04/05/2013 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB2 | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s):|| Alaska Oil and Gas Commission | |
| Big Game Commercial Services Board | |
| Board of Game | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | SB 2 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 21 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 5, 2013
1:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Eric Feige, Co-Chair
Representative Dan Saddler, Co-Chair
Representative Peggy Wilson, Vice Chair
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative Geran Tarr
Representative Chris Tuck
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Kurt Olson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 2
"An Act enacting the Interstate Mining Compact and relating to
the compact; relating to the Interstate Mining Commission; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 2 OUT OF COMMITTEE
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
Cathy Foerster - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Karen Polley - Juneau
James "Tom" Atkins - Anchorage
James David Jones - Kodiak
Gene Peltola Sr. - Bethel
Henry Tiffany IV - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Board of Game
Peter Probasco - Palmer
Nathan Turner - Nenana
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 2
SHORT TITLE: INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT & COMMISSION
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GIESSEL
01/16/13 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/7/13
01/16/13 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/13 (S) STA, FIN
02/12/13 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
02/12/13 (S) Moved SB 2 Out of Committee
02/12/13 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/13/13 (S) STA RPT 4DP
02/13/13 (S) DP: DYSON, WIELECHOWSKI, COGHILL,
GIESSEL
02/27/13 (S) FIN RPT 5DP 1NR
02/27/13 (S) DP: MEYER, DUNLEAVY, FAIRCLOUGH,
BISHOP, HOFFMAN
02/27/13 (S) NR: OLSON
02/27/13 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
02/27/13 (S) Moved SB 2 Out of Committee
02/27/13 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/11/13 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/11/13 (S) VERSION: SB 2
03/13/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/13/13 (H) RES, FIN
04/05/13 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As the sponsor, introduced SB 2.
ED FOGELS, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 2, and answered
questions.
GREGORY CONRAD, Executive Director
Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC)
Herndon, Virginia
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 2, and answered
questions.
MIKE SATRE, Executive Director
Council of Alaska Producers
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 2.
DEANTHA CROCKETT, Executive Director
Alaska Miners Association (AMA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 2.
MARLEANNA HALL, Project Coordinator
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 2.
CATHY FOERSTER, Appointee
Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Oil
and Gas Conservation Commission.
KAREN POLLEY, Appointee
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
DICK ROHRER
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Karen Polley, James
"Tom" Atkins, James David Jones, Gene Peltola Sr., and Henry
Tiffany IV, appointees to the Big Game Commercial Services
Board; and Peter Probasco and Nathan Turner, appointees to the
Board of Game.
SAM ROHRER, President
Alaska Professional Hunters Association (APHA)
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Karen Polley, James
"Tom" Atkins, James David Jones, Gene Peltola Sr., and Henry
Tiffany IV, appointees to the Big Game Commercial Services
Board; and Peter Probasco and Nathan Turner, appointees to the
Board of Game.
JASON BUNCH, Registered Guide, License No. GUI A 6848
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Karen Polley, James
David Jones, and Henry Tiffany IV, appointees to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board; and Peter Probasco, and Nathan
Turner, appointees to the Board of Game.
JAMES A. "TOM" ATKINS, Appointee
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
JAMES DAVID JONES, Appointee
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
PAUL CHERVENAK, Chair
Kodiak Fish and Game Advisory Committee
Alaska Department of Fish & Game;
Registered Guide, License No. GUI M 160
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of James David Jones,
Peter Peltola, and Henry Tiffany IV, appointees to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board; and Peter Probasco and Nathan Turner,
appointees to the Board of Game.
GENE PELTOLA SR., Appointee
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
HENRY D. TIFFANY IV, Appointee
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, Chair
Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Committee
Alaska Department of Fish and Game;
Registered Guide, License No. GUI M 151
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Henry Tiffany IV,
appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board; and Peter
Probasco and Nathan Turner, appointees to the Board of Game.
AL BARRETTE, Vice Chair
Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Committee
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Henry Tiffany IV,
appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board; and Peter
Probasco and Nathan Turner, appointees to the Board of Game.
ROBERT FITHIAN, Registered Guide, License No. GUI M 126
Lower Tonsina, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Henry Tiffany IV,
appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board; and Peter
Probasco and Nathan Turner, appointees to the Board of Game.
DANIEL MONTGOMERY, Vice Chair
Matanuska Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee
Alaska Department of Fish and Game;
Registered Guide, License No. GUI M 173
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Henry Tiffany IV,
appointee to the Big Game Commercial Board; and Peter Probasco
and Nathan Turner, appointees to the Board of Game.
PETER PROBASCO, Appointee
Board of Game
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Game.
ROD ARNO, Executive Director
Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC)
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Peter Probasco,
appointee to the Board of Game.
NATHAN TURNER, Appointee
Board of Game
Nenana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Game.
GREG ROCZICKA
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner,
appointee to the Board of Game.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:06:00 PM
CO-CHAIR DAN SADDLER called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. Representatives Tuck,
Hawker, Seaton, Feige, and Saddler were present at the call to
order. Representatives Tarr, Johnson, and P. Wilson arrived as
the meeting was in progress.
CO-CHAIR SADDLER informed the committee the confirmation hearing
on appointees to the Board of Fisheries was cancelled and
related documents have been forwarded to members and to the Bill
Action Status Inquiry System (BASIS) for public access.
SB 2-INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT & COMMISSION
1:07:08 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER announced that the first order of business
would be SENATE BILL NO. 2, "An Act enacting the Interstate
Mining Compact and relating to the compact; relating to the
Interstate Mining Commission; and providing for an effective
date."
1:07:54 PM
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor,
informed the committee SB 2 allows Alaska to become a full
member in the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC), which
is a coalition of mining states that joins together to share
best practices, discuss issues, and work to better protect the
environment, public safety, and employees, as well as develop
mining resources. She emphasized Alaska's vast resources are
not just in oil and gas, but in many minerals such as gold,
silver, and zinc. At this time, Alaska is an associate member
in IMCC, however, becoming a full member gives the state a
broader voice nationally and allows for collaboration with other
states on issues related to the best practices in mining.
1:09:20 PM
ED FOGELS, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), expressed DNR's support
for SB 2. Mining activity in Alaska has been increasing - there
are now seven operating mines that contribute economically to
their regions - and which DNR successfully regulates, manages,
and oversees. All of the mines have excellent environmental
records. However, DNR seeks to improve its permitting system
and its collaboration and relationship with the federal
government. For seven years, Alaska has been an associate
member of IMCC, an organization that brings together the
regulatory and environmental programs from twenty-five mining
states. In this forum, states exchange information on
successful programs and learn from each other, and most
importantly, bring the full weight of influence from member
states to bear on Congress and federal agencies. Further, IMCC
has been instrumental in many federal and state issues affecting
permitting and regulatory processes; for example, IMCC is
meeting with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
address the possible impacts of its initiative to regulate
bonding for hard rock mining throughout the nation. This
initiative has the potential to reduce each state's mining
regulatory and permitting processes, and IMCC is working to
maintain strong state programs. In addition, IMCC has arranged
that states meet regularly with the director of the Mine Safety
and Health Administration (MSHA), U.S. Department of Labor, to
ensure efficient and reasonable safety regulations. As the
governor's current designee to IMCC, Mr. Fogels has seen the
benefits membership has brought to the state, and full
membership will allow the state to become a voting member, help
set the policy direction of the organization, and contribute to
its voice in Washington, DC. He encouraged the committee to
support the bill.
1:13:06 PM
GREGORY CONRAD, Executive Director, Interstate Mining Compact
Commission (IMCC), stated his support of SB 2 and expressed his
belief the bill arose from Alaska's experience as an associate
member of IMCC since 2006. In today's regulatory climate, it is
important for state governments to be heard in Washington, DC,
and for their concerns to be understood, particularly when
related to mining and environmental issues. His organization is
recognized by many for its experience and expertise; for
example, IMCC testimony on behalf of member states has been
requested for Congressional hearings on topics such as Good
Samaritan protections for hard rock abandoned mine cleanup,
stream protection requirements, hard rock financial assurance
requirements, legislation, and state grant programs. Other
agencies and organizations utilize IMCC also. Mr. Conrad
referred to IMCC's annual report which was included in the
committee packet, noting IMCC is called upon to provide member
states' recommendations to Congress and federal regulators and
agencies. He stated that full and active participation by full
members carry IMCC forward, and Alaska's full membership will
ensure its vote in guiding the direction of the IMCC and thereby
lead the organization; Alaska will also continue to garner its
present benefits that include communications, meetings, programs
and initiatives. In addition, Alaska's full membership will be
recognized by Congress and federal agencies, and entitle the
state to heard and supported by the other member states. He
concluded that IMCC's focus allows it to delve deeper into the
concerns of mining and related environmental protection issues.
Mr. Conrad encouraged the committee to approve the proposed
legislation.
1:18:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked Mr. Conrad to explain the IMCC dues
structure.
MR. CONRAD explained the member states' dues are calculated by
apportioning the dues based on IMCC's anticipated budget through
two mechanisms: equal shares among the full member states and
pro-rata shares based upon the value of both coal and hard rock
mineral production. The production values, equal shares, and
pro-rata shares are used to calculate the total dues for each
state, which are reduced by other revenue sources such as
registration and publication fees. In further response to
Representative Johnson, he said the percentages are intended to
reflect the total percentages for all of the full member states.
REPRESENTATIVE TARR asked if Alaska's first year of dues would
be approximately $40,000.
1:22:33 PM
MR. FOGELS advised there is a cap on the dues, even if
production goes up.
MR. CONRAD added he has calculated the total value of mineral
production for Alaska, based upon figures from the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) and the Energy Information
Administration (EIA), U.S. Department of Energy, for non-coal
and coal, is about $3.5 billion. Therefore, he estimated dues
for Alaska are approximately $35,000, depending on how many full
member states are participating.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK asked whether gravel pits are included in
IMCC's purview.
MR. CONRAD believed USGS figures do include aggregate.
CO-CHAIR SADDLER inquired as to the location of the other member
states.
MR. CONRAD answered that the member states are located as
follows: the Western states are Alaska, Colorado, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, and North Dakota; the Mid-continent
states are Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,
Louisiana, and Missouri; and the balance are in the East. Some
states only have non-coal production such as New York, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Nevada. In response to Co-Chair
Saddler, Mr. Conrad assured the committee that IMCC represents
the full panoply of issues, although in the 1970s IMCC was
primarily focused on issues pertaining to coal. In fact, IMCC
recently hosted hard rock minerals symposiums in Salt Lake City
and in the East.
1:27:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR asked whether IMCC participated in events
sponsored by the Council of State Governments or the National
Conference of State Legislatures.
MR. CONRAD said yes, IMCC is involved with a number of other
state government organizations, including a close relationship
with the Council of State Governments. Other connections
include the Western Governors Association, the National
Governors Association, the National Association of Abandoned
Mine Land Programs - EPA, the Association of Clean Water
Administrators, and the Environmental Council of the States.
1:29:41 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER opened public testimony.
1:29:52 PM
MIKE SATRE, Executive Director, Council of Alaska Producers,
said he is a resident of Juneau and the Council of Alaska
Producers is a nonprofit trade association representing large
producing metal mines and major metal developmental projects in
the state. His organization is in support of SB 2 and
participation by the state in IMCC as a full member. His
organization supports the bill because Alaska is a global leader
in permitting and regulation of the mining industry and
participation in IMCC will keep state officials informed. Also,
he advised that local, state, and federal mining regulations can
be troublesome, and IMCC deals with the federal government from
a position of strength.
1:32:15 PM
DEANTHA CROCKETT, Executive Director, Alaska Miners Association
(AMA), stated AMA is a statewide industry association that
represents the six large metal mines in the state, the coal
mine, exploration projects, placer miners, contractors,
engineering firms, and others. She agreed with previous
testimony in support of SB 2, adding that federal regulation is
becoming increasing difficult and IMCC provides a powerful voice
in Washington, DC. Ms. Crockett said her research revealed that
other Western states have benefitted greatly from their
membership in IMCC. She reminded the committee that the mining
industry is the second largest industry in the state.
1:34:23 PM
MARLEANNA HALL, Project Coordinator, Resource Development
Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC), stated that RDC is a membership-
funded, statewide business association representing the tourism,
forestry, oil and gas, mining, and fishing industries. Her
organization supports the passage of SB 2 and she pointed out
the state should encourage investment and worldwide interest in
Alaska's mineral potential. Joining IMCC will show leadership
in advocating for a healthy and stable permitting regulatory
system. The importance of mining is recognized nationwide, and
RDC believes IMCC will bring a collective voice to Washington,
DC, to advocate for states' rights. Full membership in IMCC
will allow Alaska to benefit in many ways, such as partnering on
federal and state issues and promoting the mining industry in
Alaska and nationwide. She urged for the timely passage of SB
2.
1:35:42 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER, after ascertaining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON offered his strong support for SB 2, and
provided an example to illustrate that individual state
resolutions and letters are not as effective as those from an
organized group of states with like concerns, such as the
Council of State Governments-WEST. He encouraged the committee
to support the bill because partnering in this type of
organization is invaluable.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON relayed her personal experience as a
member of a group from several states that made a difference.
CO-CHAIR FEIGE has heard it said that "the federal government is
not your friend," and expressed his support for the proposed
legislation in order to accumulate friends for Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON recalled reviewing the compact at the time
Alaska became an associate member of IMCC. He observed that
there is nothing in the compact that would override Alaska state
law. He restated the benefits of joining IMCC as a full member
and offered his support for SB 2.
1:41:22 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to report SB 2 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objection, SB 2 was reported out of the House
Resources Standing Committee.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^Alaska Oil and Gas Commission
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Alaska Oil and Gas Commission
1:41:42 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER announced that the next order of business would
be confirmation hearings. He reminded the committee and the
public that the forwarding of an appointee's name does not
reflect the intent of any member to vote for or against the
individual during further sessions for the purposes of
confirmation. The first confirmation hearing would be of the
appointee to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
(AOGCC).
1:42:29 PM
CATHY FOERSTER, Appointee, AOGCC, informed the committee she is
currently the chair of AOGCC and seeks reappointment because the
job is very rewarding and AOGCC does important work. She
explained that AOGCC approves all permits to drill and for well
work, and approves all conservation orders on how oil and gas
and geothermal fields are to be developed and produced. This
work requires knowledge of the industry and of related
technology, which is provided with the aid of a great
experienced staff and three commissioners. Ms. Foerster
described the backgrounds of the commissioners and staff. In
addition, continuity in commissioners allows the work that is
currently underway to proceed smoothly.
CO-CHAIR FEIGE asked what major challenges will be faced by
AOGCC within the next five years.
MS. FOERSTER responded one of the biggest challenges AOGCC faces
as an agency is maintaining its quality technical staff because
it does not pay a competitive wage. At this time, there is one
engineering vacancy and one inspector vacancy, and an increasing
amount of work. Challenges to the state include exerting
influence over North Slope gas off-take - Alaska statutes
require permission from AOGCC to take gas from known oil fields
- and staying current with advances in related technology.
Also, AOGCC must keep up with a high level of activity,
especially with operators new to Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVES JOHNSON, TUCK, HAWKER, FEIGE, and SEATON
expressed appreciation for Ms. Foerster's work.
1:50:50 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to advance the confirmation of Cathy
Foerster, appointee to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission to a joint session of the House and Senate for
consideration. There being no objection, the confirmation was
advanced.
^Big Game Commercial Services Board
Big Game Commercial Services Board
1:51:10 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER announced that the next order of business would
be the confirmation hearing of appointees to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
1:51:31 PM
KAREN POLLEY, Appointee, Big Game Commercial Services Board,
stated that she presently serves as the general public
representative on the Big Game Commercial Services Board and is
seeking reappointment. She is a long-time resident of Alaska,
and her background in education contributes to her work revising
exams for the board.
CO-CHAIR FEIGE asked about the appointee's U.S. Merchant Marine
License 50 ton qualification.
MS. POLLEY replied she is an outdoor person and enjoys boating,
fishing, and hunting.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK inquired as to the appointee's commercial
boating service.
MS. POLLEY said her primary interest was to get other women to
experience the wilderness through bird watching, kayaking tours,
and bear watching tours.
CO-CHAIR SADDLER opened public testimony regarding Ms. Polley.
1:55:04 PM
DICK ROHRER stated he is a long-time resident of Kodiak and
former member of the Big Game Commercial Services Board. He
said he served on the board with Ms. Polley, found her to be a
very good person to work with, and supports her reappointment to
another term.
SAM ROHRER, President, Alaska Professional Hunters Association
(APHA), expressed APHA's support for Ms. Polley's reappointment
to the Big Game Commercial Services Board, saying she has done a
good job in the past, is fair and open-minded, and her past
service is appreciated.
JASON BUNCH said he wished to recommend confirmation.
1:57:11 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER, after ascertaining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony regarding Ms. Polley.
1:57:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR moved to advance the confirmation of Karen
Polley, appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board to a
joint session of the House and Senate for consideration. There
being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
1:58:01 PM
JAMES A. "TOM" ATKINS, Appointee, Big Game Commercial Services
Board, said he is a four-year resident of Alaska and has been
flying and guiding hunters in Alaska for thirty years. Mr.
Atkins told the committee he is pleased to be part of the Big
Game Commercial Services Board and serve the guides, the state,
and the transporters. He commended the work of the other board
members and expressed his wish for reappointment.
CO-CHAIR FEIGE asked for information regarding the appointee's
air taxi service.
MR. ATKINS said most of his business is providing the flying
service for other guide operators, big and small, who do not
have airplanes. His activities are hunting related, although he
said he does very few drop-off hunts. In further response to
Co-Chair Feige, he said he flies a Super Cub.
2:00:52 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER opened public testimony regarding Mr. Atkins.
MR. DICK ROHRER noted he did not know Mr. Atkins personally;
however, based on the governor's high criteria, he spoke in his
favor.
2:01:33 PM
MR. SAM ROHRER said he did not know Mr. Atkins personally;
however, based on recommendations, APHA supports his
confirmation.
2:02:24 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER, after ascertaining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony regarding Mr. Atkins.
2:02:30 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to advance the confirmation of James "Tom"
Atkins, appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board to a
joint session of the House and Senate for consideration. There
being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
2:02:55 PM
JAMES DAVID JONES, Appointee, Big Game Commercial Services
Board, said he has been a resident of Kodiak Island since the
late 1970s, first as an air taxi pilot flying hunters and sport
and commercial fishermen. He also commercial fished, and his
primary career is as a sport fishing guide. Mr. Jones holds a
transporter license and owns a lodge on Ugak Bay. He said he
appreciates the well-managed resources around Kodiak and
expressed his desire to do his part in support of the resources.
Mr. Dick Rohrer encouraged him to apply to the board.
2:04:54 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER opened public testimony regarding Mr. Jones.
MR. DICK ROHRER testified in support of the appointment of James
David Jones, stating he has known him for over 20 years. The
Big Game Commercial Services Board seeks to fill one of the
transporter seats with a marine transporter, and Mr. Jones holds
an impeccable reputation in Kodiak with all agencies.
MR. SAM ROHRER, representing APHA, testified in support of the
appointment of James David Jones, due to his experience as a
marine transporter which will bring a different and important
viewpoint to the board.
MR. BUNCH testified in support of the confirmation of James
David Jones to the Big Game Commercial Services Board. As a 20-
year member of the U.S. Coast Guard, Mr. Bunch recognizes the
appointee's leadership qualities of education and experience
which will be beneficial to Alaska, its resources, and the
board.
2:07:31 PM
PAUL CHERVENAK, Chair, Kodiak Fish and Game Advisory Committee,
ADFG, said he has been a member of the Kodiak Fish and Game
Advisory Committee for 18 years and has known Mr. Jones for 20
years. He said he found Mr. Jones to be a good listener, fair,
unbiased, organized, and hard-working, and expressed support for
his appointment.
2:08:10 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER, after ascertaining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony.
2:08:26 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to advance the confirmation of James David
Jones, appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board to a
joint session of the House and Senate for consideration. There
being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
2:08:59 PM
GENE PELTOLA SR., Appointee, Big Game Commercial Services Board,
said he has been a resident of Bethel since the early '60s, and
has been president and CEO of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health
Corporation for 24 years. Prior to that, he was president and
CEO of the Association of Village Counsel Presidents. As a
hunter, fisher, and trapper all his life, Mr. Peltola expressed
his interest in using his knowledge and common practical sense
to improve resource management in the state.
2:10:00 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER opened public testimony regarding Mr. Peltola.
MR. DICK ROHRER said he knew Mr. Peltola, serving with him on
another board for many years, and opined he will be a great
representative of the Bethel area and of Western Alaska.
MR. SAM ROHRER, representing APHA, said APHA is in support of
Mr. Peltola's appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services
Board.
2:11:28 PM
MR. CHERVENAK, representing the Kodiak Fish and Game Advisory
Committee, spoke in support of Mr. Peltola's confirmation.
2:11:50 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER, after ascertaining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony regarding Mr. Peltola.
2:11:59 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to advance the confirmation of Gene Petola
Sr., appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board to a
joint session of the House and Senate for consideration. There
being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
2:12:30 PM
HENRY D. TIFFANY IV, Appointee, Big Game Commercial Services
Board, informed the committee he is a third generation Alaskan
with deep roots and has lived in Fairbanks for many years. He
spoke of his family's long connection with the guiding industry,
although he is the first licensed big game guide in the family.
Mr. Tiffany's guiding experience is over 25 years and he holds a
master guide license. He expressed his interest in serving the
governor and the industry. His concern is for the industry as a
whole, and for issues facing the resources, such as the
overcrowding of guides on state land and transporter issues,
which need to be addressed in order to ensure that this way of
life is available to future generations of Alaskans. His
primary areas of guiding expertise are the Interior, the Brooks
Range, and the Alaska Peninsula with additional experience in
Southeast, Southwest, and Kodiak Island. The business aspect of
guiding is important, but the real fun is in year-round guiding
in the field, he said. Mr. Tiffany further described his
background serving on Big Game Commercial Services Board
subcommittees as a proctor for guiding exams, and other board
experience.
2:17:19 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE inquired as to the most important characteristic
of a successful guiding operation.
MR. TIFFANY responded the first concern needs to be safety on
every level.
2:18:51 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER opened public testimony regarding Mr. Tiffany.
2:19:02 PM
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, Chair, Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory
Committee, ADFG, said Mr. Tiffany's appointment to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board has the full support of the Fairbanks
Fish and Game Advisory Committee. Mr. Umphenour disclosed he is
a big game guide and has worked with Mr. Tiffany on issues
before the board.
2:19:44 PM
AL BARRETTE disclosed he is a Class-A Assistant Guide and vice
chair of the Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Committee, ADFG.
Speaking on his own behalf, he said Mr. Tiffany is always well-
prepared for meetings and open to discussion, and he urged the
committee to support Mr. Tiffany's appointment.
ROBERT FITHIAN disclosed he is a master guide affiliated with
the guiding industry in Alaska. He expressed his support of Mr.
Tiffany's appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board,
saying the board has developed high standards for professional
guide licensing, and relayed positive aspects of Mr. Tiffany's
experience with related associations.
2:22:19 PM
DANIEL MONTGOMERY disclosed he has been a master guide since
1985, is a 31-year resident of Alaska, and is vice chair of the
Matanuska Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee. Speaking on
his own behalf, he said he has known Mr. Tiffany since 2007, and
he is very knowledgeable about the guiding industry and its
regulations. Mr. Montgomery said Mr. Tiffany is ethical and
fair, and he supported his appointment.
MR. DICK ROHRER expressed his strong support of Mr. Tiffany's
appointment because he has been thoroughly vetted by the
governor's office and by the guiding industry. Mr. Dick Rohrer
concurred with the previous testimony regarding Mr. Tiffany.
MR. BUNCH disclosed he is a registered guide and a U.S. Coast
Guard rescue swimmer. He said he has worked with Mr. Tiffany
and he possesses the highest values of the Alaska guide
industry. Speaking from his professional experience, Mr. Bunch
strongly agreed with Mr. Tiffany that safety afield is the most
important aspect of the guiding industry.
2:24:42 PM
MR. CHERVENAK disclosed he is an Alaska master guide, and stated
his strong support for Mr. Tiffany, saying he is extremely hard-
working, and that he concurred with previous testimony regarding
Mr. Tiffany.
CO-CHAIR SADDLER closed and re-opened public testimony regarding
Mr. Tiffany.
MR. SAM ROHRER, speaking on behalf of APHA, informed the
committee of Mr. Tiffany's involvement with the board processes,
saying he is thoughtful, articulate, and holds the future of the
guiding industry at the forefront. Mr. Rohrer said APHA
supports Mr. Tiffany's appointment to the board.
2:26:02 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER closed public testimony regarding Mr. Tiffany.
2:26:15 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to advance the confirmation of Henry
Tiffany IV, appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board
to a joint session of the House and Senate for consideration.
There being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
^Board of Game
Board of Game
2:26:29 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER announced that the next order of business would
be the confirmation hearing of appointees to the Board of Game.
PETER PROBASCO, Appointee, Board of Game, informed the committee
he has attended three meetings as a board member filling out a
term. He has hunted, trapped, and fished for many years, lived
in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley for 47 years, and served in the
military. Mr. Probasco enjoys learning more about harvesting
game and about the state.
ROD ARNO, Executive Director, Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC),
stated AOC has a membership of 48 individual clubs with
approximately 9,000 members. Mr. Arno has known Mr. Probasco
for 25 years, and AOC appreciates Mr. Probasco's knowledge of
the state constitution. The council urges that the committee
forward Mr. Probasco's name for consideration.
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR said the Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory
Committee supports the appointment of Mr. Probasco to the Board
of Game.
AL BARRETTE said he is a frequent participant in Board of Game
meetings and opined Mr. Probasco is well-versed in the issues
and understands state regulations and the state constitution.
Mr. Barrette urged for Mr. Probasco's confirmation to the Board
of Game.
2:30:38 PM
DANIEL MONTGOMERY disclosed he is a master guide, a 31-year
resident of Alaska, and is vice chair of the Matanuska Valley
Fish and Game Advisory Committee. He said he supports Mr.
Probasco's reappointment to the board, saying at the Region 2
and Region 4 meetings, he has heard Mr. Probasco explain
decisions thoughtfully, and he has a good understanding of game
populations and hunting regulations.
ROBERT FITHIAN stated he is in support of Mr. Probasco's
reappointment.
PAUL CHERVENAK, Chair, Kodiak Fish and Game Advisory Committee,
ADFG, stated his experience with the Board of Game. Mr.
Chervenak has heard Mr. Probasco is honest, experienced, and
unbiased. He expressed his support for Mr. Probasco's
reconfirmation to the Board of Game.
JASON BUNCH stated his support for Mr. Probasco's confirmation.
SAM ROHRER, President, Alaska Professional Hunters Association
(APHA), on behalf of APHA, expressed support for Mr. Probasco's
appointment to the Board of Game, saying he has demonstrated his
ability to be a thoughtful board member who is willing to listen
to all sides of an issue before taking a position.
DICK ROHRER found Mr. Probasco very approachable and having an
open mind, and was impressed with his performance serving on the
board. He said he was in support of Mr. Probasco's
confirmation.
2:34:18 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER closed public testimony regarding Peter
Probasco.
2:34:29 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to advance the confirmation of Peter
Probasco, appointee to the Board of Game to a joint session of
the House and Senate for consideration. There being no
objection, the confirmation was advanced.
2:34:57 PM
NATHAN TURNER, Appointee, Board of Game, told the committee he
was encouraged to apply to the Board of Game due to his
subsistence background and his experience as a big game guide.
For the last 23 years, he has made his living from the resources
provided by the land - fishing, trapping, guiding, and log-home
building - and currently is the only Board of Game board member
to do so, and is the only active hunting guide on the board. He
said work on the board is rewarding, especially in efforts to
maintain and enhance hunting and trapping opportunities. The
board is very conscientious and focused on providing more
opportunity for Alaskans in every way. Mr. Turner gave a brief
history of his introduction to Alaska and to the responsible and
respectful use of wild resources, which influences his approach
to issues before the Board of Game. One of the primary reasons
he wishes to continue on the board is to benefit the public in
their use of the resources. In response to Co-Chair Feige, Mr.
Turner said he was from 100 miles south of Rochester, New York.
His home on the Kantishna River is 30 miles north of Denali
National Park & Preserve, with a trapline established in 1926.
2:39:36 PM
MR. FITHIAN stated Mr. Turner's knowledge of Alaska and its
wildlife, social issues, subsistence, trapping, guiding, and
respect for all have reached their epitome during his service on
the Board of Game, and he supported Mr. Turner's continuation on
the board.
MR. MONTGOMERY said in his experience he has observed Mr. Turner
to be a well-informed, fair, and valuable member of the board,
and he strongly supported Mr. Turner's reappointment to the
board.
2:41:10 PM
GREG ROCZICKA said he has lived in Bethel since the late 1960s
and for the past 25 years has been directly involved in resource
management issues on regional, state, national, and
international levels. Mr. Roczicka served two terms on the
Board of Game, and is impressed by Mr. Turner's level of
conscientiousness. He opined board members become more
effective and knowledgeable during their second term, and urged
for confirmation of Mr. Turner's reappointment.
MR. UMPHENOUR said the Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory
Committee supports confirmation of Mr. Turner for reappointment
to the Board of Game. Mr. Turner attends the Fairbanks Fish and
Game Advisory Committee meetings.
MR. BARRETTE, speaking on his own behalf, disclosed he is the
vice chair of the Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Committee and
in that capacity deals with the Board of Game. Mr. Turner is an
active participant of the board at the subcommittee level, and
is always well-prepared and respectful; in fact, Mr. Turner's
attendance at advisory committee meetings ensures his
understanding of local issues. Mr. Barrette asked the committee
to confirm Mr. Turner to the Board of Game.
2:46:12 PM
MR. DICK ROHRER said he was a long-time resident of Kodiak and
spent many years attending Board of Game meetings while
representing the Kodiak Fish and Game Advisory Committee. He
has found Mr. Turner to be honest and approachable and said he
provides a unique perspective to the board. Mr. Dick Rohrer
stressed that Mr. Turner is unbiased.
MR. SAM ROHRER said APHA strongly supports Mr. Turner's
reappointment to the Board of Game, pointing out the challenge
of appointing those who can successfully navigate the complex
and contentious issues raised. A board member must be willing
to weigh all sides of a proposal, and consider all implications,
as Mr. Turner has demonstrated over the last three years. Mr.
Turner is willing to look at all sides of an issue and carefully
consider the views of all, while ultimately considering the
long-term health of the resource. His background allows him to
relate to various user groups who present to the board. For
these reasons, APHA highly recommends that the committee confirm
Mr. Turner's reappointment to the board.
MR. BUNCH stated he has worked with Mr. Turner on subcommittees
and described him as an exceptional mentor who is honest, open
minded, humble, and committed to doing what is best for Alaska's
resources. Mr. Bunch supported Mr. Turner's reconfirmation to
the Board of Game.
MR. CHERVENAK said he is an 18-year member of the Kodiak Fish
and Game Advisory Committee who has experience with board
members while representing Kodiak at Board of Game meetings. He
expressed his strong support of Mr. Turner's confirmation for
reappointment to the Board of Game because he finds him to be
approachable, articulate, unemotional, respectful, a good
listener, fair, and unbiased. Mr. Turner also brings valuable
personal experience to the board.
2:51:40 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER, after ascertaining that no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony regarding Mr. Turner.
2:52:05 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to advance the confirmation of Nathan
Turner, appointee to the Board of Game to a joint session of the
House and Senate for consideration. There being no objection,
the confirmation was advanced.
CO-CHAIR SADDLER thanked each of the appointees for their
willingness to serve on boards that are very important to the
life, culture, and business activities of Alaska, and also
thanked those who testified. He reminded the appointees and the
public that the forwarding of an appointee's name to the full
joint session does not reflect the intent of any member to vote
for or against the individual during further sessions for the
purposes of confirmation.
2:53:08 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 2:53 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB2 Fiscal Note DNR-MLW-2-9-13.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 Fiscal Note DOA-DRB-1-22-13.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 IMCC About.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 IMCC Annual Report 2011.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 IMCC Dues Assessments 2014 and 2015.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 IMCC Membership.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 IMCC Testimony in SFIN.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 Letters of Support (AMA, CAP, RDC, UAF).pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 Southeast Conference Resolution.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 Sectional.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| SB2 Version A.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
SB 2 |
| AOGCC - Cathy Foerster.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BGCSB - Gene Peltola.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BGCSB - Henry Tiffany.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BGCSB - James Atkins.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BGCSB - James Jones.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BGCSB - Karen Polley.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BoF - Claude Webster.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BoF - Thomas Kluberton.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BoG - Nathan Turner.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BoG - Peter Probasco.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2013 1:00:00 PM |