02/12/2024 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB125 | |
| SB118 | |
| Eo 124 Prohibiting by Regulation Live Capture, Possession, Transport, or Release of Native/exotic Game or Eggs | |
| Eo 126 Eliminating the Wood-tikchik State Park Management Council | |
| Eo 134 Eliminating the Recreation Rivers Advisory Board | |
| Eo 128 Separating the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy Authority from the Board of Directors of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 125 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 118 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
February 12, 2024
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Click Bishop, Co-Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Co-Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski, Vice Chair
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Senator James Kaufman
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Matt Claman
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Senator Kelly Merrick
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 125(RES)
"An Act relating to trapping cabins on state land; and relating
to trapping cabin permit fees."
- MOVED SCS CSHB 125(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 118
"An Act relating to critical and essential minerals and the
global energy transition."
- HEARD & HELD
EO 124 Prohibiting by Regulation Live Capture, Possession,
Transport, or Release of Native/Exotic Game or Eggs
- HEARD
EO 126 Eliminating the Wood-Tikchik State Park Management
Council
- HEARD
EO 134 Eliminating the Recreation Rivers Advisory Board
- HEARD
EO 128 Separating the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy
Authority from the Board of Directors of the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 125
SHORT TITLE: TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND
SPONSOR(s): RESOURCES
03/20/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/20/23 (H) RES, FIN
03/27/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/27/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/27/23 (H) MINUTE(RES)
03/29/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/29/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/29/23 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/03/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/03/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/05/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/05/23 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/12/23 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/12/23 (H) Moved CSHB 125(RES) Out of Committee
04/12/23 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/14/23 (H) RES RPT CS(RES) 7DP 2NR
04/14/23 (H) DP: MEARS, ARMSTRONG, DIBERT, SADDLER,
WRIGHT, RAUSCHER, MCKAY
04/14/23 (H) NR: MCCABE, PATKOTAK
04/27/23 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
04/27/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/27/23 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
05/04/23 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
05/04/23 (H) Moved CSHB 125(RES) Out of Committee
05/04/23 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
05/08/23 (H) FIN RPT CS(RES) 8DP 1AM
05/08/23 (H) DP: TOMASZEWSKI, CRONK, ORTIZ, GALVIN,
STAPP, EDGMON, D.JOHNSON, FOSTER
05/08/23 (H) AM: JOSEPHSON
05/13/23 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/13/23 (H) VERSION: CSHB 125(RES)
05/15/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/15/23 (S) RES, FIN
01/24/24 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
01/24/24 (S) Heard & Held
01/24/24 (S) MINUTE(RES)
01/31/24 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
01/31/24 (S) Heard & Held
01/31/24 (S) MINUTE(RES)
02/12/24 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 18
SHORT TITLE: ALLOW ELECTRONIC DRIVERS' LICENSES AND ID
SPONSOR(s): KAWASAKI
01/18/23 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/23
01/18/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/18/23 (S) STA, FIN
WITNESS REGISTER
DIANNA LEINBERGER, Natural Resources Manager
Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW)
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Amendment 1 for HB
125 on behalf of Division of Mining, Land and Water.
DOUG LARSEN, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 124.
MICHAEL SPINDLER, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 124.
KATIE ROOKS, representing self
Prince of Wales, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 124.
CODY LARSON, Member
Wood-Tikchik Management Council
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for EO 126.
DANIEL CHEYETTE, Senior Vice President
Lands and Natural Resources
Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
KATIE ROOKS, representing self
Prince of Wales, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
ROBIN SAMUELSEN, representing self
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
DAN DUNAWAY, representing self
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
MARILYN ROSENE, representing self
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
RICK HALFORD, representing self
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
DAN DUNN, representing self
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
DELORES LARSON, representing self
Koliganek, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
MARIA DOSAL, representing self
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
CADE WOODS, representing self
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
CASEY COUPTHIAK, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
GARVIN FEDERENKO, President and CEO
Bristol Bay Native Association
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 126.
KATIE ROOKS, representing self
Prince of Wales, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 134.
GABE KITTER, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 134.
DANIEL CHEYETTE, Senior Vice President
Lands and Resources Bristol Bay Native Corporation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to EO 134.
MARGARET STERN, Susitna River Association
Talkeetna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of EO 134.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:42 PM
CO-CHAIR CATHY GIESSEL called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Kawasaki, Kaufman, Dunbar, Co-
Chair Bishop, and Co-Chair Giessel. Senator Claman arrived
thereafter.
HB 125-TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND
3:31:45 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE
BILL NO. 125(RES) "An Act relating to trapping cabins on state
land; and relating to trapping cabin permit fees."
3:32:01 PM
At ease
3:32:21 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN joined the meeting.
3:32:30 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL reconvened the meeting.
3:32:58 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 33-
LS0497\P, to CSHB 125.
33-LS0497\P
Bullard
2/7/24
AMENDMENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE
TO: CSHB 125(RES)
Page 1, line 1:
Delete "and"
Page 1, line 2, following "fees":
Insert "; and providing for an effective
date"
Page 4, following line 29:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 9. This Act takes effect immediately
under AS 01.10.070(c)."
3:33:08 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP objected for purposes of discussion.
3:33:23 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL asked a representative from Division of Mining,
Land and Water (DMLW) whether the department has any concerns
with the effective date under Amendment 1.
3:33:39 PM
DIANNA LEINBERGER, Natural Resources Manager, Division of
Mining, Land and Water (DMLW), Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of Amendment 1.
3:34:08 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP removed his objection.
3:34:12 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL found no further objection and Amendment 1 was
adopted.
3:34:22 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP moved to report CSHB 125(RES), work order 33-
LS0497\P, as amended, from committee with individual
recommendations and attached fiscal note(s).
3:34:40 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL found no objection and SCS CSHB 125(RES) was
reported from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.
SB 118-CRITICAL NATURAL RESOURCES; REPORTS
3:34:48 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
118 "An Act relating to critical and essential minerals and the
global energy transition."
3:35:04 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony on SB 118; finding
none, she closed public testimony.
3:35:56 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL held SB 118 in committee.
^EO 124 Prohibiting by Regulation Live Capture, Possession,
Transport, or Release of Native/Exotic Game or Eggs
EO 124 PROHIBITING BY REGULATION LIVE CAPTURE, POSSESSION,
TRANSPORT, OR RELEASE OF NATIVE/EXOTIC GAME OR EGGS
3:36:03 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of Executive Order
124 Prohibiting by Regulation Live Capture, Possession,
Transport, or Release of Native/Exotic Game or Eggs. She
reminded members that the Governor can make changes to the
organization of the executive branch unless disapproved by a
majority of members in joint session.
3:36:39 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony.
3:37:20 PM
DOUG LARSEN, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 124. He stated he respects the extensive public
process that has been used for decades to develop Alaska's
wildlife regulations. This time-tested process, which involves
professional biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (ADFG), seven members of the governor-appointed Alaska
Board of Game, and the public, is considered the envy of most
states and has served Alaska for decades to conserve the state's
wildlife and avoid the introduction of deleterious diseases and
parasites. Parting from this proven process for the sake of
efficiency is illogical and ill-advised. Alaska's wildlife is
far too valuable and important to cut corners under such a
guise. EO 124 is unnecessarily broad given the Board of Game
already delegates authorities for specific actions to the
commissioner under AS 16.05.270. The proposed transfer of
authority represents an expedited process for the importation of
exotic species that is unrestricted to new species not currently
approved under statute. The introduction of exotic species will
pose an increased risk of disease or parasite transmission to
native wildlife, domestic livestock, and would challenge public
safety. The change would unnecessarily exclude the public from
the long-established, effective process for wildlife
regulations. As a former ADFG biologist and administrator, he
interacted with many wildlife professionals from other states.
In these discussions, many expressed admiration for the public
process in Alaska, but voiced concerns about foreign parasites
coming into their states under this type of provision.
3:40:45 PM
MICHAEL SPINDLER, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified in opposition to EO 124. He said he is a longtime
hunter, fisherman, and lives a subsistence lifestyle. For 41
years, he worked in Wildlife research and holds a master's in
wildlife from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). He added
that he is also a certified wildlife biologist. Based on his
experience and education, he expressed an understanding of the
dangers of improperly researched introductions and the
importations of flora and fauna. A newly introduced species
could threaten native habitats with excessive competition,
disease, or parasites. The current Board of Game process
involves multiple individuals who have varying perspectives and
in-depth qualifications. The three-year cycle in which the Board
of Game considers these proposals allows sufficient time for
detailed research and deliberations before permitting the
importation and introduction of a new species to Alaska. EO 124
seeks to shorten the current process by transferring decisions
to the commissioner of ADFG, which could undermine efforts for
careful analysis and research. Other states and nations have
demonstrated the risks of improper importations and
introductions of exotic species to native fish and wildlife that
have done millions of dollars in damage and could risk
endangerment. Once a non-native species is introduced, there are
irreversible impacts. He urged the committee to vote in
opposition to EO 124 so the process remains open, transparent,
and well-researched.
3:43:26 PM
KATIE ROOKS, representing self, Prince of Wales, Alaska,
testified in opposition to EO 124. She said she has been a
resident of Southeast Alaska for 20 years. Over the past several
years, she noticed a state trend within state government that
has removed public and bipartisan input from several bodies. EO
124 would eliminate Board of Game input when deciding whether to
allow non-native game species into the state. It would also
eliminate opportunities for informed public comment and robust
scientific research.
3:45:08 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL closed public testimony and held EO 124 in
committee.
3:45:30 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL noted that the committee received a high volume
of public feedback through email on these executive orders.
^EO 126 Eliminating the Wood-Tikchik State Park Management
Council
EO 126 ELIMINATING THE WOOD-TIKCHIK STATE
PARK MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
3:45:58 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of Executive Order
126 Eliminating the Wood-Tikchik State Park Management Council.
3:46:15 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced invited testimony.
3:46:46 PM
CODY LARSON, Member, Wood-Tikchik Management Council,
Dillingham, Alaska, invited testimony for EO 126. He expressed
appreciation for past leadership for their foresight in planning
for today. These management plans have assisted immensely in
navigating complex scenarios while providing comprehendible
guidelines for the public. Over the past few weeks, he has
received an overwhelming number of responses from the public and
small business owners on EO 126, with most expressing a desire
to maintain the cooperative management of the land. This
cooperative management has been the mechanism that bridges
boundaries between each branch of government and private land
ownership. Fish and wildlife are the needle and thread which
stitch the landscape and common interest of park users together.
Cooperative agreements with adjacent managers were developed
with the consistent understanding that the management council is
in statute to ensure these arrangements are honored, maintained,
and leave room for adjustments. These agreements volunteered
public easements on 26 thousand acres of Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation lands and the neighboring
wildlife refuge in ensuring values and uses remain consistent
between neighbors.
3:48:46 PM
MR. LARSON said human activities and stewardship of these lands
have been managed for thousands of years. Temporarily, there is
ownership of about one thousand acres of roughly one hundred
individual private native allotments within the park. In its
formation, negotiations were made to exchange allotments, which
were originally selected within the park boundary for lands
outside the park. Settlements were made with the explicit
knowledge that the management council was in place for planning
and assures subsistence and recreational uses remain primary
best use values on the park. He stated his belief that people
desire to be on the landscape without the distractions of
prohibitions and land boundaries. The management plan seeks to
preserve traditional activities and maintain those freedoms for
all park users alike. However, agreements take time and are
dependent on trust. The management council has a legacy of
honoring valuable input from community leaders, the public, past
council members, and is culminated in the cooperative spirit of
park operations. Tenure on the council should be arranged
between council representatives and the public. While the public
process can be messy, it is entirely necessary when garnering
buy in from the public. True efficiencies are found with the
representation of everyone at the table. It is the position of
the council to maintain the current management structure that
was approved by the legislature 48 years ago and is outlined in
statute. The typical process for changing statute is robust,
fair, fosters public trust, and creates an efficient
administration for long-term planning.
3:51:53 PM
DANIEL CHEYETTE, Senior Vice President, Lands and Resources,
Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to EO 126. He provided that BBNC is the
Alaska Native Claim Settlement Act (ANCSA) for the Bristol Bay
region that includes 12 thousand shareholders. Part of that
mission is to reflect shareholders' cultural, economic, and
subsistence interests. The Bristol Bay region has been populated
with salmon for thousands of years due to its abundant salmon
runs and wildlife. The people of the region historically and
currently rely on those resources for food security and cultural
necessity. Wood-Tikchik State Park is the largest state park in
the country and covers 1.6 million acres. The legislature
created the park in 1978 to help protect vital subsistence
resources and habitat for the people of the region and state. At
the same time, the legislature created the park management
council to recognize the importance of the park to local
residents for subsistence. The purpose of the council remains to
provide local input and expertise to DNR and ADFG on management
issues related to the park and its fish and wildlife resources.
By all accounts, council members have effectively fulfilled that
purpose and helped draft the park management plan as well as a
recent management plan provision.
3:53:50 PM
MR. CHEYETTE said the council continues to meet regularly and to
provide input to DNR and ADFG. Last week, a DNR representative
testified that he was unaware of any operational problems and
one committee member questioned the elimination of the well-
operating council. Council management is fulfilling the purposes
for which it was created. Given the importance of the state park
to the people of the region and subsistence interests, the park
management council is extremely valuable and should continue to
be utilized. He opined that the administration is trying to
eliminate the council to remove the burden of having to vet
council nominations and appoint members. The legislature could
address that burden by amending input and procedures. EO 126
goes too far in attempting to correct the administration's
perception of inefficiencies, which is a mistake. There are
other ways to address the Governor's concerns without
eliminating the council. Wood-Tikchik State Park is vitally
important to the Bristol Bay region and its residents. The park
management council is a useful vehicle for local voices and
concerns about park management through which important local and
traditional knowledge from experience can be shared with DNR and
ADFG. BBNC urges the committee to support Senate Special
Concurrent Resolution 3 that disapproves EO 126 and would retain
the management council.
3:55:31 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL concluded invited testimony and opened public
testimony on EO 126.
3:55:53 PM
KATIE ROOKS, representing self, Prince of Wales, Alaska,
testified in opposition to EO 126. She said EO 126 would
eliminate the advisory board of the nation's largest national
park and suggested that people might consider keeping this board
a priority considering Wood-Tikchik Park is only managed by one
state employee. This public management resource needs the
knowledge, support, and input of the local residents who
treasure it and better understand challenges associated with the
park. Those who participate on these types of boards understand
the importance of this mechanism for quality of life and the
promotion of a sense of ownership of special places. The council
has been functioning well, but EO 126 would silence passionate
voices for public resource management. She urged the legislature
to vote no on EO 126 and other executive orders, as well as ban
government control that remove public decisions that affect
Alaska's residents and the place they call home.
3:57:31 PM
ROBIN SAMUELSEN, representing self, Dillingham, Alaska,
testified in opposition to EO 126. He said he is a 73-year
resident of Dillingham and has been on the Wood-Tikchik
Management Council for 15 years, primarily as Chairman.
Tomorrow, the Dillingham Tribal Council will submit a resolution
in opposition to EO 126. He recalled a discussion with former
Senator Jay Hammond, who advocated support for the park when
others were opposed. Once the state park garnered support,
Senator Nels Anderson Jr. introduced legislation to create the
park. He said he read the governor's statement on EO 126 three
times and felt continually frustrated. There is currently a
part-time manager who oversees the park. The Wood-Tikchik
Management Council is unpaid but has successfully managed the
park for years and fosters input from villages. He said he
inquired with the city of Dillingham about the Governor's claim
that the park board has been vacant of a representative.
However, the governor has not selected any of the names that
have been submitted for his consideration.
4:00:23 PM
MR. SAMUELSEN opined that the people in the region are
comfortable keeping the foundation of the park as is. He
conveyed that the local community is weary of the governor since
he neglected to consult with residents about the previous
proposal for the Pebble Mine project. EO 126 would open the
state land to mining development, which would be a disaster.
4:01:32 PM
DAN DUNAWAY, representing self, Dillingham, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 126. He said he is a 34-year resident of
Dillingham and has been involved with state and federal fish and
wildlife advisory committees, served as a sport fish biologist,
and served on the Wood-Tikchik Advisory Council. He expressed
dismay with the Governor's desire to make unnecessary changes to
the current management system to improve efficiency. It would be
a mistake to disenfranchise local users of the park and the
surrounding community. The park has been successful as a result
of its inclusion of local participation. Many residents have
allotment holdings within the park and the council has
facilitated mutually beneficial changes. Sometimes democracy
requires discussions and time, so the process is not always time
efficient. He stated he is uncertain the park would function as
well as it currently does without local support. As of now,
there is only one staffer who manages the biggest state park in
the nation. He stated that when he worked for ADFG, resources
were often provided to residents who acted as volunteers to
complete projects that benefited all users of the park. Removing
the council would make the mark open to manipulation from large
state and out-of-state population centers. The legislature
previously made an unwise decision to fund a study on the Allen
River hydro power project as a result of misguided politics.
Studies show it was not viable. Any proposed changes should be
done through the appropriate channels as opposed to using a
backdoor approach.
4:05:17 PM
MARILYN ROSENE, representing self, Dillingham, Alaska, testified
in opposition to EO 126. She stated she has been a resident of
Dillingham since 1982 and her family has long enjoyed the
vastness of the Wood-Tikchik State Park area. It is a legacy of
the future to maintain the richness of the park for generations
to come.
4:06:17 PM
RICK HALFORD, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 126. He said he was shocked at the degree in
which the Governor was acting against the separation of powers.
He expressed his agreeance with the other testifiers who voiced
opposition. The park was created amidst the D2 battle in the
1970s when the state fought against major legislation at the
federal level. Simultaneously, the state passed legislation to
create the largest park in the nation which created a small
degree of co-management and made people a part of the solution.
As an advocate for the legislative branch and the separation of
powers, he said he hopes the legislature reviews all proposed
executive orders. EO 126 would reverse existing law that works
well for the sake of convenience and efficiency. He stated his
belief that these reasons are indications of dictatorship and
authoritarian control. The management council is a working piece
of a democratic system that should be upheld as a prime example
of efficiency. He urged the passing of Concurrent Resolution 3
to reject EO 126.
4:09:26 PM
DAN DUNN, representing self, Sitka, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 126. He asked the committee to overturn the
unfortunate order and stated that seeking to remove important
local input is shameful. An effective administration is not
possible without the management council. Wood-Tikchik State Park
is too valuable for the state to remove stakeholder with an off-
the-cuff executive decision.
4:10:49 PM
DELORES LARSON, representing self, Koliganek, Alaska, testified
in opposition to EO 126. She noted she is a lifelong subsistence
user and gather, serves as Deputy Director for the United Tribes
of Bristol Bay, and sits on the Wood-Tikchik State Park
Management Council as a representative for Koliganek. The
removal of the council is a step in the wrong direction for the
future of the park and would disrupt the ability for people to
have their voices heard in the management of shared natural
resources. The council is comprised of Tribal and local
community members who work directly with DNR to manage the park.
Current local and Tribal representation on the council play a
vital role in the management of the stark park that reflects
cultural and traditional values, and the protection of valuable
resources. The governor proposed EO 126 in an effort to reduce
inefficiencies, but it would instead remove citizen management
from the local people in the Bristol Bay region. DNR's proposed
citizen advisory council would streamline important processes
regarding the park, but local and tribal representation would
not be included under statute if transferred to the department.
An advisory board differs from a management council whereas
advice can be ignored while authority cannot. The legislature
created the Wood-Tikchik State Park Management Council nearly
five decades ago to ensure people would have a voice in the
management of shared natural resources. She said EO 126 would
silence the voices of the people.
4:13:57 PM
MARIA DOSAL, representing self, Dillingham, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 126. She stated she is the Indigenous Knowledge
Liaison for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Her family
are avid visitors to the park for its beauty and for the
sustenance it provides. Like many others in the area, her family
relies on a subsistence lifestyle on the sacred, ancestral Yupik
land. The Wood-Tikchik State Park Management Council has stood
for 48 years. The Indigenous stewards, the Yupik people of this
land, have stewarded these sacred lands for thousands of years
and generations. Currently, the management council sets a great
example of co-stewardship, checks and balances, and transparency
with local representation. The elimination of the council would
open up the park to development and leave crucial decisions in
the hands of those who are disconnected from the area. It is
unfair for the people in the Bristol Bay area to always keep
their guard up and fight for what is right, which is to protect
the sacred lands, people, and animals in the area. It is well
known that the area is mineral rich and opens the door to
outside corporate entities that prioritize profit and
development without any regard for consequences and destruction.
The people are continually fighting for what is just and to
protect the sacred. EO 126 would disregard current co-
stewardship of the management council.
4:16:50 PM
CADE WOODS, representing self, Dillingham, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 126. He reiterated points about the importance
of rural input, checks and balances, and ensuring smaller
communities have a voice. People in rural areas often feel the
need to protect themselves. The park management council involves
rural input for subsistence use for tribal communities, new
residents, local guides, and others who share a similar
lifestyle. EO 126 would take the state backwards, create a
stronger sense of disconnect in rural Alaska, and hurt the
people living in the Dillingham area.
4:18:56 PM
CASEY COUPTHIAK, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in opposition to EO 126. She stated she was originally from
Togiak and is currently a boat captain and commercial
fisherwoman for 14 years. She added that she grew up subsistence
fishing with her grandmother and is also a landowner in the
Togiak National Wildlife Refuge that borders the largest state
park in the nation. EO 126 would allocate complete power to the
governor without consideration for locals in villages that
reside in and around the state park. She opined that it seems
like a ploy to develop Pebble Mine or a way to fast-track other
development plans that locals have expressed concerns about.
This is an important issue because Alaskans and local Bristol
Bay residents do not want Pebble Mine to move forward. EO 126
would give power to the governor who made it clear he does not
have the people's best interests at heart.
4:20:57 PM
GARVIN FEDERENKO, President and CEO, Bristol Bay Native
Association (BBNA), Dillingham, Alaska, testified in opposition
to EO 126. He said BBNA is opposed to EO 126. Since its
inception, BBNA has fully committed to cooperation in regional
planning efforts. A critical function of the organization's role
is to ensure that the subsistence economy remains reciprocal
with sectors of the cash economy, such as tourism. BBNA
spearheaded the efforts to coordinate the park structure by
working with local Tribal governments and holding public
meetings in the surrounding communities, in addition to
facilitating local representation at legislative hearings in
1976. The efforts didn't end there, and the production of the
plan was the result of input from hundreds of individuals with
traditional knowledge of the land, waters, and wildlife. The
results born from this effort have directed resolution to
resource use conflicts to maintain a relative public consensus.
These uses are not static, nor should management be dormant as
subsistence and recreational activities are adaptive to
technological and societal changes.
4:22:32 PM
MR. FEDERENKO said the continuation of the council is essential
to provide a consistent and frequent forum for public input, and
of equal or paramount value, to steadily build the public record
which steers future management plan amendments. Development of
public use cabins, boat and aircraft safety, wildlife research,
cooperative agreements with adjacent federal land managers and
ANCSA village corporation, trail development, and volunteerism
are a mere part of all council functions for the remote yet
robustly utilized area of wilderness. There are over one hundred
native allotment parcels located in the Wood-Tikchik State Park
area. Native allotments are primarily used for subsistence
activities, and the landowners should be aware of any change in
the management and have an opportunity to voice their concerns.
The management council serves as a voice to consider people's
comments and concerns. The representative Tribes of these lands
and waters have maintained perpetual stewardship for traditional
resource management. For the past fifty years, the BBNA Board of
Directors has actively engaged with contemporary management and
promoted a cooperative approach to the wide range of park users.
4:24:08 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL closed public testimony on EO 126.
4:24:14 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL held EO 126 in committee.
^EO 134 Eliminating the Recreation Rivers Advisory Board
EO 134 ELIMINATING THE RECREATION RIVERS ADVISORY BOARD
4:24:51 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of Executive Order 134
Eliminating the Recreation Rivers Advisory Board.
4:25:08 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony on EO 134.
4:25:21 PM
KATIE ROOKS, representing self, Prince of Wales, Alaska,
testified in opposition to EO 134. She said the Recreation
Rivers Advisory Board was created under statute nearly 40 years
ago and allows for residents of the Susitna area to participate
in discussions about recreation river management. Elimination of
this body subtracts local knowledge from management decisions
that affect subsistence users, recreation users, and visitors.
EO 134 would silence the most informed and passionate voices
with regard to public resource management. Despite messages from
the administration that assert support for Alaskans for Alaska,
EO 134 and several other executive orders would eliminate
bipartisan voices from the board entirely. In many cases, the
executive orders designate decisions to one individual appointed
by the governor. She urged the committee to reject EO 134 and
other executive orders that affect Alaskan residents and state
resource management.
4:26:52 PM
MARGARET STERN, Susitna River Coalition, Talkeetna, Alaska,
testified in opposition to EO 134. She said she is commenting on
behalf of the Susitna River Coalition and the 14 thousand
individuals, groups, and businesses that support its work. The
Susitna River Association advocates for communities,
livelihoods, and ecosystems that are sustained by the resources
of the Susitna River Watershed, from the head waters to the
mouth. The Susitna Bay Recreation River plan was a forward
thinking and valuable management plan that was established in
1981 following a robust public process. The management plan
mitigates user groups on six waterways within Susitna Basin. The
concerns and continuance of the Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers
Advisory Board plays an important role in informing plan changes
and keeps the comprehensive plan relevant to all waterway users.
For unknown reasons, the governor has been targeting local
authority's management of waterways and the opportunity for
citizens to engage in the process since 2021.
4:28:01 PM
MS. STERN said the Susitna River Coalition has been heavily
involved with the management plan and advisory board since the
potential appeal of the plan during the 2021 legislative
session. In the spring of 2021, Senate Bill 97 was introduced in
the legislature which would have repealed the establishment of
recreation rivers and all recreation corridors. However, strong
opposition was voiced and the bill failed. In 2022, the house
version of the bill, HB 120, was rejected due to strong public
opposition to the proposals. The language concerning recreation
rivers was later removed thereby eliminating the threat of
losing the recreation river designation. In November of 2021,
the governor appointed thirteen members to represent a diverse
range of stakeholder groups that utilize the waterways. These
advisory members provide a crucial role as informed consultants
for the commissioner. They prepare adopt, and revise the
Recreation Rivers Management Plan and regulations affecting
youth and management of the recreation rivers. Currently, the
Susitna Recreation Rivers Management Plan is undergoing revision
after 20 years in use. The Susitna River Association disagrees
with the Governor's statement that disbanding the advisory board
is beneficial to the state. The input from user groups to the
advisory board is invaluable to adequately inform the interest
of those who utilize these waterways in the state. Removing
input from those with experience, insight, and areas of
expertise are contrary to the intention of the proposal. The
concerns and opinions of the advisory board play an important
role in informing plan changes and keeping the plan relevant
into the future. A significant amount of time, energy, and
expense has been put into this plan by the state, so keeping the
plan is important to the six rivers represented. An attempt to
remove the advisory board is an attempt to lessen the
effectiveness of this plan. The Susitna River Coalition urges
the legislature to keep the Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers
Advisory Board in place.
4:30:38 PM
GABE KITTER, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 134. He stated his belief that the elimination
of the board would be contrary to the administration's objective
to improve efficiency. He stated he asked DNR whether the
department could have revised the plan as efficiently without
the experts in the different categories the board represents,
but did not receive a straightforward answer. The board is a
vital portion of the Susitna Recreation Rivers Plan. He said it
is bad enough the governor appointed the board members. He was
not considered for a seat on the board despite his
qualifications. He expressed hope that the legislature will
reject EO 134.
4:32:25 PM
DAN DUNN, representing self, Sitka, Alaska, testified in
opposition to EO 134. He said transfer of the Recreation Rivers
Advisory Board to DNR is not in the best interest of the state.
Off-handed executive decisions that remove local voices and
stakeholder input are unfortunate and unwise. The state should
not characterize the insight and direction that the advisory
board provides as inefficient. The governor should not use his
power to disenfranchise local voices.
4:33:30 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL closed public testimony and held EO 134 in
committee.
^EO 128 Separating the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy
Authority from the Board Of Directors of the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority
EO 128 SEPARATING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA ENERGY
AUTHORITY FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY
4:33:45 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of Executive Order
128 Separating the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy
Authority from the Board of Directors of the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority.
4:34:01 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony on EO 128.
4:34:36 PM
MARGARET STERN, Susitna River Association, Talkeetna, Alaska,
testified in support of EO 128. She said the Susitna River
Association is a public group that has regularly tried to engage
with and attend Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority (AIDEA) and Alaska Energy Association (AEA) meetings
over the past year. She stated she fully supports the separation
of the boards. Having two distinct boards with different start
times would allow for greater public participation, better
understanding, and improved access to both organizations. This
is a critical step that would help correct the secretive and
inaccessible operations. These changes should be made in
conjunction with the creation of two separate boards. The boards
should be created at the requirement for the legislative
approval of the five public members and director; should require
the board's public members to come from different sectors
involving one tribal government representative, one member with
experience in socially responsible investing, and one member
with experience in renewable energy project development; should
stagger in four-year terms rather than allowing the board to
serve at the pleasure of the governor; and should increase
stakeholder and public involvement in all projects that cost
more than ten million dollars, including adding more time for
public testimony.
4:35:58 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL closed public testimony on EO 128.
4:36:35 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP moved that EO 128 be reported from committee
with individual recommendations.
4:36:53 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL found no objection and EO 128 was reported from
the Senate Resources Standing Committee with individual
recommendations.
4:37:36 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Giessel adjourned the Senate Resources Standing Committee
meeting at 4:37 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 118 Testimony as of 2.2-10.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 118 |
| EO 124 Testimony as of 2.10.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 126 Supporting Document - WTSPMC Minutes 2.1.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 126 Testimony as of 2.5-10.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 126 Supporting Document - WTSPMC Minutes 2.1.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 126 Testimony as of 2.5-10.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 134 Testimony as of 2.10.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 128 Dept of Law Legal Memo 2.5.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 128 Testimony as of 2.10.24.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 126 Testimony as of 2.10-12.24 11am.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 124 Testimony as of 2.10-12.24 11am.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| EO 134 Testimony as of 2.10-12.24 11am.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| HB 125 Amendment #1.pdf |
SRES 2/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 125 |