Legislature(2013 - 2014)BUTROVICH 205
02/12/2013 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB1 | |
| SB2 | |
| SB4 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 2 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 2-INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT & COMMISSION
9:23:33 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL introduced SB 2, which authorizes the state to
join and participate in the Interstate Mining Compact
Commission. The purpose of the Compact is to create and maintain
a creative and productive mining industry. The bill allows
Alaska to contribute to this knowledge. The dues for Alaska
would be about $35,000 per year for membership. She shared dues
requirements.
CHAIR DYSON asked for more information about the dues.
SENATOR GIESSEL explained dues are based on how much each state
produces. She referred to a chart of dues in members' packets.
The highest paying dues member is West Virginia. She said there
is a cap on the amount of dues paid.
CHAIR DYSON inferred that the $35,000 amount Alaska would pay is
based on Alaska's present level of mining activity.
SENATOR GIESSEL said yes.
9:24:58 AM
GREG CONRAD, Executive Director, Interstate Mining Compact
Commission (IMCC), testified in support of SB 2. Alaska has been
an associate member of IMCC since 2006 and is now moving forward
to become a full member.
MR. CONRAD explained that in today's legislative and regulatory
climate in Washington, D.C. it is more important than ever for
state governments to be heard. He said that IMCC is recognized
by many in Washington for its experience and expertise on mining
issues. As an example, IMCC has been asked to testify on behalf
of the states at six Congressional hearings over the past couple
years on topics, such as Good Samaritan Protections for Hard
Rock Abandoned Mine Clean Ups, stream protection requirements
for surface coal mining operations, hard rock financial
assurance requirements under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), legislation
to enhance funding for states to reclaim abandoned coal and hard
rock mines, and the impacts of the federal budget on state grant
programs.
He said that IMCC has been consulted by the General
Accountability Office and the National Academy of Sciences on a
range of issues affecting the states. Also, IMCC is active on
several advisory bodies, steering committees, and state/federal
teams on which member states generally serve in order to insure
their direct input.
MR. CONRAD referred to IMCC's annual report which was included
in committee members' packets. He related that IMCC is regularly
called upon to provide its recommendations on a plethora of
issues on Capitol Hill and before the federal regulatory
agencies. The recommendations are developed by the states at
IMCC meetings and are communicated in the form of resolutions,
testimonies, formal comments, and Congressional staff briefings.
It is IMCC's ability to speak with one voice on common concerns
that draws the states together and gives meaning to what IMCC
does.
He addressed why Alaska should become a full member of IMCC. He
said that membership would allow Alaska to have a formal vote
and to lead the Compact in the direction that is favorable to
the state. Alaska would also be able to chair IMCC standing
committees and have access to all communications, meetings,
programs, and initiatives. Membership would also allow federal
agencies and Congress to recognize Alaska as an important player
in environmental concerns and regulatory issues. Since IMCC is
focused on mining and related environmental protection issues
with the federal government, it benefits Alaska to become a
member.
9:30:03 AM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked about Article 3 of the provision. He
inquired if it currently meets Alaska's laws, or if it would
need to be revised.
MR. CONRAD understood that the state has robust policies and
regulations in place for the mining industry. He said that IMCC
would not interfere with regulations, but rather provide advice.
CHAIR DYSON inquired how the Compact works regarding mining
safety.
MR. CONRAD said that subject is not reflected in specific
Compact language, but rather in the general provisions of IMCC's
authority to be involved in mining issues that impact state
governments. He offered to provide that information, as it is
one of the key issues that IMCC pursues on behalf of states.
9:33:09 AM
SENATOR COGHILL pointed out that information is found in Article
1, subsection (b)(4).
CHAIR DYSON agreed.
He noted IMCC members have very large mineral zones that cross
into Canada. He asked if IMCC has a working relationship with
Canadian provinces.
MR. CONRAD said no.
9:34:33 AM
ED FOGELS, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), testified in support of SB 2. He said that DNR has a
strong mining regulatory and permitting program, which is in
line with IMCC's enabling legislation and its requirements.
Under the Governor's direction, DNR is looking for ways to
improve permitting and regulating of natural resource
development projects. Part of this initiative is to improve
collaboration with federal agencies and to dialogue with other
state regulatory and permitting agencies. This is why IMCC is so
important to Alaska.
He recalled his work with IMCC the previous seven years when
Alaska first became an Associate Member of IMCC. He shared the
advantages of becoming a member of IMCC, such as the full weight
it carries from its 25 member states during interactions with
the federal government. He gave examples of federal issues of
importance to Alaska: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
initiative to take over bonding for hard rock mining, numerous
Endangered Species Act issues, federal budgets, and Mine Safety
and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations. There is a serious
concern in Alaska that MSHA is not taking into account the
remoteness of some of the mine locations.
He mentioned that some issues transcend the mining sector. He
said he was the Governor's designee to represent Alaska at IMCC
meetings. He stressed that full membership would give Alaska
more power. He noted that IMCC is growing; Nevada is pursuing
full membership, Montana is contemplating membership, and there
is a movement to get more Western States to join. He concluded
that IMCC is a valuable tool for Alaska.
9:39:05 AM
SENATOR COGHILL asked what the current makeup of IMCC is.
MR. FOGELS replied that IMCC consists of predominantly Eastern
states, but there are some Midwestern states. There are several
Western Associate Members, Wyoming, Nevada, Alaska, Colorado,
and Utah. Idaho and Montana are considering membership.
SENATOR COGHILL asked if water quality and small placer mines is
an issue for other Compact states.
MR. FOGELS noted that Alaska is unique in that respect. He
opined that there were some smaller operators in other states.
Also, other states have gravel and sand mines.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI pointed out that currently there are no
full-member Western states. He wondered if decisions are made on
a consensus basis.
MR. FOGELS deferred to Mr. Conrad to discuss voting methods. He
agreed that Alaska would be the first Western state to join.
SENATOR COGHILL said Article 5, subsection (b), refers to voting
rights. The commissioner is entitled to a vote. Most voting is
by majority.
9:42:57 AM
MICHAEL SATRE, Executive Director, Council of Alaska Producers,
testified in support of SB 2. He referred to written comments
the Council submitted to the committee. He noted that the
Council has always supported a permitting and regulatory process
that is rigorous, science based, transparent, and predictable.
He opined that Alaska is a leader in mine permitting and
regulation, but must continue to improve on that process. One
way to do that is to collaborate with other mining states by
joining IMCC.
9:44:32 AM
DEANTHA CROCKETT, Executive Director, Alaska Miners Association,
testified in support of SB 2. She highlighted a letter of
support. She testified that federal regulation has become more
problematic and IMCC can be helpful in that area. She reported
on the status of the Western States Mining Coalition. She stated
it would be very beneficial for Alaska to join IMCC.
9:46:01 AM
SENATOR COGHILL moved to report SB 2, labeled 28-LS0005\A, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the attached
fiscal notes. There being no objections, SB 2 was reported from
the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.