous sailing schedule by the spring of 2010.  MTAB’s four long term goals were: forward funding to allow for continued scheduling and marketing strategies, a long term strategy to mitigate high fuel prices, addressing rising operational and maintenance costs, and sufficiently funding the vessel replacement fund to allow DOT&PF to move forward with design and construction of new, fuel efficient vessels.

In their annual update, AMHS stressed their three C’s: Commitment, Consistency, and Customer Service.  Jim Beedle, the Deputy Commissioner for Marine Operations

spoke on recent improvements to the system including the installation of cost saving fuel efficiency systems, recent marketing strategy upgrades, and the development of a new reservation system.  He stressed the Marine Highway’s exceptional customer satisfaction ratings even during a troubled economy, and also included public support when speaking of the construction of new ships.  The proposed Alaska Class Ferry project is still moving through the Final Design Phase, projected for completion in the summer of 2010 at which time bidding for construction is set to begin.

Legislators asked specific questions about routes, upgrades, and fares, as well as maintenance fees.  The issue of funding for new ferries was not specifically taken up although lawmakers did express their desire to construct Alaska Class ferries in state to create local jobs.

Defining a Park’s Boundaries

HB 276 Fort Rousseau Causeway Historic Park: an Act amending the description of parcels within the Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park; and providing for an effective date. Sponsored by Rep. Peggy Wilson and co-sponsored by Sharon Cissna. This bill is moving fast. Introduced as a prefile on January 15th, CSHB 276(CRA) passed the House Floor on February 10th and was referred to (S) Community and Regional Affairs.

According to the bill’s sponsor the legislation that set Fort Rousseau Park boundaries inadvertently included “uplands, tidelands, and water immediately adjacent to the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport.” The sponsor statement went on to say that airport safety requires the parcel in question must remain part of the airport. And that Failure to comply can result in the FAA's withholding additional grants.

This bill will adjust the boundary by excluding all property within 1,100 feet of the runway centerline from the park.

HEARING: (S) Community and Regional Affairs at 3:30 PM, In Barnes Rm 124

In the Blog

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

2:45 PM -- It's a busy schedule today for (H) Energy Committee. The committee meets in Barnes Rm 124 at 3:00 PM.

On deck:

HB 31 NET ENERGY METERING

HB 303 SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS

HB 296 ENERGY EFFICIENCY BONDS; LOANS; FUND

HJR 45 OPPOSE FEDERAL CAP & TRADE LEGISLATION

Follow ACVoters on Twitter and Facebook

Saturday, February 20, 2010

12:55 PM - Delay sets meeting back to 1:30 PM at the earliest (Canceled due to flight delays)

(H) Special Committee on Energy

Saturday February 20th at 10:00 AM in HOUSE FINANCE Rm 519

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;
• Mount Spurr Geothermal Project, by Ormat
• If held, ACV will give updates from the committee meeting at ACAAlliance and ACVothers on Twitter.

Friday, February 19, 2010

12:07 PM - Energy Efficiency projects in Alaska

Wind power turbines have recently been constructed on the windswept Pribilof Islands in the Bearing Sea. During the winter of 2009, sea ice prevented fuel deliveries to the village of St. Paul, and the cost of gasoline soared above $14 per gallon. Wind power can reduce the community's dependence on fossil fuels.

Daniel Cushing’s view of a wind farm on St. Paul Island.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Alaska conservation community weighs in on hydro power

Energy has certainly been a big focus for this year’s Alaska state legislature.  The breadth of different energy topics being considered is quite broad, everything from Alaska Conservation Voters and Alaska Conservation Alliance priority legislation on renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and public transportation, to the topics of furthering oil and gas development, coal, nuclear and hydro power projects.

Alaska, as we know, has a ton of renewable energy potential, and while technically not considered a renewable energy source by the Federal Government, Alaska is also blessed with a wealth of prospective hydro power projects, especially in Southeast.  Hydro power is clean, reliable,

reduces overall CO2 emissions and as a stably-priced energy source, can provide energy relief to Alaskans.  However, not all hydro power projects are created equal, and proper care must be taken to ensure that the benefits of a hydro power project don’t come at too great an expense to other existing resources. 

Taking these factors into account, member groups of our sister organization the Alaska Conservation Alliance member recently completed and approved a position paper on hydro power projects (links to Alaska Conservation Alliance) It is designed to guide the conservation community’s evaluation of future Alaska hydropower projects using five principles and sets of questions. Read the Alliance Hydro Position Paper here.  The central point of this position paper is that the Alliance members support regionally appropriately sized hydropower projects that are developed correctly with a strong emphasis on fisheries protection and sustaining Alaskans’ environmentally dependent economies and quality of life.  This paper creates an important yardstick Alliance members can use to evaluate future energy projects. 

A big thank you to those member organizations who helped draft, edit and ultimately created and approved the Alliance Hydro Position Paper.   

Bill Spotlight

Supporting Denali Commission

HJR 46 Supporting Denali Commission: Urging Congressional support for the reauthorization of the Denali Commission. Sponsored by the House Committee on Community and Regional Affairs, HJR 46 was referred to (H) Community and Regional Affairs then Rules Committees. It passed out of CRA yesterday, Rules to Calendar today.

From the Sponsor Statement: The importance of the Denali Commission to Rural Alaska’s infrastructure needs cannot be overstated.  Since 1999, the Commission has very successfully promoted rural development by providing economic, infrastructure, job training, and health care support in rural communities. 

This Resolution urges the Obama administration to reauthorize the commission for an additional five years and urges the United States Congress to provide funding to provide for the continued success of the Denali Commission in its vital mission.

Sponsor Statement

Keeping pesticides out of schools

SB 281 Schools: Pesticides / Hazardous Substances: An Act relating to pest management and the procurement, use, and storage of pesticides and hazardous substances at elementary and secondary schools; and providing for an effective date. This Act may be known as the Alaska Healthy Schools Act.

Sponsored by Bettye Davis SB 281 was referred to Education Committee then Finance. Released on February 15, 2010.

From the Bill:

“[C]hildren are especially vulnerable to the ill effects of pesticides and hazardous substances, because their bodies and brains are still developing; scientific studies have linked asthma, cancer, birth defects, nervous system disorders, reproductive problems, endocrine disruption, neurological problems, learning disorders, and immune deficiency to exposure to pesticides.”

“It is the intent of the legislature to (1) prevent unnecessary exposure of children attending, and staff employed at school facilities to pesticides and hazardous substances…”

This Week in Committee

Tuesday February 23, 2010

(H)Resources Standing Committee

12:00 PM in Capitol Rm 106

Lunch & Learn: An In-depth Look at Alaska's Resources     

Presentation: "Modern Mine Reclamation: A case study, Fort Knox Mine Concurrent Reclamation," by Bill Jeffress, Principal Consultant, SRK Consulting US, Inc. 

(H)Transportation Standing Committee

1:00 PM in Capitol Rm 17

HB 7 Robert E. Bush Veteran’s Memorial Bridge

HB 345 Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge

HB 257  Ban Cell Phone Use When Driving

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

HR 13 Anchorage Vehicle Inspection Program: Encouraging the repeal of the Anchorage Vehicle Inspection and Management Program. (H) Rules Committee on February 23rd at 2:00 PM in CAPITOL Rm 120. The bill is sponsored by Reps. Bill Stolze (R)-Chugiak/Mat-Su, Bob Lynn (R)-Anchorage and Mike Hawker (R)-Anchorage.

(H)Energy Special Committee

3:00 PM in Barnes Rm124

HB 31  Net Energy Metering

HB 303 Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants

HB 296 Energy Efficiency Bonds; Loans; Fund

HJR 45  Oppose Federal Cap and Trade Legislation 

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

(S)Community & Regional Affairs Standing Committee

3:30 PM Beltz Rm 105 (TSBldg)

HB 276 Fort Rousseau Causeway Hist Park

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled

TELECONFERENCED

(S)Natural Resources, Finance Subcommittee

4:15 PM Sen Conf Rm 103 TSB

Division of Agriculture Office of Project Management & Permitting State Parks         

-- Testimony <Invitation Only>  Support Services Division    TELECONFERENCED

(H)Econ. Dev., Trade & Tourism Special Committee

5:15 PM in Capitol Rm106

Strengthening the Alaskan Economy 

Overview: The Ketchikan Shipyard             

Update: Alaska Maritime Workforce Development, Building of the M/V MatSu and Future Prospects     

Presentations by: Douglas Ward, Director of Shipyard Development, Alaska Ship & Drydock, Inc.; Admiral Tom Barrett, Deputy Federal Coordinator, Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

TELECONFERENCED  

Wednesday February 24, 2010

(S)Education Standing Committee

8:00 AM in Capitol Rm 106

Joint w/(H) Education Committee   

Board of Regents UA Report 

TELECONFERENCED      

(S)University of Alaska, Finance Subcommittee

8:00 AM Senate Finance Rm 532

Dept Overview  

(H) (S) Joint Resources Standing Committee

12:00 PM Senate Finance 532 

Joint with Senate RES     

Presentation: Alaska Mining         

Testimony <Invitation Only> --

TELECONFERENCED

(H)Resources Standing Committee

1:15 PM Barnes Rm 124

-- Please Note Time Change --    

HB 217 Tax On Gas For In State Manufacturing

HJR 40 Cook Inlet/Kachemak Beluga Population 

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED 

(S) Finance Committee

1:30 PM Senate Finance 532 

Alaska Oil/Gas Fiscal Regime   

Legislative Consultants  

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

(S)Resources Standing Committee 

3:30 PM Butrovich Rm 205

Overview: Alaska Railroad Bonding           

Authority and Gasline Development          

SB 220 Energy Efficiency/Alternative Energy 

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled

TELECONFERENCED

Thursday February 25, 2010

(H)Community & Regional Affairs Standing Committee

8:00 AM in Barnes Rm 124

HB 264 Pipeline From Outer Continental Shelf

HB 273 Municipal General Grant Land

HB 318 Unregulated Potable Water Systems 

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

(S)Finance Standing Committee

9:00 AM in Finance Rm 532

Gas Tax 

-- Testimony <Invitation Only> --

TELECONFERENCED

(H)Transportation Standing Committee

1:00 PM Capitol Rm 17   

HB 322 Winter Tire Requirements 

HB 329 Dedicated Transport Fund/Pub Transport

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

(S)Transportation Standing Committee

1:00 PM Butrovich Rm 205      

HB 114 Use State Trans Facility For Disaster Aid

SB 280 Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge

TELECONFERENCED 

(S)Resources Standing Committee

3:30 PM Butrovich Rm 205 

SB 220 Energy Efficiency/Alternative Energy   

SB 203 Cook Inlet Gas Storage Facilities

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled

TELECONFERENCED

(H)Legislative Budget and Audit, Joint Committee

4:00 PM Senate Finance Rm 532  

• RPL's    
• Executive Session: Audits              
• AEA Renewable Energy Project Update    
• Other Committee Business           

Testimony <Invitation Only> --

TELECONFERENCED

(S)Legislative Budget & Audit, Joint Committee 

4:00 PM Senate Finance 532       

Friday February 26, 2010

(S)Finance Standing Committee

9:00 AM Senate Finance Rm 532 

Gas Tax 

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

(H)Finance Standing Committee 

1:30 PM House Finance Rm  519

HB 280 Natural Gas

<Pending Referral>         

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

(S)Finance Standing Committee 

1:30 PM Senate Finance 532    

Gas Tax 

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 

TELECONFERENCED

(H)Labor & Commerce Standing Committee

3:15 PM Barnes Rm 124

HB 245 Licensing for Optometry

HB 340 Municipal Sales or Use Tax on Motor Fuel

TELECONFERENCED

New in Town

HB 352 FERRY SERVICE, INCL. YUKON / KUSKOKWIM SALMON an Act directing preparation of a feasibility study report relating to expanding the Alaska marine highway system to Yukon and Kuskokwim River locations and amending legislative findings regarding marine highway transportation to recognize benefits to Yukon and Kuskokwim River communities that would come from an expansion of the system to serve them. Released 02/19/10. Sponsored by Reps. Woody Salmon, Alan Austerman, Les Gara, the bill was referred to (H) Transportation then (H) Finance Committees.

HB 356 Transportation Infrastructure Fund Appropriation Transportation an Act making a special appropriation to the transportation infrastructure fund; and providing for an effective date.

The sum of $1 billion is appropriated from the general fund to the transportation infrastructure fund. CONTINGENCY. The appropriation made in sec. 1 of this Act takes effect only if an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska establishing the transportation infrastructure fund as a dedicated fund is approved by the voters before April 1, 2011. Sponsored by the Transportation Committee, the bill was referred to (H) Finance. Released 02/19/10.

HB 357 Ak Railroad Corp. Land Sales an Act relating to the sale of land owned by the Alaska Railroad that is not needed for railroad purposes. Sponsored by Representative Bill Stoltze(R)-Chugiak/Matsu, the bill was referred to the (H) Transportation Committee. Released 02/19/10.

HB 358 Campaign Expenditures: an Act relating to state election campaigns, the duties of the Alaska Public Offices Commission, the reporting and disclosure of expenditures and independent expenditures, the filing of reports, and the identification of certain communications in state election campaigns; and providing for an effective date. Sponsored by Rep. Scott Kawasaki, the bill was referred to (H) State Affairs Committee then Judiciary. Released on 02/19/10.

HB 359 Corporations Not "Persons" In Elections: an Act providing that for-profit corporations and limited liability companies organized in this state are not persons for purposes of influencing the outcomes of public office elections, initiatives, referendums, or recalls. Sponsored by Reps. Les Gara, Berta Gardner, Scott Kawasaki, Beth Kerttula, Peter Petersen and Chris Tuck, the bill was referred to (H) State Affairs Committee then Judiciary. Released 02/19/10.

HJR 45 Oppose Federal Cap and Trade Legislation: Urging the United States Congress not to enact Cap and Trade legislation. Sponsored by Reps. Bill Stoltze, Charisse Millett, Mike Chenault, Nancy Dahlstrom, Carl Gatto, Wes Keller, Kurt Olson, Peggy Wilson, Mike Hawker, Jay Ramras, Bob Lynn, Mark Neuman, Mike Kelly. The bill was referred to (H) Energy Committee. Released 02/17/10.

HEARING: HJR 45 in (H) Energy Committee February 23rd at 3:00 PM in BARNES Rm 124

HJR 46 Supporting Denali Commission: Urging Congressional support for the reauthorization of the Denali Commission. Sponsored by the House Committee on Community and Regional Affairs, HJR 46 was referred to (H) Community and Regional Affairs then Rules Committees. It passed out of CRA yesterday, Rules to Calendar today. Released 02/19/10.

HR 14 Oppose Federal Health Care Reform Bills: Urging the United States Congress to oppose federal health care reform bills. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Chenault and co-sponsored by Reps. Peggy Wilson, Wes Keller, Mike Kelly, the bill was referred to (H) Health and Social Services Committee. Released 02/17/10.

SB 281 Schools: Pesticides/Hazardous Substances: an Act relating to pest management and the procurement, use, and storage of pesticides and hazardous substances at elementary and secondary schools; and providing for an effective date. Sponsored by Sen. Bettye Davis, the bill was referred to (S) Education Committee. Released 02/15/10.

SB 285 Corporations Not "Persons" In Elections: an Act providing that for-profit corporations and limited liability companies organized in this state are not persons for purposes of influencing the outcomes of public office elections, initiatives, referendums, or recalls. Sponsored by Sen. Hollis French, the bill was referred to (S) State Affairs Committee then Judiciary. Released 02/19/10.

Tweet of the Week

Thursday, February 18, 2010

4:42 PM via TwitBird iPhone (S) RES adjourns at 4:35 PM. It is expected that Amendments will be voted on next week or later.

4:39 PM (S) Resource Committee: Sen. Wagoner introduces amendment to start a lightbulb exchange program. Exchange incandescent for fluorescent.

4:30 PM 8 million vehicles in the world are powered by Compressed Natural Gas. 12 million students in Oregon ride CNG buses.

4:25 PM Interesting amendment to SB220 asks AKDOT to check feasibility of using Compressed Natural Gas to power state and private vehicles.

4:18 PM (S) RES Released new amendments to SB220. Amendments: Energy efficiency revolving loan fund; Alaska heating assistance program CNG vehicles.

 4:09 PM Hello from (S) Resources Committee. On deck: SB220 Alaska Sustainable Energy Act. Sens. Stevens, Wielechowski, French, Wagoner present.