02/20/2001 08:08 AM House CRA
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
STANDING COMMITTEE
February 20, 2001
8:08 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Carl Morgan, Co-Chair
Representative Andrew Halcro
Representative Drew Scalzi
Representative Gretchen Guess
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Lisa Murkowski
Representative Beth Kerttula
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1
Relating to establishing a Task Force on a Statewide
Comprehensive Energy Plan.
- MOVED CSHCR 1(CRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HCR 1
SHORT TITLE:STATEWIDE COMP ENERGY PLAN TASK FORCE
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)BERKOWITZ
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
01/12/01 0066 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME -
REFERRALS
01/12/01 0066 (H) CRA, L&C
01/12/01 0066 (H) REFERRED TO COMMUNITY &
REGIONAL AFFAIR
01/17/01 0117 (H) COSPONSOR(S): KAPSNER
01/19/01 0134 (H) COSPONSOR(S): LANCASTER
02/19/01 0375 (H) COSPONSOR(S): HALCRO
02/20/01 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 124
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE ETHAN BERKOWITZ
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 404
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the sponsor of HCR 1.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 01-9, SIDE A
Number 0001
CO-CHAIR KEVIN MEYER called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:08 a.m.
Representatives Morgan, Meyer, Halcro, Scalzi, and Guess were
present at the call to order.
HCR 1 - STATEWIDE COMP ENERGY PLAN TASK FORCE
Number 0062
CO-CHAIR MEYER announced that the committee would hear HOUSE
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1, Relating to establishing a Task
Force on a Statewide Comprehensive Energy Plan.
REPRESENTATIVE ETHAN BERKOWITZ, Alaska State Legislature,
testified as the sponsor of HCR 1. Representative Berkowitz
remarked that HCR 1 deals with a pressing issue that the state
has yet to deal with. This proposal speaks to the issue of
energy for Alaska. Representative Berkowitz noted the national
discussion regarding the need for a national energy plan.
Although most states have an energy plan, Alaska does not have a
comprehensive energy plan. Representative Berkowitz explained
that HCR 1 attempts to accelerate and consolidate existing
proposals and perhaps present a unified package to the
congressional delegation in order to obtain resources to
implement parts of a plan. Representative Berkowitz informed
the committee that the Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority (AIDEA) and the Denali Commission are currently
working on a rural plan, which may, over the next few years,
include other parts of the state. However, there is still no
overall strategy from the state and thus Representative
Berkowitz felt that it is encumbent upon the legislature to
create such.
Number 0274
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ expressed the need to determine the
needs of the state not only in terms of money but also in terms
of energy. This is critical to the economic development and
quality of life that is desired [in Alaska]. He noted that
there are many interesting efforts in the area of energy, such
as the windmill project in Kotzebue and the fuel cell [project]
in Anchorage. Fuel cells are interesting because they can use
natural gas and thus increase the demand for natural gas.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ remarked that he is not normally a fan
of resolutions or task forces. However, the objective of [HCR
1] is to have a cohesive plan for the future and have access to
the resources to implement that plan.
Number 0393
CO-CHAIR MEYER noted that HCR 1 does not have a fiscal note.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ said there should be no cost for the
task force. He pointed out that HCR 1 specifies that there will
be no per diem [for the members]. In further response to Co-
Chair Meyer, Representative Berkowitz indicated that the
meetings would occur in Anchorage and people would pay for their
own travel. Representative Berkowitz reiterated his desire to
accelerate some of the ongoing processes. He noted that the
task force does not include [a representative from] AIDEA or the
Denali Commission. However, he indicated that perhaps those
groups should be included.
CO-CHAIR MEYER asked if Representative Berkowitz had spoken with
Robert Poe, Executive Director, AIDEA, Department of Community &
Economic Development.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ answered that he has spoken with Mr.
Poe and others on the list and all are very supportive of this.
However, he explained that what he and those on the list didn't
want is to develop a competing project. Rather, he wants to
help any ongoing [projects]. The presence of the legislature
and [this] process can help. Representative Berkowitz noted
that the Alaska Municipal League (AML) is supportive of the plan
as "it appears that the task force could be of benefit in
steering the process and ensuring that there's broad public
participation."
CO-CHAIR MEYER expressed concern with the [lack of a fiscal
note] because he believes that any committee of this magnitude
and diversity will have some expenses. Therefore, he indicated
that there may be the need to add something to the fiscal note,
even if it is merely for adminstrative support.
CO-CHAIR MEYER then turned to the committee packet, which
includes Iowa's energy plan. He asked if Representative
Berkowitz intended on using that plan [as a model] for Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ answered that he didn't have anything
in particular in mind. He informed the committee that he has
energy plans from many other states. Although the plans have
similarities, there are differences in regard to each state's
individual needs. He expected that Alaska would have unique
needs.
Number 0650
REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI related his understanding that the task
force would implement its own plan based on the evidence.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ replied yes and added that [the task
force would act] on the research that is already available. He
reiterated his desire to bring together those [working on] a
project or plan in order to review [this matter]
comprehensively.
REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI, again, related his understanding that the
task force would have the latitude to come up with a plan.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ replied yes.
Numbe 0762
REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO referred to page 2, lines 21-22, which
specifies that the task force will not be responsible for any
travel expenses or per diem. Representative Halcro expressed
the need for the task force to also be responsible for finding
funding mechanisms to pay for [the plan]. In regard to the
membership of the task force, Representative Halcro inquired as
to the reasoning behind the Alaska Trucking Association member.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ specified that the Alaska Trucking
Association member is viewed as a [representative] of a consumer
group of energy. He remarked that he is not "married" to anyone
on the membership list of the task force. In regard to
Representative Halcro's suggestion that the task force also be
responsible for finding funding mechanisms to pay for the plan,
Representative Berkowitz said he viewed the suggestion as
friendly.
Number 0904
REPRESENTATIVE GUESS inquired as to who would chair the task
force.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ explained that normally such a task
force would be chaired by the legislators and their staff would
[provide support for the task force]. However, Representative
Berkowitz expressed the need to remain flexible so that the task
force can make such determinations.
REPRESENTATIVE GUESS indicated agreement that AIDEA and the
Denali Commission should be included in the task force
membership. She also expressed the need to include the general
business community as a member of the task force.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ remarked that the task force, [if more
and more members were added] could become unwieldy.
Number 0992
CO-CHAIR MORGAN related his view that the focus of this task
force will be geared toward rural Alaska, where energy costs are
high. He asked if that assessment would be correct.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ answered that there will be a large
focus on rural Alaska. He pointed out that the committee packet
includes the draft assessment for rural Alaska developed by
AIDEA and the Denali Commission. However, Representative
Berkowitz expressed the need to move from the point at which
things are broken down between rural and urban. For instance,
whatever route is taken, the gas pipeline will help with the
energy needs of both rural and urban Alaska. Therefore,
determining optimal mechanisms for that should be done before
construction begins. Furthermore, the state needs to be
actively involved in the process. Representative Berkowitz
said, "You need to know what you want before you can get it and
this is going to help us assess what we want as a state."
Although Representative Berkowitz appreciated the concern for
rural Alaska, he indicated the need to use the task force as a
way to bring the state together to establish links between urban
and rural Alaska.
Number 1120
REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI turned to the bibliograph of statewide
energy studies supplied by Legislative Research Services and
highlighted the following titles: "Alaska Energy Strategy" and
"Alaska Rural Energy Initiative." He asked if Representative
Berkowitz had reviewed any of the documents listed because he
wondered if any of the listed documents speak to what is desired
[with the inception of the task force].
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ specified that no one has done what is
being sought with the task force. Even if someone has looked at
what he is hoping the task force will review, it is time to
update that information.
CO-CHAIR MEYER noted that the task force is to have its
recommendations completed by January 19, 2002. He asked if that
[timeframe would allow the task force to] influence the gas
pipeline.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ said, "I don't know. I hope it is."
CO-CHAIR MEYER wondered if that [timeframe] would be too late.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ acknowledged that U.S. Senator
Murkowski has been actively discussing a national energy plan.
Furthermore, U.S. Congressman Young, Chair of the Transportation
Department, and U.S. Senator Stevens, Member of the
Appropriations [Committee], [hold positions that could possibly
help with this issue]. Therefore, Representative Berkowitz
remarked, "Something can happen on account of this." Thus, it
is critical for the [state] to have a plan. The second step,
implementation of a plan, cannot occur if what "we" want to do
is unknown.
Number 1309
REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO moved that the committee adopt the
following amendment:
Page 1, line 15:
Insert new paragraph (3) to read as follows:
"(3) to recommend financing options including
federal, state or municipal grants, bonds or
other means; and"
Renumber the remaining paragraph.
There being no objection, the amendment was adopted.
Number 1410
REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO moved to report HCR 1 as amended out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
zero fiscal note.
REPRESENTATIVE GUESS announced that she wanted to offer another
amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO withdrew his motion.
REPRESENTATIVE GUESS inquired as to the committee's opinion of
having a member from AIDEA and the Denali Commission, since
those are groups that are doing some of these energy projects.
REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO related the notion of having the two
presiding officers appoint one member each, rather than two, and
then two members could be added, one representing AIDEA and one
representing the Denali Commission.
REPRESENTATIVE GUESS expressed interest in the sponsor's
thoughts in regard to including representatives from AIDEA and
the Denali Commission. She expressed concern with decreasing
the presiding officers' appointments to one each because of the
resulting lack of minority representation.
Number 1512
CO-CHAIR MORGAN said he wondered if a subcommittee should be
appointed in order to deal with the composition and cost of the
task force.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ answered that he would like to have the
process move along. In regard to having two additional members
on the task force, Representative Berkowitz said he believes it
would be a "good thing." He acknowledged that the committee may
want to strike one or two members, if the committee feels the
task force is getting too large.
CO-CHAIR MEYER reiterated Representative Halcro's suggestion,
which would not increase the membership of the task force.
REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO reiterated Representative Guess' point
that limiting the presiding officers' appointments to one each
would result in the elimination of a representative from the
Minority Caucus. Representative Halcro expressed his belief
that it would be more important to have a representative from
the Denali Commission versus the Alaska Trucking Association.
He also indicated the possibility of eliminating the
respresentative from AML because there would, certainly, be
regional and community involvement.
CO-CHAIR MEYER stated that once the committee becomes involved
in eliminating members, this could get messy and thus he would
recommend creating a subcommittee. Perhaps, expanding the task
force to 15 members would be the easiest way in which to deal
with this. He inquired as to the sponsor's opinion.
REPRESENTATIVE BERKOWITZ noted his agreement with adding a
representative from AIDEA and the Denali Commission.
Number 1707
REPRESENTATIVE GUESS moved that the committee adopt the
following amendment:
Page 2, line 20, insert a new number:
"(12) one member appointed by the executive director
of the Denali Commission;
(13) one member appointed by the executive director of
AIDEA"
There being no objection, the amendment was adopted.
Number 1749
REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO moved to report HCR 1 as amended out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
zero fiscal note. There being no objection, CSHCR 1(CRA) was
reported from the House Community and Regional Affairs Standing
Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
The House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee
meeting took an at-ease at 8:35 a.m. in order to prepare for the
presentation from the Alaska Native Health Board, which can be
found under the minutes of the same date but with the time of
8:36 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|