The Conservation Blog

March 10, 2010

2:45 PM -- Energy Bills, Lands Bills, Anti-Cap and Trade Bill Move

SB 220 Energy Efficiency / Alternative Energy has been moved to (S) Finance. Version CSSB220 (RES) passed out of Resources Committee Monday, March 8.

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.

Sponsored by Rep. Peggy Wilson, version CSHB 276(CRA) passed the Senate today. HB 276 was read a third time and passed unanimously. It awaits transmittal to the Governor.
Sponsor Statement: http://www.housemajority.org/spon.php?id=26hb276-311

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.

Sponsored by the House Rules Committee by Request of the Governor, HB 295 passed out of (H) Community and Regional Affairs and on to (H) Resources.

ACV prefers the University Lands Bill sponsored by Rep. Jay Ramras, HB 234 Land Grant to University of Alaska.

Sponsor Statement: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_jrn_page.asp?session=26&bill=HB295&jrn=1289&hse=H

HB 329 Dedicated Transport Fund/Pub Transport: an Act relating to the transportation infrastructure fund, to local public transportation, to the municipal harbor facility grant fund, to motor fuel taxes, and to the motor vehicle registration fee; and providing for an effective date.

Sponsored by the House Transportation Committee, the Committee passed CSHB 329(TRA) on to (H) Finance today.

Sponsor Statement: http://www.housemajority.org/spon.php?id=26hb329-330

HJR 49 Opposing EPA Clean Air Act Regulations: Urging the United States Congress to enact S.J. Res. 26, a resolution disapproving the Environmental Protection Agency's imposition of climate regulations that would harm Alaska's economy and the livelihoods of the state's citizens.

Sponsored by Rep. Bill Stoltze, the resolution has a long list of co-sponsors. (H) Resources Committee passed HJR 49 six to one with two Amends from Reps. Scott Kawasaki and Chris Tuck. The resolution is in Rules committee, waiting to be scheduled for the House Floor.

In committee last week, Rep. Guttenberg asked if the resolution might go against the state's push for natural gas development – natural gas is less carbon intensive than coal or oil.

Wednesday's Vote:

Due Pass: Reps. Olson, Bryce Edgmon, Paul Seaton, Peggy Wilson, Mark Neuman, Craig Johnson
Do Not Pass: Rep. David Guttenberg
Amend: Reps. Scott Kawasaki and Chris Tuck


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.

SB 223 received no fiscal note and its Energy Committee referral was waived. It was moved to Senate Finance Committee today. The bill was sponsored by (S) Rules Committee by Request of the Governor.

March 09, 2010

9:13 AM - House Special Committee on Fisheries scheduled to hear HB 46: Mixing Zones

Scheduled to be heard in (H) Fisheries Special Committee on Tuesday March 9th at 10:15 AM in BARNES Rm 124

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Seaton (R)-Homer HB 46 deals with water quality issues and aims to protect Alaska’s citizens and fisheries. 

The bill would compel the Department of Environmental Conservation to collect and make public information regarding the type and amount of pollutants discharged by holders of mixing zone permits.  

Secondly it would temporally expand current mixing zone limitations, making it illegal to release regulated effluent in spawning zones at all times, not only during spawning season.

Finally, the bill requires a public notification and period for comment to accompany all proposed commercially operated sewage discharge increases of over 50%.

March 08, 2010

8:00 PM - Senate Bill 220: Alternative Energy / Energy Efficiency passed out of (S) Resources Committee today. The yea vote was unanimous.

Committee members added several amendments to the omnibus energy bill including amendments that address; nuclear regulation; compressed natural gas vehicles for the state fleet; expanding the Southeast Energy Fund; and leverages $18 in federal State Energy Program funds for a $250 million energy efficiency revolving loan fund among others.

SB 220 now moves to (S) Finance Committee. It has not been scheduled for a hearing.

March 08, 2010

12:03 PM -- Follow ACVoters on Twitter from (H) Resources and (S) Resources Committees as the committees hear ACV Priority Legislation today.

*ACV Priority Bill

(H)Resources Standing Committee

Mar 08 Monday 1:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124

HJR 49 Opposing Epa Clean Air Act Regulations

SJR 22 Federal Preemption Of Salmon Management

*HB 306 State Energy Policy

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled

(S)Resources Standing Committee

Mar 08 Monday 3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205

*SB 220 Energy Efficiency/ Alternative Energy

SJR 27 Fed. Funding: Domestic Seafood Marketing

SB 274 William Jack Hernandez Fish Hatchery

SB 208 Dnr Study On Natural Gas

SB 144 Musk Oxen Permits

Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled

March 01, 2010

3:38 PM - Propelled By Fears of Negative Economic Impact, HJR 40 Moves On

Today the House passed House Joint Resolution 40: Cook Inlet Kachemak Beluga Population. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The resolution, sponsored by Representative Charise Millett and co-sponsored by a host of other Republican legislators, opposes the designation of 3,000 square miles of Cook Inlet as critical habitat for the endangered beluga whale. The arguments for passage of HJR 40 have centered on the fear that Alaska cannot both protect the Beluga and continue to grow our economy. This claim is in dispute.

The population of beluga whales was estimated at 321 in 2009, and has been on the rise since outcries over their endangerment caused regulations be put in place over the past decade.  By designating critical habitat, the National Marine Fisheries Services says it aims to further that protection to ensure continued healthy growth of the still endangered population.

A host of testifiers lined up on Wednesday to argue against that protection on Wednesday.  

Members of the commercial and sport fishing industries all the way through representatives from the oil and gas sector have spoken out against the designation, claiming it will have major negative economic consequences.  Although it is unknown what effect the continuation of current use practices and further pollution will have on the beluga whale, it was made very clear that any further regulation through a critical habitat designation will have negative economic repercussions.

This economic forecast carried the day as the resolution, with overwhelming support in the hearing, was moved out of committee. Carrying Zero Fiscal Note, HJR 40 passed out of the House on March 1st, after its third reading and a Reconsideration request by Rep. Kyle Johansen. On reconsideration, one no vote switched and the Bill passed 31 Yes to 2 No. The current version, CSHJR40(RES), is headed for the Senate. 

February 25, 2010

3:45 PM -- Fly Over. Fly By.  Fly Around. And finally, the 2010 Legislative Fly-In

For those folks who have ever lived or worked in Juneau, you know what I’m talking about: the plane is angled on a downward descent as you prepare to land in the Capitol of Alaska.  You hear the wheels come down and the wing flaps moving as the pilot readies for touchdown.  Suddenly, there it is: the fog.  With a sudden lurch of acceleration, the plane rapidly ascends and you know, before the voice on the intercom says anything, that landing in Juneau is just not in the cards. The only question is, where are we headed now?

In the years the Alliance and Voters have been hosting the legislative Fly-In, bringing to Juneau Alaskans from across the state to advocate on conservation issues, the glacial fog has never reaped such havoc as this one.  While a large group of participants did make it into town, most were scattered throughout the Southeast, Ketchikan, Wrangell,

Petersburg, Sitka and even Seattle. In spite of Mother Nature, the 2010 Fly-In was undoubtedly a success as participants made the most of all opportunities and a group of 12 stranded in Sitka even managed to proceed with the agenda in the first ever Sitka Fly-In!  Many eventually did make it to the legislative capitol and were able to meet with their elected officials, participate in the breakfast reception and Alaska Conservation Alliance’s energy efficiency press conference on the REEL in Alaska Roadmap release (link goes to Alaska Conservation Alliance).  A big thank you to all of our Fly-In participants for your flexibility, support and willingness to roll with weather and make the most of a foggy situation.

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

February 20, 2010

12:55 PM - Delay sets meeting back to 1:30 PM at the earliest

(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.

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 windfarm on St. Paul Island.

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. 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.  

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.

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.

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:
Oyez - http://otd.oyez.org/articles/2010/01/21/justices-roll-back-campaign-spending-limits-landmark-case-jan-21-2010
KTUU - http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=11879920

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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For differing viewpoints on this issue visit these sources:

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 or 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.

January 28, 2010

2:41 PM -- Great Turnout at SB 220 Hearing Yesterday

The Senate Resources Committee took public testimony on SB 220, the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, yesterday. Thirty-one people testified, all in support of the bill.  Testifiers included individuals from the Alaska Municipal League, Southeast Conference, Sealaska Corporation, the Alaska Ratepayers Association, the Cascadia Green Building Council, the Alaska State Home Builders Association, and the Alaska Sealife Center, among other organizations.

We also heard from several Alaskan energy entrepreneurs interested in the Emerging Technology Fund. Many of these entrepreneurs suggested that the state encourage the sharing of data on emerging technologies, so "we can all grow together." 

The response from Senators on the committee, audience members at the hearing, and legislative staff appeared quite positive.

The Alaska Conservation Voters and its sister organization the Alaska Conservation Alliance helped organize testifiers and we're pleased with the result. As one person testified last night "It's great to hear all these engaged, intelligent voices and know that these people live in Alaska and are helping shape our future."

12:46 PM -- U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski Pushes "Dirty Air Act"

Senator Lisa Murkowski has introduced S.J. Res. 26 in the U.S. Senate. This measure would reverse a Supreme Court ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency can regulate greenhouse gasses. It would essentially weaken the Clean Air Act. This immediate threat to progress on climate change must be defeated. Please contact Senators Murkowski and Mark Begich now (see below for contact information).

Consider this:

• The Clean Air Act is a law with a nearly 40-year track record of cutting dangerous pollution to protect human health and the environment and spur innovation and efficiency.
• Global Warming is heating up the planet right now: Temperatures this decade have been higher than any other decade on record, and one degree (F) higher than average temperatures in the 20th century.
• Ocean temperatures worldwide this summer were hotter than ever previously recorded.
• Sea ice extent in the Arctic melted to its third lowest recorded level this summer. Sea levels are projected to rise faster than we thought since the last time the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change weighed in. Without emission reductions, a 2.6 foot rise is likely by the end of the century and a 6.6 foot rise is possible.
• Carbon dioxide levels for2009 (387 parts per million) are the highest they have been in at least 800,000years and possibly as long as 15 million years.Globally, an estimated 8.7 billion tons of carbon were emitted in 2008 from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, a more than 40 percent increase from 1990.
• The ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide is declining as the ocean heats up and becomes more acidic. In 1959, the ocean absorbed 60 percent of the extra Co2 we put into the atmosphere. In 2008, it only absorbed 55 percent.
• Studies indicate that the Earth will take a long time-at least a thousand years-to come back into balance and recover from the excess CO2 we are putting into the atmosphere. Every day of delay locks in more warming for ourselves and future generations.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski
709 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6665  Fax (202) 224-5301

Sen. Mark Begich
825c Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

10:50 -- Visit Juneau during the Legislative Session: An Argument

I’m just a bill.  A bill on (Juneau’s) Capitol Hill.  Ok, I’ve modified the song just a bit, but most of us probably remember this Schoolhouse Rock ditty, learning about the process for a bill to become law.  But, have you ever been to Juneau and witnessed the process in action?  Have you ever sat in on a committee hearing and watched the interplay between committee members and observed the rules of conduct?  Have you ever scheduled a meeting with your state senator to advocate on issues that matter to you and your neighborhood?  Or had your state representative introduce you on the floor?     

It’s a powerful experience, and one that I recommend for every Alaskan.

You can see for yourself that the process the song outlines is much the same, but passing a law is not as simple as the song suggests.  There are politics and personalities in play, priorities and budget considerations to take into account.   In other words, it’s a process that involves real people. By coming to Juneau, you have the opportunity to meet with those people, the people who represent your district, present your perspective and influence legislation.

It doesn’t even require a trip to Juneau, thanks to the Legislative Information Offices, which can be found in most Alaskan communities, or you can meet with your legislators during the interim, when the session is over and the elected officials are back in town.  But for the full experience, for the chance to roam the halls of the capitol and connect one-on-one with your legislators, a chance to address laws that impact you as they’re being considered, traveling to Juneau during the session is the best.

That’s where Alaska Conservation Voters can help. Our legislative Fly-In brings motivated individuals down to Juneau for three days to learn about the legislative process, get up to speed on hot-topic energy legislation (like renewable energy and energy efficiency), and finally, meet with your legislators and advocate on this legislation.  You can learn more about our energy priorities on this  Web site.

So if renewable energy and energy efficiency issues are important to you and you want the experience of traveling to Juneau and becoming an advocate, consider signing up with us.  Applications are on this website.

January 26, 2010

Today at 3:00pm the House Energy Committee will be meeting to hear HB 305: Omnibus Energy Bill, and HB 306: State Energy Policy. These bills share some similarities with the Senate Bill 220: Alaska Sustainable Energy Act such as the inclusion of explicit goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy production. However, there are also important differences with regards to nuclear and coal.

We will be attending the hearing and reporting back to keep you abreast of the committee climate and reactions to the presentation.  Or follow along on Gavel to Gavel.

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 11 a.m.

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.

10:09 AM -- The second hearing for SB 220, the Senate Energy Committee Omnibus Bill, will not take place in Senate Resources Committee this afternoon at 3:30pm.

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 blogspot.

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.