05/07/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB170 | |
| SB158 | |
| SB149 | |
| SB35 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 170 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 158 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 149 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 35 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 7, 2025
2:43 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Kelly Merrick, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Ky Holland
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 170
"An Act relating to gaming; relating to bingo; relating to pull-
tabs and electronic pull-tab systems; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 158
"An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of
certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 149
"An Act relating to generation of electricity from renewable
energy resources; relating to a renewable portfolio standard;
relating to power cost equalization; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 35
"An Act relating to transportation network and delivery network
companies."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 170
SHORT TITLE: GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BJORKMAN
04/11/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/11/25 (S) L&C, FIN
04/16/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/16/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/16/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
04/28/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/28/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/28/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/02/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/02/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/02/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 158
SHORT TITLE: COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BJORKMAN
04/07/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/25 (S) L&C, RES
05/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 149
SHORT TITLE: UTILITIES: RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
03/28/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/28/25 (S) L&C, RES
05/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 35
SHORT TITLE: DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BJORKMAN
01/22/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) STA, L&C
03/18/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/18/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/18/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
04/22/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/22/25 (S) Moved SB 35 Out of Committee
04/22/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
04/23/25 (S) STA RPT 1AM 1DP 3NR
04/23/25 (S) AM: KAWASAKI
04/23/25 (S) DP: BJORKMAN
04/23/25 (S) NR: WIELECHOWSKI, GRAY-JACKSON, YUNDT
04/30/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/30/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/30/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
CHRISTA FOLI, Department Commander
American Veterans (AMVET)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 170.
MICHELLE SAS, Member
American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars (ALVFW)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 170.
CHARLES BORING, Member
American Veterans (AMVET)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 170.
KAYLA HANSON, Gaming Manager
Soldotna Chamber of Commerce
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 170.
CODY OATMAN, Business Representative
Alaska District Council of Labors
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 170.
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a summary of SB 158.
GLENN HAIGHT, Commissioner
Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 158.
LISA GABRIEL, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 158.
GARY HOLLIER, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 158.
SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, District K
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 149.
HUNTER LOTTSFELDT, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 149.
ERIN MCKITTRICK, representing self
Seldovia, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 149.
MATTHEW PERKINS, CEO
Alaska Renewables
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 149.
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief summary for SB 35.
ACTION NARRATIVE
2:43:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 2:43 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Dunbar, Yundt and
Chair Bjorkman.
SB 170-GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS
2:44:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
170 "An Act relating to gaming; relating to bingo; relating to
pull-tabs and electronic pull-tab systems; and providing for an
effective date."
2:45:28 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN stated that SB 170 aims to modernize charitable
gaming laws to increase revenue for charities and nonprofits. SB
170 also seeks to preserve the social and cultural nature of
charitable gaming, keeping it fun, community-oriented, and
distinct from gambling.
2:46:20 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 170.
2:46:45 PM
CHRISTA FOLI, Department Commander, American Veterans (AMVET)
Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, testified with concerns on SB 170 and
expressed concern that the bill favors operators over small
veteran service organizations (VSOs), which rely on volunteers
to raise funds for charities. She urged giving these
organizations more flexibility in choosing gaming methods,
noting that current limitations on access and devices restrict
their fundraising potential, and request that regulatory details
be determined later rather than burdening small nonprofits
upfront.
2:49:54 PM
MICHELLE SAS, Member, American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars
(ALVFW), Anchorage, Alaska, testified with concerns on SB 170.
She stated that she supports modernizing charitable gaming
through SB 170 but warns that its current structure overreaches,
placing burdens on small nonprofits and veteran organizations.
She advocated for more flexibility in gaming devices, higher
payroll limits, and consideration of models beyond Wisconsin's,
emphasizing the need to protect small organizations while still
modernizing the system.
2:52:45 PM
CHARLES BORING, Member, American Veterans (AMVET), Anchorage,
Alaska, testified with concerns on SB 170. He stated his belief
that the bill focuses too much on operators and imposes strict
limits on small nonprofit and veteran organizations, which rely
heavily on gaming and pull tabs for survival. He advocated for
greater flexibility in funding limits and device choices to
ensure these organizations can continue operating and maximizing
their fundraising.
2:55:14 PM
KAYLA HANSON, Gaming Manager, Soldotna Chamber of Commerce,
Soldotna, Alaska, testified in support of SB 170. She emphasized
that small committee run organizations, especially in areas with
internet challenges, should be allowed to choose the devices
that work best for them. She urged legislators to ensure a level
playing field between small groups and larger operators.
2:56:46 PM
CODY OATMAN, Business Representative, Alaska District Council of
Labors, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 170. He
said the labor organization represents about 5,000 Alaskans. It
supports electronic pull tabs to modernize charitable gaming and
increase revenue for scholarships and community charities. He
noted that tablets are affordable, social, and efficient,
offering lower maintenance costs and greater benefits to
nonprofits compared to pull tab cabinets.
2:58:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN kept public testimony open.
2:59:02 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN explained that SB 170 prohibits cabinet or
tabletop gaming devices to prevent charitable gaming from
resembling casino gambling and maintaining its social,
community-based nature. He added that the proposed limits are
designed to allow more nonprofits to participate and raise
funds, rather than concentrating revenue among a few
organizations.
[CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 170 in committee.]
3:01:34 PM
At ease.
SB 158-COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA
3:02:18 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 158 "An Act relating to
administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set
net entry permits; and providing for an effective date."
3:02:39 PM
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a summary for SB 158. He
stated that the technical bill would create a new administrative
area for East Side Set Net permit holders in Cook Inlet,
recognizing the region's long history of set net fishing that
has supported local families, businesses, and communities for
over a century. SB 158 responds to challenges faced by these
fishers, who have endured reduced opportunities and restrictive
management practices despite primarily targeting red salmon.
While it does not alter fish allocations or fishing regulations,
SB 158 directs the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC)
to establish a distinct boundary for this unique fishery to
improve permit management and allow greater self-determination
for East Side set-netters.
3:06:31 PM
MR. JACKSON read the sectional analysis for SB 158:
[Original punctuation provided.]
"An Act relating to administrative areas for
regulation of certain commercial set net entry
permits; and providing for an effective date."
Sectional Summary - Ver. \I
This is a summary only. Note that this summary should
not be considered an authoritative interpretation of
the bill and the bill itself is the best statement of
its contents.
Section 1: Amends the uncodified law of the State of
Alaska by adding a new section which establishes that
creating this administrative area is in the public
interest.
Section 2: Amends AS 16.43.200 by adding 2 new
subsections:
(c) Establishes an area of the Upper Subdistrict of
the Cook Inlet Central District as a distinct
administrative area separate from the Cook Inlet
Central District on December 31, 2024.
This area is made up of the statistical areas
identified on January 1, 2024 as 244-21, 244-22,
244-31, 244-32, 244-41 and 244-42.
(d) Provides that an individual who has a set net
permit for the Cook Inlet Central District on
December 31, 2024 is not entitled to set net in
the administrative area created under this section
unless the permit has been reassigned to that new
administrative area.
3:08:44 PM
MR. JACKSON continued with the sectional analysis for SB 158:
Section 3: Amends the uncodified law of the State of
Alaska by adding a new section which provides how the
commission will determine whether an individual who
holds a set net entry permit in the Cook Inlet Central
District on January 1, 2026 is reassigned an entry
permit for the administrative area established under
AS 16.43.200(c) (added by sec. 2 of the bill) or the
portion of the Cook Inlet Central District that was
not assigned into the administrative area established
under AS 16.43.200(c).
Section 4: Amends the uncodified law of the State of
Alaska by adding a new section which defines the
appeals process in the new administrative area. This
section provides that a provisional license will be
issued, pending resolution of an appeal.
Section 14: Effective Date Clause Provides the bill
takes effect January 1, 2026.
3:09:55 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 158.
3:10:14 PM
GLENN HAIGHT, Commissioner, Commercial Fisheries Entry
Commission (CFEC), Juneau, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB
158. He said from the CFEC's perspective, the bill is straight
forward, it formally establishes the new area and outlines
criteria for inclusion that differ from the commission's usual
standards based on economic dependence and past participation.
SB 158 also sends appeals to Superior Court, reducing CFEC's
administrative role, and would mainly require processing
applications, verifying existing data, and updating licensing
systems.
3:11:21 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked why SB 158 is needed.
3:11:33 PM
MR. HAIGHT replied that previous buyback efforts for this group
were complex and unsuccessful, but SB 158 simplifies the process
by creating a new area and allowing the formation of a regional
fisheries association to manage any future buyback
independently. He said CFEC's role would be minimal, limited to
providing guidance and processing permit closures after the
association completes its buyback.
3:12:42 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN explained that the new administrative area
ensures that long-time East Side Cook Inlet fishers retain
control over their permits and future decisions. He said this
would prevent outsiders from exploiting opportunities meant for
those with historical ties to the fishery.
3:13:30 PM
LISA GABRIEL, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 158. She said she has been a set netter for 39
years and supports creating a new administrative area in Upper
Cook Inlet to allow the East Side Set Net fishery to be managed
independently from other regions. She stated that this change
reflects the fishery's unique conditions, would enable local
self-determination for permit holders and family businesses, and
is needed to reverse years of decline and repeated federal
disaster declarations.
3:15:28 PM
GARY HOLLIER, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 158. He said as a veteran set-net fisherman
with over 50 years of experience he supports SB 158. This bill
would establish a new administrative area for the East Side Set
Net fishery in Cook Inlet. He explained that this fishery is
uniquely managed and has faced repeated federal disaster
declarations, arguing that a separate area would allow for
fairer management, local self-determination, and better support
for a long-standing, predominantly Alaskan fishery.
3:17:58 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 158 in committee.
3:18:04 PM
At ease.
SB 149-UTILITIES: RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD
3:20:03 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 149 "An Act relating to
generation of electricity from renewable energy resources;
relating to a renewable portfolio standard; relating to power
cost equalization; and providing for an effective date."
3:20:28 PM
SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, District K, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 149 he said the bill establishes a
renewable portfolio standard to address the ongoing energy
challenges in Cook Inlet. Despite significant incentives over
the past 15 yearsincluding royalty relief and other measures
aimed at developing local gas resourcesthe state has only
achieved 1215 percent of energy from renewable sources, far
below the nonbinding 50 percent goal set in 2010 under House
Bill 306. SB 149 seeks to diversify Alaska's energy portfolio,
promote affordable and reliable power, and provide incentives
for independent power producers and utilities to invest in
renewable energy. He said by doing so, it aims to reduce
dependence on gas, ensure stable energy supplies for residents
and businesses, and strengthen the overall resilience and
sustainability of the state's energy system, particularly in the
Railbelt region.
3:24:09 PM
HUNTER LOTTSFELDT, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska
State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional
analysis for SB 149:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis Version N
Section 1 - Amends Section 42.05.780:
Requires integrated resource plans to include options
by which each load-serving entity may satisfy the
renewable portfolio standard.
Section 2 - Amends Section 42.05.785(a):
Adds a new subsection (4) clarifying the regulatory
commissions pre-approval process for large energy
facilities and that project approval must not be
detrimental to a load-serving entities ability to
comply with a renewable portfolio standard.
3:25:14 PM
MR. LOTTSFELDT continued with the sectional analysis for SB 149:
Section 3 Amends Section 42.05.785(c):
Exempts pre-approval for renewable energy projects
that help a load-serving entity meet the renewable
portfolio standard.
Note that section 7 repeals this exception on December
31, 2030.
Section 4 Adjusts the numbering of section
42.05.785(e) and adds the definition for "renewable
energy resource" within the pre-approval for large
energy facilities section.
Section 5 - Creates new article under Sec. 42.05
entitled Article 11A. Renewable Portfolio Standard
(RPS).
AS 42.05.900 requires load-serving entities subject to
the standards of an electric reliability organization
(ERO) to comply with the renewable portfolio standard;
diversifying their current generation portfolio by
increasing the proportion of megawatt hours (MWh) of
renewable electricity generated.
AS 42.05.905 incentivizes the development of projects
to meet the goals of a renewable portfolio standard.
AS 42.05.910 - Governs the use of renewable energy
credits and qualifies which uses may count towards
meeting the target goals.
Sec. 42.05.915 Establishes a noncompliance fine for
a load-serving entity that fails to meet the RPS.
Qualifies what conditions merit a waiver for The
Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) for failure to
meet the target goals.
Sec. 42.05.920 - Establishes an exemption for
individual load serving entities if the aggregate
generation of renewable electricity of all load-
serving entities in an interconnected electric
transmission network meets the goal required by the
standard.
Sec. 42.05.925 - Provides for definitions.
3:28:01 PM
MR. LOTTSFELDT continued with the sectional analysis for SB 149:
Section 6 Amends AS 42.45.110(a) excluding revenue
from the sale of recovered heat, or revenue from the
sale of renewable energy credits, for Power Cost
Equalization.
Section 7 Establishes a sunset for AS
42.05.785(c)(3)
Section 8 Establishes an effective date of July 1,
2025.
MR. LOTTSFELDT stated that the new committee substitute (CS)
change would change in AS 42.05.910 [Renewable electricity
credits]
3:28:38 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 149.
3:29:00 PM
ERIN MCKITTRICK, representing self, Seldovia, Alaska, testified
by invitation on SB 149 and moved to slide 2:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Primary questions
• Are the goals in SB 149 achievable?
• What are the potential savings or costs to
customers?
3:30:03 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 3 and explained that the graph
shows past and present Railbelt energy sources, with current
renewables, mainly hydro and some wind and solar making up a
small portion compared to fossil fuels like gas, coal, and oil.
The dashed lines indicate the renewable energy targets proposed
in SB 149.
3:30:40 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 4 and explained the graph. She
stated that the Railbelt could meet the first renewable energy
target in SB 149 through several planned projects, including the
Little Mount Susitna and Chugach Creek wind farms, the Puppy Dog
Lake solar project, and the Dixon Diversion hydro expansion at
Bradley Lake. Together, these projects would exceed the first
target and come close to meeting the second, with multipliers in
SB 149 boosting their credited renewable contribution.
3:32:42 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 5 and spoke about the details of
the projects found on slide 4. She explained that the chart
details several renewable projectschosen because they've been
thoroughly studied, can be completed by 2038, and integrate
smoothly with the existing grid without major new transmission
infrastructure. The modeled wind projects alone would meet the
2030 target, while combining all projects would nearly reach the
2035 goal.
3:34:47 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 6 and explained that if no new
renewable projects are developed and the state remains at 15
percent renewable energy, utilities would need to pay about $30
million in compliance fees each year. She said this could
increase rates by roughly 5.5 percent during the first target
period and 8.5 percent in the second.
3:35:51 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 7 and explained that the $45 per
megawatt-hour fees function as a cost cap, essentially setting
the upper limit on what utilities could be required to pay under
the legislation. However, this scenario represents a theoretical
worst caseassuming no renewable projects are developed, no new
contracts are signed, and no waivers are granted, which is
highly unlikely. She said SB 149 includes multiple provisions
allowing waivers for good-faith compliance efforts and
permitting fees to be reinvested in renewable energy projects,
customer efficiency programs, or distributed generation. Even in
that extreme "straw man" situation, the cost impact would be
modestabout a 1.2-cent increase per kilowatt-hour, or roughly
$6 per month for an average residential customer, similar to the
base rate increases seen over the past year.
3:38:23 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 8 and explained the bar graph. She
compared the potential costs of different energy sources and
emphasized that the real issue is not failing to comply, but
what happens if renewable targets are met. Current power from
natural gas plants costs under eight cents per kilowatt-hour,
but future gas prices are expected to rise sharply due to the
Cook Inlet supply crisis, potentially reaching $12$16 per unit
for imported LNGmaking it more expensive than most renewables.
She said existing renewable projects like Bradley Lake hydro,
Houston Solar, and Fire Island wind already produce cheaper
power, and future wind and solar developments, even without
federal tax credits, are projected to remain competitive or
lower in cost than imported gas. Overall, transitioning to
renewables would likely cost consumers far less than continuing
to rely on increasingly expensive fossil fuels.
3:42:24 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 9 and spoke about the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Costs may range from similar to significantly cheaper
• Future gas generation costs are expected to be
substantially higher than
current costs.
-New Cook Inlet gas contracts start at $12.30/Mcf
-Imported gas cost projections range from $12-
16/Mcf
• Other fossil generation costs are already quite
high
• All current renewable energy is cheaper than
future gas energy projections
• Future renewable energy projects with tax credits
are probably substantially
cheaper than imported gas energy.
• If tax credits end, the costs are more similar.
There are likely small savings
available, depending on project details and exact
fuel prices.
3:43:09 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK moved to slide 10, and spoke about the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Current plans will mostly satisfy the standard.
• Diversification may save money, and any potential
fees would be modest.
3:44:00 PM
MATTHEW PERKINS, CEO, Alaska Renewables, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified by invitation on SB 149. He stated that Alaska
Renewables is a development firm building several power plants
across the Railbelt, with extensive experience in technologies
ranging from gas pipelines and coal mines to gas turbines, wind,
and solar. The company focuses on delivering fast, cost-
effective solutions to Alaska's energy security challenges and
recently partnered with a major multi-billion-dollar power
operator to fund its first wind projects, leveraging nationwide
experience in managing power plants under harsh environmental
and grid conditions similar to those in Alaska. He emphasized
Alaska Renewables is not advocating for mandates or promoting
their projects but are instead providing information to clarify
market realities and how a well-crafted Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS) could influence them. He noted that such a policy
could attract investment capital to Alaska and highlighted the
stark difference between Alaska and the rest of the U.S. in the
presence of independent power producers (IPPs).
3:47:03 PM
MR. PERKINS explained that, unlike the Lower 48 where about half
of power generation comes from independent power producers
(IPPs), Alaska's Railbelt relies on utilities for roughly 99
percent of its energy. He argued that increasing competition
through more IPPs would strengthen the market, promote
innovation, and benefit utilities and consumers alike. He also
stressed the need for long-term regulatory stability to attract
investors and support planning for infrastructure projects.
Finally, he emphasized that diversifying Alaska's energy sources
beyond natural gas would enhance reliability, energy security,
and resilience for both communities and military bases.
3:50:14 PM
SENATOR YUNDT expressed strong support for renewable energy. He
asked for an explanation of how increased wind or solar
generation affects the power grid, how energy storage technology
is developing, and what renewable solutions work best during
Alaska's winter.
3:51:03 PM
MR. PERKINS replied that intermittent renewables once caused
grid issues like voltage flickers and blackouts, but decades of
engineering advances have largely solved those problems. He
explained that proper programming and configuration ensure
stable performance, while storage solutionssuch as gas, heat,
and batteriescomplement renewables. Wind power, particularly in
Alaska, is most productive in winter when energy demand peaks,
making it a strong seasonal match for the grid's needs.
3:54:42 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether the group had evaluated the
potential for renewable power and specifically inquired about
Ms. McKettrick's graph and how the Susitna-Watana Dam would
appear in showing progress toward renewable energy goals.
3:55:07 PM
MS. MCKITTRICK replied that the Susitna-Watana Dam qualifies as
a renewable project and could supply about 59 percent of the
Railbelt's total power, meeting both targets. However, it was
excluded from the analysis because it could not be completed
before the first target date and would require roughly $1
billion in transmission upgrades.
3:56:24 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that he looks forward to working
with committee members, utilities, and IPPs to determine whether
this proposal can work for Alaska and how to ensure it provides
affordable, diversified energy.
3:57:04 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN stated that he does not want to impose fines on
utilities, noting that ratepayers ultimately bear those costs.
He emphasized the potential of the Susitna-Watana Dam, urging
Alaska to invest in its own reliable, long-term energy projects
such as large hydrorather than relying on outside entities, as
part of a broader vision for the state's energy future.
3:58:54 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 149 in committee.
3:58:56 PM
At ease.
SB 35-DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES
4:03:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 35 "An Act relating to
transportation network and delivery network companies."
4:03:29 PM
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a brief summary for SB 35.
He stated that the bill amends workers' compensation statutes to
classify delivery and transportation network company drivers as
independent contractors if the drivers meet statutory criteria.
SB 35 clarifies definitions, resolves legal inconsistencies, and
creates a level playing field, allowing driversmost of whom
work less than 10 hours per weekto supplement their income
while maintaining flexibility.
4:05:20 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 35; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
4:06:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN explained his intent of SB 35 that drivers for
delivery network companies are independent contractors, similar
to transportation network company drivers under the 2017 law. He
said questions remain about appropriate auto and occupational
insurance coverage for these drivers. There is ongoing work with
the Division of Insurance to craft policies ensuring drivers
have expected protections, both while delivering and for
potential injuries, emphasizing careful policy development
rather than rushing implementation.
4:08:24 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked for a review of the workers' compensation
requirements and for clarification of who is included.
4:08:42 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN stated that currently, drivers for Uber and Lyft
are exempt from workers' compensation under the 2017
Transportation Network Company law. The law is unclear on
whether delivery network company drivers are covered, but the
intent was to treat them similarly to Uber or Lyft drivers. SB
35 aims to clarify that delivery network company drivers are
also exempt from workers' compensation.
4:10:31 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON opined that independent contractors should
have protection in case of injury. She stated that she might
propose a potential amendment that may require delivery network
companies to provide occupational injury insurance for drivers.
4:11:10 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 35 in committee.
4:11:47 PM
At ease.
4:12:25 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting.
4:12:54 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 4:12 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB158 Supporting Documents-Upper Cook Inlet Management Area Statistical Areas.pdf |
SL&C 5/7/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 158 |
| SB35 Instacart-Responses to Committee Questions 05.05.25.pdf |
SL&C 5/7/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 35 |
| SB35 Uber-Responses to Committee Questions 05.07.25.pdf |
SL&C 5/7/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 35 |