Legislature(1995 - 1996)
01/24/1995 10:06 AM House O&G
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON OIL & GAS
January 24, 1995
10:06 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Norman Rokeberg, Chairman
Representative Scott Ogan, Vice Chairman
Representative Bill Williams
Representative Gary Davis
Representative Tom Brice
Representative Bettye Davis
Representative David Finkelstein
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
*HJR 13:Endorsing, in principle, legislation
authorizing oil and gas leasing, exploration,
and development on the coastal plain within
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, provided
the legislation does not contain a provision
decreasing this state's royalty.
PASSED OUT OF COMMITTEE
(* First public hearing)
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE NAVARRE
Alaska State Legislature
State Capital, Room 521
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Telephone: (907) 465-3779
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided sponsor statement for HJR 13
GEORGE AHMAOGAK, Mayor
North Slope Borough
P.O. Box 69
Barrow, Alaska 99723
Telephone: (907) 852-0200
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support HJR 13
WARREN MATUMEAK, SR., Director
North Slope Borough Wildlife Management
P.O. Box 69
Barrow, Alaska 99723
Telephone: (907) 852-0350
POSITION STATEMENT: Urged passage of HJR13
DEBBIE REINWAND
Arctic Power
3730 W. 64th
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Telephone: (907) 563-2697
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 13
BEVERLY WARD, Director
Government Relations
ARCO Alaska Inc.
134 N. Franklin
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Telephone: (907) 586-3680
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 13
JERRY WEAVER, Board Member
Arctic Power
301 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, Alaska 99510
Telephone: (907) 265-2920
POSITION STATEMENT: Strongly urged passage of HJR 13
CINDY SCHEBLER
Arctic Power
301 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, Alaska 99510
Telephone: (907) 265-2920
POSITION STATEMENT: Strongly urged passage of HJR 13.
CHUCK SULLIVAN
The Alliance
P.O.Box 112070
Anchorage, Alaska 99511
Telephone: (907) 349-1591
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 13
ERIC DOPPLING
The Alliance
4653 Becharof St.
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
Telephone: (907) 349- 6518
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 13
MATHEW FAGNANI
Arctic Power
611 E. 12th St.
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Telephone: (907) 274-6662
POSITION STATEMENT: Urged passage of HJR 13
BECKY GAY
Resource Development Council
121 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 250
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Telephone: (907) 276-0700
POSITION STATEMENT: Urged passage of HJR 13
MANO FREY, President
AFL-CIO
2501 Commercial Drive
Anchorage, AK 99501
Telephone: (907) 272-4571
POSITION STATEMENT: Statement of support for HJR 13
FRANK J. DILLON
Alaska Trucking Association
3443 Minnesota Dr.
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Telephone: (907) 276-1149
POSITION STATEMENT: Urged passage of HJR 13
KEITH BURKE
The Alliance
4220 B Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Telephone: (907) 563-2226
POSITION STATEMENT: Strongly urged passage of HJR 13
PAUL HUGO, Mayor
City of Anaktuvuk Pass
General Delivery
Anaktuvuk, Alaska 99721
POSITION STATEMENT: Strongly supported HJR 13
REPRESENTATIVE EILEEN MACLEAN
Alaska State Legislature
State Capitol Room 405
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Telephone: (907) 465-4833
POSITION STATEMENT: Voiced opposition to Amendment 1 for HJR 13
REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN
Alaska State Legislature
State Capital, Room 24
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Telephone: (907) 465-4931
POSITION STATEMENT: Statement of support for HJR 13
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HJR 13
SHORT TITLE: ENDORSING ANWR LEASING
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) NAVARRE, Rokeberg, Grussendorf,
Brown, Davies, Kubina, MacLean
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/16/95 19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
01/16/95 19 (H) O&G, RES, FIN
01/18/95 74 (H) COSPONSOR(S): DAVIES
01/19/95 87 (H) COSPONSOR(S): KUBINA
01/19/95 87 (H) COSPONSOR(S): MACLEAN
01/24/95 (H) O&G AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 124
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 95-01, SIDE A
Number 000
The House Special Committee on Oil and Gas was called to order by
Chairman Norman Rokeberg at 10:06 a.m. Members present at the call
to order were Representatives Rokeberg, B. Davis, G. Davis,
Williams, Ogan, and Brice. Members absent were Representative(s)
Finkelstein.
CHAIRMAN NORMAN ROKEBERG announced that there was a quorum present.
He announced that the meeting is on teleconference with Anchorage,
Barrow, Homer, Valdez, Atqasuk, and Anaktuvuk Pass.
Number 012
HO&G - 01/24/95
HJR 13 - ENDORSING ANWR LEASING
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG declared that a committee substitute (CS) has
been prepared. He asked if Representative Williams would move the
committee substitute. REPRESENTATIVE BILL WILLIAMS moved to adopt
the CS.
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG asked if there was an objection. REPRESENTATIVE
TOM BRICE objected for the purpose of a brief discussion.
Number 045
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE asked if the sponsor would discuss the fact
that there was no clause in the Resolution concerning the 90/10
royalty split.
Number 057
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID FINKELSTEIN joined the committee at 10:08 a.m.
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG declared that the committee substitute was before
the committee for discussion.
Number 073
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE NAVARRE, sponsor of HJR 13, commented on the
results of the National elections, the will of the people and
stressed the importance of acting on HJR 13. Representative
Navarre explained that technology is available to safely develop
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Representative Navarre
also commented on the unique position that Alaska will be in
because of the prominence of our state's congressional delegation.
Representative Navarre also stated he was concerned about the fact
that there is a growing dependence on imported oil. For the first
time, the United States used more imported than domestic oil.
Representative Navarre stated it would be more beneficial, at this
point to leave any reference about the 90/10 split out of this
resolution that asks for consideration at the national level, and
that a new resolution could be drafted for that purpose.
Number 143
REPRESENTATIVE NAVARRE addressed the issue of environmental
protection and stated that development would not affect the
Porcupine caribou herd, or their habitat.
Number 164
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG thanked Representative Navarre for his comments,
and called for questions.
Number 174
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG called upon the participants in Barrow who were
waiting to join in the discussion via teleconference.
Number 183
GEORGE AHMAOGAK, Mayor, North Slope Borough, joined the discussion
via teleconference from Barrow. He stated that the ANWR is under
the jurisdiction of the North Slope Borough, and the people of the
North Slope strongly support development. Mayor Ahmaogak then
commented on the history of oil production on the North Slope, and
stated that oil production on the North Slope has been declining
for years.
Number 230
MAYOR AHMAOGAK stated the benefits of opening ANWR. They included
Jobs, Transportation, Education, Medical Care, and Police
protection. The people of the North Slope need these programs, and
the opening of ANWR would guarantee that the people of the North
Slope would be secure.
Number 254
WARREN MATUMEAK, SR., Director, Wildlife Management, North Slope
Borough, urged the members to vote in favor of CSHJR 13.
Number 293
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG asked Mr. Matumeak about the scope of hunting
that occurs in ANWR coastal area 1002, and asked if any caribou
were hunted. Mr. Matumeak responded that the caribou are hunted as
part of the subsistence lifestyle of the people.
Number 320
DEBBIE REINWAND, representing Arctic Power, strongly urged the
members to vote in favor of HJR 13. She stated that Arctic Power
was specifically formed to advocate oil and gas exploration and
development. She stated it would be of great benefit not only to
the state of Alaska, but to the entire United States to open the
coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Ms. Reinwand
then stated that our dependance of foreign oil has grown and for
this reason the development of ANWR becomes even more crucial.
Number 350
BEVERLY WARD, Director, Government Relations, ARCO Alaska, stated
that ARCO is convinced ANWR can be explored without danger to the
local wildlife. She also stated that ARCO's experience in
operating oil fields in the Arctic has provided the company with a
thorough understanding of the arctic environment. Ms. Ward said
that the opening of ANWR will benefit the entire United States, not
just Alaska.
Number 382
JERRY WEAVER, Board Member, Arctic Power, strongly seconded the
previous comments, especially those that were made by
Representative Navarre and all of the expert witnesses from around
the state.
Number 395
CINDY SCHEBLER of Arctic Power, urged a "yes" vote on HJR 13. She
also mentioned that the development of the coastal plain will bring
many jobs to the nation as a whole, not just to the state of
Alaska.
Number 424
CHUCK SULLIVAN, representing The Alliance, spoke in support of HJR
13 stressing state and National security. He then mentioned the
development of our resources is essential to the long term health
of the economy of our state.
Number 458
ERIC DOPPLING, representing The Alliance, commented that he
supported the opening of ANWR and thanked the committee for their
efforts.
Number 467
MATTHEW FAGNANI, Arctic Power, spoke in support of opening ANWR in
area 1002, and stressed its importance.
Number 486
BECKY GAY representing the Resource Development Council, urged a
rapid vote in favor of HJR 13 while stressing Alaska's technology
and willingness to urge safety.
Number 510
MANO FREY, President of the Alaska AFL-CIO, spoke in support of
opening ANWR, and stated that HJR 13 will help bring about the
opening of ANWR.
Number 547
FRANK DILLON, Alaska Trucking Association, stated we need to
educate other people about Alaska's excellent environmental record
and urged passage of HJR 13.
Number 547
KEITH BURKE, The Alliance, stated that support for Alaska's oil and
gas industry is essential. He commented that America is now using
more foreign oil than domestic. Mr. Burke urged rapid passage of
HJR 13.
Number 590
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG asked for other communities involved in the
teleconference to join in the discussion.
Number 600
PAUL HUGO, Mayor, City of Anaktuvuk Pass, supported HJR 13
provisionally. The provisions are that no land may leased to
parties other than companies using the land for oil and gas
production.
Number 620
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG called for other witnesses from around the state,
there being none, the Chair asked for witnesses from the committee
room in Juneau. There being none, the Chair closed public
testimony and asked for further discussion by the committee.
Number 630
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE observed that there was no discussion of the
90/10 split to ensure the state's rights, and proposed an amendment
on page 3, line 2, of the resolution by deleting the word "and,"
and by adding at the end of line 2, "and protect the integrity of
the Alaska Statehood Act."
Number 653
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG stated he had discussed that issue with Alaska's
congressional delegation and had decided to delete it. He then
stated he did appreciate the point that Representative Brice was
trying to make.
Number 655
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE asked of the nature of that discussion, and
stated that Alaska must maintain its position on the 90/10 royalty
split.
Number 678
REPRESENTATIVE EILEEN MACLEAN, Alaska State Legislature, voiced
her opposition to Representative Brice's amendment.
Number 696
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG stated he had some difficulty with this decision.
Number 700
REPRESENTATIVE FINKELSTEIN spoke of the flexibility of the
amendment.
Number 726
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE suggested that the members of Alaska's
congressional delegation run for state House if they want to
interfere in state government.
Number 748
REPRESENTATIVE B. DAVIS stated this was an uphill battle for
Alaska, and urged Representative Brice to withdraw his motion.
Number 784
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG called for a roll call vote on Representative
Brice's amendment. Representatives Brice and Finkelstein voted in
favor of the amendment. Representatives Rokeberg, Ogan, G. Davis,
B. Davis and Williams voted against the amendment. So the
amendment failed.
Number 800
REPRESENTATIVE B. DAVIS commented there was no second to the
motion.
Number 820
REPRESENTATIVE FINKELSTEIN spoke of the absence of references to
the Porcupine caribou herd in HJR 13, and proposed an amendment to
Page 3, Line 1 of the resolution by inserting "FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Congress join with the state in providing strict standards
for protection of land, water, and wildlife resources, including
the habitat of the Porcupine caribou herd, during the exploration
and development of the coastal plain of the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge; and be it". Representative B. Davis asked
Representative Finkelstein if he would remove the word "strict."
Representative Finkelstein refused.
Number 850
REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN, Alaska State Legislature, spoke on the
Kaparuk River caribou herd and the co-existence of oil companies
and the caribou.
Number 890
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE asked if this amendment was redundant.
Number 943
REPRESENTATIVE FINKELSTEIN stated this issue is very broad and
would take long periods of time to reach a decision that would be
fair to the people and the state.
Number 965
REPRESENTATIVE OGAN stated that the caribou herds have not been
negatively affected.
Number 985
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG said he believed that the issue has been
adequately covered and asked for any further discussion. Hearing
none, the Chair called for a vote on Representative Finkelstein's
amendment.
Number 992
Representative Finkelstein voted in favor of the amendment.
Representatives Rokeberg, Ogan, B. Davis, G.Davis Brice, and
Williams voted against the amendment.
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG declared that the motion had been defeated.
Number 1007
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG asked if there was an objection to moving the
resolution out of committee. Hearing no objection, CSHJR 13(O&G)
was moved with individual recommendations.
ADJOURNMENT
The committee then adjourned at 11:07 a.m.
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