Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
05/03/2006 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB441 | |
| HB307 | |
| HB218 | |
| HB420 | |
| HB484 | |
| HCR30 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 441 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 307 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 420 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | HB 218 | ||
| + | HB 484 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HCR 30 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
10:47:53 AM CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 30(FIN) am Creating an Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission. This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. REPRESENTATIVE REGGIE JOULE, sponsor of the resolution posed the question of why an Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission should be formed to consider the issue of climate changes. He remarked on the reports of the changing weather patterns around the globe and within the state. These changes have been exemplified in changing ice conditions, melting sea ice, permafrost reductions and glacial movements. Spruce bark beetle infestations and other vegetation changes, lengthened wildfire seasons, eroding shorelines that threaten villages, potential impacts on wildlife and fish, as well as economic impacts on existing infrastructure, including highways, oil and gas, and a potential natural gas pipeline, are evidence of the impacts of the changing climate. Representative Joule stated that new technologies would be required to construct infrastructure in the changing conditions, which would impact resource development. Revisions of forestry management practices could be necessary. Fish and wildlife management may need to take into account changing habitat. Representative Joule remarked, "We may need a blueprint of possible changes to be able to adequately plan for the future." Additionally, the costs must be understood to allow for a proactive approach. Representative Joule answered his earlier question, that a commission is necessary for the aforementioned reasons. Representative Joule noted the 11-member commission would be comprised of Alaskan residents with four seats designated for legislators. 10:51:17 AM GLEN JUDAY, Professor of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, testified via teleconference from an offnet location on his own behalf. Using 30-year averages as a standard, the temperature in Alaska is 2.5 to four degrees warmer than the previous decade. The reasons for this are being studied, although results to date support the theory that global warming is the cause. Clear evidence of human influences has been found; pattern changes of the last 50 years could not be explained as natural processes alone. Mr. Juday told of efforts underway to identify the impacts of the global warming patterns. The ultimate result of all the glaciers located in Alaska would be a change in mass of ice equivalent to 50 feet of water moving from land to sea. The rate of melting arctic sea ice set records each month during the past winter. Lakes in Interior Alaska have been drying and permafrost is warming and beginning to thaw in some areas. Several forest fire records have been set. Mr. Juday relayed that the scientific community is interested in collaborating with policy makers and professional engineers in Alaska to determine how the State should prepare for these conditions. 10:56:00 AM BOB SWENSON, Acting Director, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, Department of Natural Resources, testified via teleconference from an offnet location that this resolution is timely. Data shows a change in climate. The creation of the proposed commission would allow Alaska to be proactive rather than reactive to the impacts. Mr. Swenson noted the resolution does not currently specify participation of the Department. However, any recommendations of the proposed commission could involve the Department and therefore, a fiscal note in an indeterminate amount has been submitted. 10:57:39 AM MARK FOSTER, Registered Professional Engineer, testified via teleconference from an offnet location in support of passage of the resolution. As a business consultant, he is witnessing impacts of the changing climate on the foundations of pipelines, water and wastewater facilities. These issues should be addressed and prepared for the future. 10:59:11 AM Co-Chair Green indicated surprise at the interest in the formation of this commission. 10:59:20 AM LINDA HALL, Director, Division of Insurance, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, testified in Juneau, that she has received feedback on the issue of global warming from the regulatory insurance industry. A number of task forces have been formed within the industry to address the affects of climate change. Insurance companies are withdrawing coverage in some areas because of the increased risk. Climate change is impacting the availability of insurance. 11:01:02 AM Co-Chair Green pointed out that the fiscal note estimates the cost of implementing this legislation based on membership of 15 seats on the proposed task force. She understood that the House Resources Committee would staff the meetings and asked if the fiscal note could be reduced from $80,000 to $65,000 to reflect an 11-member committee. Representative Joule agreed to the reduction, as he was unsure the exact amount that would be required. The initial amount was calculated to fund at least four meetings. 11:02:07 AM Amendment #1: This amendment inserts language on page 3, following line 7 of the committee substitute to read as follows. FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall select a chairperson from among members of the legislature. Senator Olson moved for adoption. Co-Chair Green objected for an explanation. Senator Olson stated this amendment would provide that a member of the legislature serving on the proposed task force would hold the chair position. Legislators would hold four seats. Co-Chair Green withdrew her objection and the amendment was ADOPTED without further objection. 11:03:01 AM Co-Chair Green referenced language on page 3, lines 8 - 11, which reads as follows. FURTHER RESOLVED that the public members of the commission may receive compensation for per diem or reimbursement for travel and other expenses incurred in serving on the commission; … Co-Chair Green asked if this is standard language pertaining to compensation of public members serving on State-sponsored boards and commissions. Co-Chair Wilken indicated it was. 11:03:37 AM Co-Chair Wilken characterized this resolution as "feel good" legislation. The legislature does not play a role in this issue. The State already operates many boards and commissions. This task force would incur considerable expense just to gather parties together to reach an "obvious conclusion." Others are already undertaking this effort, including universities. The funds should be appropriated to those activities. 11:05:48 AM Senator Bunde shared opposition to this resolution. He told of his past servitude on a commission, which issued a report that "sat on the Governor's shelf" and was never consulted and the recommendations never implemented. Therefore, he questioned the positive effectiveness of this task force. Instead results could include restrictions against the construction of a natural gas pipeline, use of automobiles, and increased insurance rates. Support for those efforts should not be provided in this manner. 11:07:18 AM Senator Stedman suggested Co-Chair Wilken and Representative Joule work on an alternative. 11:07:40 AM Representative Joule appreciated the comments. Co-Chair Wilken was correct that many experts and organizations are studying this issue and the impacts to the state. These professionals could provide recommendations to guide the legislature in the future. The intent is not to assign blame, but rather to determine potential impacts for consideration by policy makers. Compiled data would be more beneficial than sporadic independent information. 11:09:36 AM Senator Dyson had followed the debate on global warming and climate changes. Although the long-term consequences were debatable, the impact to the state is not. Tree lines on mountains are higher and farther north than before. Temperatures in the Bering Sea are two to four times warmer than ever recorded previously. Structural failures are occurring in high temperature permafrost areas. Senator Dyson expressed he would support this resolution. 11:10:42 AM Co-Chair Green ordered the resolution HELD in Committee to allow an agreement to be reached.
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