Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
04/11/2022 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB177 | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 177 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 11, 2022
3:38 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Joshua Revak, Chair
Senator Peter Micciche, Vice Chair
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Scott Kawasaki
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Natasha von Imhof
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 177
"An Act relating to microreactors."
- HEARD & HELD
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Board of Fisheries
Thomas Carpenter Cordova
David Weisz Wasilla
Floyd "Mike" Heimbuch
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
Board of Game
Allen "Al" Barrette Fairbanks
Beatrice "Ruth" Cusack Chugiak
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 177
SHORT TITLE: MICROREACTORS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/01/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/01/22 (S) CRA, RES
02/15/22 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/15/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/15/22 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
02/17/22 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/17/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/17/22 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/08/22 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/08/22 (S) Moved SB 177 Out of Committee
03/08/22 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/09/22 (S) CRA RPT 1DP 3NR
03/09/22 (S) DP: HUGHES
03/09/22 (S) NR: GRAY-JACKSON, MYERS, WILSON
03/21/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/21/22 (S) Heard & Held
03/21/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/06/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/06/22 (S) <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 4/8/22>
04/08/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/08/22 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/11/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
MARK NUTT, PE, PhD; Nuclear Energy Sector Manager
Nuclear Energy Market Sector
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Richland, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a PowerPoint on advanced
microreactor safety during the hearing on SB 177.
GWEN HOLDMANN, Director
Alaska Center for Energy and Power
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 177.
THOMAS CARPENTER, Appointee
Board of Fisheries
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Fisheries.
SHAWNA WILLIAMS, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Thomas Carpenter to the Board of Fisheries.
CHARLES DARRICK, President
Chitina Dipnetters Association
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to appointing Thomas
Carpenter to the Board of Fisheries.
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns about the impacts of
aquaculture on Yukon River fisheries to illustrate his
opposition to appointing Thomas Carpenter to the Board of
Fisheries.
KAREN GILLIS, Executive Director
Bering Sea Fisherman's Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to appointing Thomas
Carpenter to the Board of Fisheries.
PAUL SHADURA II, representing self
Kasilof, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing Thomas
Carpenter to the Board of Fisheries.
TRACY WELCH, Executive Director
United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA)
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing Thomas
Carpenter to the Board of Fisheries.
JERRY MCCUNE, President
Cordova District Fishermen United
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing Thomas
Carpenter to the Board of Fisheries.
DAVID WEISZ, Appointee
Board of Fisheries
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Fisheries.
FLOYD "MIKE" HEIMBUCH, Appointee
Board of Fisheries
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Fisheries.
AL BARRETTE, Appointee
Board of Game
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Board of
Game.
BEATRICE "RUTH" CUSACK, Appointee
Board of Game
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of Game.
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director
Resident Hunters of Alaska (RHAK)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to appointing
Beatrice "Ruth" Cusack to the Board of Game because, if
confirmed, the board composition would predominately consist of
guides.
CHARLES DARRICK, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of reappointing Al
Barrette to the Board of Game.
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing David
Weisz to the Board of Fisheries and Al Barrette and Beatrice
"Ruth" Cusack's appointment to the Board of Game.
PAUL SHADURA II, representing self
Kasilof, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing Mike
Heimbuch to the Board of Fisheries and was neutral on the
appointment of David Weisz because of his lack of experience.
SHANNON MARTIN, Executive Director
Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA)
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing David
Weisz to the Board of Fisheries.
JERRY MCCUNE, Lobbyist; Chair
Board of Directors
Cordova District Fishermen United (CDFU)
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing Floyd
"Mike" Heimbuch to the Board of Fisheries.
TRACY WELCH, Lobbyist; Executive Director
United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA)
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of appointing Floyd
"Mike" Heimbuch to the Board of Fisheries.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:38:45 PM
CHAIR JOSHUA REVAK called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:38 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Micciche, Kiehl, Stevens, Kawasaki, and
Chair Revak.
SB 177-MICROREACTORS
3:40:10 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 177
"An Act relating to microreactors."
3:41:11 PM
MARK NUTT, PE, PhD; Nuclear Energy Sector Manager, Nuclear
Energy Market Sector, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
(PNNL), Richland, Washington, began a PowerPoint on the Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory Briefing: Advanced Microreactor
Safety. He reviewed slide 2, PNNL is DOE's Most Diverse National
Laboratory. He pointed out that the PNNL sector manager works
with research scientists and engineers on nuclear energy, from
the front end to the back end of reactor safety. He said he is a
nuclear engineer and previously worked in one of Fluor
Corporation's US nuclear plants. PNNL has $1.24 billion in
funding, with 5,300 staff working on national security and
environmental restoration.
3:43:08 PM
DR. NUTT paraphrased slide 3, Bottom Line Up Front: Nuclear
Power is Safe.
The potential hazard of nuclear's high energy density
has always been known and has always been factored
into the design of nuclear power plants.
The nuclear energy industry is one of the most heavily
regulated commercial enterprises. The Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) has principal
responsibility for government oversight. The NRC's
mission is to protect public health and safety by
ensuring that plants comply with the terms of their
licenses as well as all the technical and
administrative requirements imposed by the agency.
• The NRC assigns at least two NRC resident inspectors
to every US nuclear energy plant, where the
inspectors conduct more than 2,000 hours of baseline
inspections each year.
• The industry also conducts peer reviews of plant
operation through the Institute of Nuclear Power
Operations (INPO). An INPO team and industry peers
conduct on-site, two-week inspections at each plant
once every two years.
• Major studies all conclude that nuclear is an
exceptionally safe way to produce electricity on an
industrial scale. Nuclear has the lowest number of
direct fatalities of any major energy source per kWh
of energy producedover 100 times less than hydro
and liquefied natural gas (OECD 2010).
3:44:56 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked why the nuclear plants were targeted in
Ukraine but would not be targets in the United States.
DR. NUTT answered that the military aspect of microreactors was
not his area of expertise. He said he would not speculate on
what was happening in the war between Russia and Ukraine. He
said he was familiar with the nuclear reactor, which was very
similar in design to the pressurized water reactors in the US.
He hoped no one would ever shoot at US nuclear reactors.
SENATOR STEVENS related his understanding that the current
nuclear reactors are a different generation. He asked if the new
plants were remarkably safer than the previous ones.
DR. NUTT agreed they are safer, noting he would discuss it later
on in the presentation.
3:47:19 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked about the two NRC resident inspectors
assigned to US nuclear energy plants and 2,000 hours of baseline
inspections each year. The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations
(INPO) onsite inspections are listed in bullet points 2 and 3.
He asked if the NCR and INPO oversight would happen with the
nuclear microreactors.
DR. NUTT answered that would be determined via the licensing
process. The new microreactors have passive and inherent safety
features, which may have reduced staff, but the regulator would
vet all of the terms.
SENATOR KAWASAKI acknowledged that slide 4 would cover
microreactors. He asked him to address the inspections for those
compared to the nuclear power plants listed on slide 3.
3:49:00 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE referred to the last bullet point which
compared nuclear power to hydro and liquefied natural gas
fatalities per kilowatt of energy. He noted a Cleveland incident
killed 130 in 1944 when a stainless nickel container leaked. He
wondered if the bullet point captured the statistics for each
industry.
DR. NUTT answered that there have been no direct fatalities
operating nuclear in the United States.
SENATOR MICCICHE noted that there had been occasional fatalities
in the natural gas industry.
3:50:31 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 4, What microreactor Design Sizes are
being considered? The slide included a graph that showed small
nuclear reactors under development in the US.
Nuclear microreactors are very small reactors usually
generating less than 50 megawatts electric (MWe). They
are seen as an alternative to small modular (50-300
MWe) or conventional reactors (often around 1,000
MWe).
By comparison, microreactors can be produced more
quickly, and within weeks, transported and deployed to
locations such as isolated military bases or
communities affected by natural disasters. They are
designed to provide resilient, non-carbon emitting,
and independent power in those environments.
DR. NUTT reviewed the evolution of nuclear reactors over time,
noting they originally started small, then became substantial
units. The industry has not had the most outstanding record in
deploying reactors, but it has worked to reduce plant size and
assemble the reactors at the power station. The smaller
reactors, typically under 50 megawatts (MWe), can serve many
different markets.
3:53:27 PM
MR. NUTT said the goal was to reduce civil construction required
to house the reactor, using smaller modular nuclear reactors,
which has led to microreactors. This provides portability, so
the microreactor can more easily be deployed or removed when it
is no longer needed.
3:54:36 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slides 5 and 6, What is an "Advanced Nuclear
Reactor"?
According to 42 USC ? 16271(b)(1) the term "advanced
nuclear reactor" means (A) a nuclear fission reactor,
including a prototype plant (as defined in sections
50.2 and 52.1 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations
(or successor regulations)), with significant
improvements compared to reactors operating on
December 27, 2020 , including improvements such as:
(i)additional inherent safety features
(ii) lower waste yields
(iii) improved fuel and material performance
(iv) increased tolerance to loss of fuel cooling
(v) enhanced reliability or improved resilience
(vi) increased proliferation resistance
(vii) increased thermal efficiency
(viii) reduced consumption of cooling water and other
environmental impacts
(ix) the ability to integrate into electric
applications and nonelectric applications
(x) modular sizes to allow for deployment that
corresponds with the demand for electricity or process
heat
(xi) operational flexibility to respond to changes in
demand for electricity or process heat and to
complement integration with intermittent renewable
energy or energy storage.
DR. NUTT said the advanced nuclear reactor takes the existing
experience of safe operation of the machines to deploy newer,
safer, more efficient and economic nuclear reactors in the
future.
3:56:06 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 7, What are "Passively Safe" and
"Inherent Safety" Designs?
Passive nuclear safety is a safety feature of a
nuclear reactor that does not require operator actions
or electronic feedback in order to shut down safely in
the event of a particular type of emergency (usually
overheating resulting from a loss of coolant or loss
of coolant flow).
Inherent nuclear safety systems use certain materials
and their properties to provide additional layers of
protection.
"Certain SMR designs are small enough that natural
convection cooling should be sufficient to maintain
the core at a safe temperature in the event of a
serious accident like a station blackout." - Union of
Concerned Scientists
DR. NUTT referred to a link on the slide to the Idaho National
Lab passive safety video that members could view at their
convenience.
3:57:11 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 8, What is an Inherent Safety Feature?
TRISO stands for TRi-structural ISOtropic particle
fuel.
Each TRISO particle is made up of a uranium, carbon
and oxygen fuel kernel. The kernel is encapsulated by
three layers of carbon- and ceramic-based materials
that prevent the release of radioactive fission
products.
The particles are incredibly small (about the size of
a poppy seed) and very robust.
They can be fabricated into cylindrical pellets or
billiard ballsized spheres called "pebbles" for use in
either high temperature gas or molten salt-cooled
reactors.
TRISO fuels are structurally more resistant to neutron
irradiation, corrosion, oxidation and high
temperatures (the factors that most impact fuel
performance) than traditional reactor fuels.
Each particle acts as its own containment system due
to its triple-coated layers. This allows them to
retain fission products under all reactor conditions.
TRISO particles can withstand extreme temperatures
that are well beyond the threshold of current nuclear
fuels.
DR. NUTT added that other fuel designs with the same inherent
safety features were being considered for advanced nuclear
reactors.
3:58:57 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 9, How are "Passive" Systems Different
from "active" systems for heat removal, which displayed a
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) diagram.
Active Systems in typical large light water reactors
require electrical power produced by the plant,
provide from the offsite grid, or from emergency
generators to operate to cool the plant.
DR. NUTT explained that if an event occurred at a reactor, the
control rods would drop into the core, and the nuclear chain
reaction would dissipate. The heat would still come off the
radioactive decay of the fuel, which would need maintained
cooling. He noted that the existing plants would require active
pumping, safety injection systems, and diesel generators to
provide offsite power, but the plant would require active
cooling.
3:59:43 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 10, What is Passive Heat Removal Through
Convection? [This slide depicted a reactor vessel showing heat
removal by air circulation; and a photo of the Westinghouse
eVinci reactor design.]
Convection is the movement caused within a fluid by
the tendency of hotter and therefore less dense
material to rise, and colder, denser material to sink
under the influence of gravity, which consequently
results in transfer of heat. Passive systems do not
require electrical power produced by the plant,
provided from the offsite grid, or from emergency
generators to operate.
The Westinghouse eVinci micro reactor is a next-
generation, small battery for decentralised generation
markets and micro grids such as remote communities,
remote industrial mines and critical infrastructure.
The reactor has heat pipes that remove heat from the
core. The heat pipes enable passive core heat
extraction.
DR. NUTT explained that heat removal by air circulation could
keep the plant cool and protect the fuel. Combined with the
inherent safety, it provides a better safety margin than the
reactors deployed today.
4:00:42 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 11, What Design Features Does NRC
Evaluate in their Safety Review?
NUREG 0800: Standard Review Plan for the Review of
Safety Analysis Reports for Nuclear Power Plants,
listing Chapter 1 19.
DR. NUTT explained that this slide shows what the NUREG provides
with its safety review. He stated that the applicant must
demonstrate how they will meet all of the criteria within the
guidelines. He anticipated that this would be the criteria used
in the future.
4:01:33 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 12, What are Staffing Considerations for
Microreactors?
What technical skills are required to operate a
microreactor and how feasible is it that skilled
technicians will be found to work at remote
microreactor locations?
• The NRC licenses all individuals who either operate
or supervise the operation of the controls of a
commercially owned nuclear power reactor or a
test/research (i.e., non-power) reactor under 10 CFR
Part 55.
• Operators are required to pass a written examination
that contains a representative selection of questions
on the knowledge, skills, andb abilities needed to
perform licensed operator duties.
• In general, a smaller plant having inherent and
passive safety features with some functions being
automated would likely result in a smaller work force
as compared to large LWRs.
• The NRC licensing process would end up defining what
on-site work force would be required to ensure safety
and security
4:02:49 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slides 13 and 14, How Will Spent Nuclear Fuel
be managed?
Multiple agencies and organizations have
responsibility for managing spent nuclear fuel:
• The Nuclear Waste Policy Act (the Act or the
NWPA) of 1982, established a comprehensive
federal policy to store and dispose of the
nation's SNF and HLW. The NWPA and its amendments
directed the Department to develop a system to
accept, transport, store, and permanently dispose
of SNF and HLW from commercial utilities. The DOE
manages and disposes of spent fuel it accepts
under the Standard Contract.
• The NRC regulates interim storage, permanent
disposal, and certifies SNF transportation casks.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
radiation protection standards? The
Utility/Operator sites, designs, and submits
license applications including an environmental
report in accordance with requirements
established by the U.S Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC)
• The NRC prepares an Environmental Impact
Statement for the proposed reactor and conducts a
review of the license application including any
required hearings
• The Utility/Operator constructs and operates
reactors in accordance with its NRC license-
Responsible for the management and storage of all
spent fuel until accepted by DOE in accordance
with the standard contract
4:04:13 PM
DR. NUTT acknowledged that the US does not have a national
repository for spent fuel.
The NRC has an established regulatory framework for
spent fuel storage at 10 CFR 72 and for transportation
at 10 CFR 71.
Pending approval of a national repository, there are
two general options for managing spent fuel:
1. For the current reactor fleet, Spent Nuclear Fuel
is stored in an onsite Independent spent fuel storage
installation (ISFSI) under 10 CFR 72 pending U.S.
policy decisions on ultimate disposition.
2. For advanced microreactors, the reactor could be
returned to the vendor for decommissioning or
refueling. This will require a new NRC package
approval as there are no currently approved packages
for microreactors with SNF.
An ISFSI is an NRC licensed complex designed and
constructed for the interim storage of spent nuclear
fuel; solid, reactor related, greater than Class C
waste; and other associated radioactive materials.
Consent-Based Siting
DOE is considering a national Consolidated Interim
Storage Facility for spent nuclear fuel that would be
sited using a consent-based siting approach in which
communities could volunteer to host the facility
4:05:38 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 15, How are Environmental Impacts
Different for Microreactors? The slide consisted of an image
listing broad environmental factors that are considered by NRA
during the NEPA reviews.
DR. NUTT said some considerations would be different due to the
size of the microreactors, including the lower water usage and
less transportation. The environmental impacts are also expected
to be smaller. He pointed out that the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission is developing a generic EIS for advanced reactors
that will include microreactors. He anticipated a draft would be
available later this summer.
4:06:40 PM
DR. NUTT reviewed slide 16, What are Some of the Unique
Challenges in the Arctic? The slide showed a photograph of
permafrost layers and a diagram that showed the ten codes for
evaluating potential doses from Nuclear Power Plants during
licensing and siting. These are being evaluated for use in
arctic environments.
NRC conducts geotechnical evaluations for foundation
supports for Nuclear Power Plants. These evaluations
will have to consider locating plants in permafrost
and the potential for permafrost to change over time.
DR. NUTT added that a hazard assessment would be required to
determine any external hazards the reactor could be exposed to
and ensure they are appropriately mitigated. The NRC evaluates
various codes, including radiation exposure potential from
nuclear power plants.
4:07:47 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI related his understanding that one selling
point of microreactors is reduced staffing. He expressed concern
about the 5 Mwe microreactor proposed at Eielson Air Force Base.
He asked what else NRC must consider before licensing, including
staffing levels and the number of hours for baseline
inspections.
DR. NUTT answered that the applicant would submit the plant
operational plan as part of NRC's licensing requirements,
including staffing requirements necessary for safety and
security. He noted that if an inspection happened and
insufficient staff was present, inspectors could shut down the
microreactor.
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked whether the site must be reviewed and
approved by NRC before siting would be approved and permitted.
DR. NUTT answered yes. He stated that the natural hazards and
geophysical stability must be reviewed prior to permitting.
4:10:20 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE turned to the exclusion zones based on the
quantity of energy in a facility. He asked whether it was safe
to say that if two facilities were designed similarly, but one
was a one gigawatt facility and the other a 50 megawatt
facility, one would have a significantly lower potential for the
quantity of fuel for the facility.
DR. NUTT answered yes, but the source term would depend on the
fuel and release mechanisms. He offered his view that a 50-
megawatt facility with extremely robust fuel and a 10-megawatt
facility, perhaps not as robust, could wash out. He indicated
that it would depend on the accidents, the accident sequences,
the source terms, and the potential amount of material that
could be released and where it would go. He indicated that a
larger nuclear reactor with a more extensive inventory could
typically have a larger source.
4:11:57 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE related his understanding that there may not be
any exclusion zones needed for the self-contained smaller
microreactor. He wondered if that meant that the seismology
regarding a tsunami is less critical with the smaller
microreactors, and if they are truly self-contained.
DR. NUTT answered that it would depend on the site, noting that
the microreactor would be sited to avoid flood and tsunami
zones, such that the geotechnical hazards and seismicity would
not cause the unit undue harm. It must be able to respond to an
earthquake and safely shut down, and with passive heat removal
remain safe. He pointed out that hazardous fission products are
retained in the TRISO fuels. It could be possible that the
safety analysis, including analyzing the event sequences,
hazards, and consequences as part of the safety analysis, might
show that there was no credible way that the nuclear reactor
could get damaged. If so, they may be able to back off of the
exclusion zone.
4:13:39 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked about the implications of disposal once the
project is completed. He recalled Dr. Nutt mentioned that no
packaging was approved for transporting the small nuclear
reactors when their work was completed. He asked if he
envisioned that the small microreactors would be hypothetically
left to cool forever on site or if they would end up in the big
trench on the Hanford Reach with a couple of hundred former
nuclear submarines.
4:14:15 PM
DR. NUTT answered that the Hanford Reach contains the reactor
compartments, but the fuel is removed, shipped, and stored in
Idaho. The nuclear reactors and cores are brought to Hanford and
stored in an open trench so inspectors can examine them.
Currently, all the fuel is stored at the reactor sites, pending
the department deploying a consolidated storage facility or
geological depository where it would be transported. He said
there are certified casks to move the existing light water
reactor fuel. He characterized it as proven technology. He
offered his view that if the business model had the microreactor
sited and ran for a period of time, if there were not a
disposition pathway, storage, or disposal facility, it would sit
until one became available. The regulatory commission must
certify the package for pickup and packaging if the company has
a business model that includes transport. It would also need to
certify a plan to move a fully-fueled microreactor. Currently,
the PNNL moves rated and unrated spent fuel in transportation
packaging. However, PNNL has never moved a reactor. The
Department of Defense (DoD) understands its responsibility. DoD
has restarted the process of assigning a new storage facility.
Other projects are underway to consider transporting nuclear
reactors, so work is being accomplished to develop those
capabilities to move nuclear reactors.
4:16:54 PM
SENATOR KIEHL related his understanding that TRISO has been
around since the 1960s. He asked why it took so long and if it
was a realistic goal.
MR. NUTT answered that TRISO-fuel reactors and others, such as
metallic-fueled, micro-fast nuclear reactors, have been around a
while. The US has operated gas-cooled carbide-fueled reactors.
However, the US chose the water-cooled nuclear reactors
primarily because the US Navy selected that approach. Meanwhile,
the Department of Energy and the national lab continue
developing advanced nuclear reactor concepts. He highlighted the
benefits: they are efficient, operate at lower temperatures than
gas reactors, can be used for process heat, and have inherent
passive safety benefits. As the technology developed and the
deployment of nuclear reactors improved, many private-sector
companies wanted to take different routes, considering other
coolant technologies, especially when using microreactors. Thus,
the technological advancements meant that nuclear reactors could
be deployed economically, allowing them to compete in the US
energy markets.
4:20:28 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI stated that the DoD has been discussing the
potential for using an advanced nuclear reactor at Eielson Air
Force Base (Eielson AFB). He asked whether NRC would have the
authority and jurisdiction for siting, permitting, and other
requirements Dr. Nutt outlined earlier.
DR. NUTT offered his belief that if a commercial company
deployed the microreactor to provide power services to Eielson
AFB, it would have to be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC).
4:22:06 PM
At ease
4:22:44 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
4:22:59 PM
GWEN HOLDMANN, Director, Alaska Center for Energy and Power,
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, answered that
the nuclear project at Eielson AFB was envisioned as a privately
owned and operated commercial project on USAF property. She said
that because the independent power producer would sell the
output from the reactor via a purchase agreement, it would fall
under NRC.
4:23:46 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI commented that DOE testified that NRC would
require staffing considerations and other restrictions before
permitting or siting, including spent-fuel management and the
number of annual inspections and hours for them. He asked
whether she was saying that the decision for a microreactor at
Eielson AFB hasn't been made yet.
MS. HOLDMANN stated that the project was intended at Eielson
AFB, pending EIS approval.
4:24:50 PM
CHAIR REVAK advised Ms. Holdmann that the committee was
experiencing audio issues and missed most of what she had said.
MS. HOLDMANN answered that any project at Eielson AFB would need
to comply with state requirements and meet NRC requirements.
SENATOR KAWASAKI clarified that this whole presentation is about
an NRC-regulated facility. He wondered what would happen if NRC
determined later that Eielson AFB was not the right location due
to staffing considerations, natural features, or spent-fuel
management.
MS. HOLDMANN agreed that it is quite possible that if
insurmountable barriers arise, NRC could select a USAF base at
another location.
4:26:53 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that SB 177 relates to an "advanced
nuclear reactor" as defined in 42 U.S.C. 16271. He highlighted
that people thought of the Three Mile Island accident and
Chernobyl stories when this bill was first brought up. He asked
what was different about the definition of "advanced nuclear
reactor" [referenced on page 1, line 13 of SB 177.]
DR. NUTT answered that it related to the requirement for
significant improvements since December 27, 2020. He explained
that the new advanced nuclear reactors must show improvements
over large light-water reactors like the one on Three Mile
Island, indicated by the 11 bullets on [slide 5]. He noted that
it was not just an incremental step up for today's nuclear
reactors because these reactors are different. These advanced
nuclear reactors are fourth-generation reactors with significant
improvements.
4:29:05 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE related that one of his constituents wondered
about the enrichment of microreactor fuel. He asked whether the
fuel was significantly more enriched and how that would affect
the overall risk.
MR. NUTT answered that these nuclear reactors would be limited
to using five-percent uranium 235 enrichment and they would run
around 20 percent, allowing for increased material loading in
the reactor core, resulting in using smaller reactors that can
run longer. He pointed out that even if using higher-enriched
uranium, these reactors would still use passive nuclear safety
measures with inherent nuclear safety systems. He offered his
belief that although the uranium fuel enrichment would be
higher, it was not significantly higher, so it wouldn't make too
much difference. He explained that fuel enrichment was necessary
to operate the nuclear reactor as envisioned.
4:31:03 PM
CHAIR REVAK held SB 177 in committee.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Board of Fisheries
Board of Game
4:31:23 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of governor's appointees
to the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game.
4:31:46 PM
THOMAS CARPENTER, Appointee, Board of Fisheries, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Cordova, Alaska, provided
his background, including that he had grown up in Illinois and
was stationed in Cordova while serving in the US Coast Guard. He
said he was impressed by the landscape and the opportunities the
natural resources provided to residents. He stated he has lived
in Cordova for 30 years, enjoying subsistence fishing on the
Copper River each year, sportfishing for salmon and cutthroat
trout, and hunting moose and deer in the Prince William Sound
area.
MR. CARPENTER stated that he crewed on a seine boat, fishing for
salmon and herring in Prince William Sound, and working on a
gillnet boat in the Copper River for a few summers. He bought
his first permit and boat in 1999. During that time, he attended
Board of Fisheries advisory committee meetings. He served as the
co-chair of the Copper River/Prince William Sound Advisory
Committee from 2000 until 2019 and was awarded the ADF&G
Excellence in Service Award in 2020. He indicated that he
participated in a commercial gillnet fishery in Area E in the
Copper River/Prince William Sound (PWS) Advisory Committee from
1995 to 2014. He also operated a sporting goods store focused on
sport fishing and hunting gear. He served as the regional fleet
manager for Copper River Seafoods from 2015 to 2019. He served
on the Copper River/Prince William Sound Salmon Harvest Task
Force and was the chair in 2019. He served on the Southcentral
Regional Advisory Committee from 2003 to 2018, primarily
focusing on subsistence issues. He served as co-chair of the
Prince William Sound Aquaculture Board and currently serves as
chair of the Prince William Sound Regional Planning Team for the
Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC).
4:34:53 PM
MR. CARPENTER stated that he would like to serve on the Board of
Fisheries to give back to Alaska, and if confirmed, he would
seek common ground for user groups on issues before the board,
analyzing the most current science-based information to make the
most informed decisions possible. Alaska has a world-class
management system with experienced managers and scientists that
solicit public input. He offered his view that Alaska leads the
world in sustainable fisheries management, which can continue
for many generations.
4:36:05 PM
SENATOR STEVENS thanked him for applying to serve on the Board
of Fisheries. He commended the knowledge and experience he would
bring to the board. He surmised Mr. Carpenter knew what serving
on the board entails.
MR. CARPENTER answered yes. He acknowledged that sometimes
people are unhappy with the Board of Fisheries' decisions, but
members must base their decisions on the best available
information.
4:37:03 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that many fisheries are failing, that
some attribute to unsuccessful management. He asked how he would
be different and be able to achieve independent decision-making
within an atmosphere of differing opinions.
MR. CARPENTER agreed that various groups attend board meetings,
striving to influence the board, perhaps more than the average
person. However, in his experience serving on the advisory
committee, he found that the process allowed people to
participate in meaningful ways. Alaska is the only state that
allows the public to participate at several junctures, including
at the advisory board level and when proposals come before the
board. He pledged to view comments from the general public and
the organizations through the same lens. He stated that he would
use factual and scientific information to make informed
decisions.
4:39:54 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI noted that he serves on the Board of Directors
for the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC) and
on several advisory committees. He asked whether he would be
required to resign from those positions if he is confirmed.
MR. CARPENTER responded that transparency was important to him.
He stated that he had already informed the PWSAC's Board of
Directors that he would resign immediately if confirmed. He said
he would also inform the regional planning team he would resign
if confirmed to the Board of Fisheries to avoid any potential
conflict of interest.
4:41:46 PM
CHAIR REVAK opened public testimony on the confirmation hearing
for Thomas Carpenter, appointee to the Board of Fisheries.
4:42:22 PM
SHAWNA WILLIAMS, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, spoke in
support of Thomas Carpenter's appointment to the Board of
Fisheries. She said she served with Mr. Carpenter on the Prince
William Sound (PWS) Aquaculture board, witnessing his hard work
and dedication to fisheries. She offered her view that he has
always balanced the corporation's best interests with those of
every user group. She indicated that he had gained a breadth of
knowledge from his military service, participating in
commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries, and his time at
Copper River Seafoods. She characterized him as a well-rounded
candidate who would make fair and equitable decisions regarding
fisheries for all user groups in the state.
4:43:38 PM
CHARLES DARRICK, President, Chitina Dipnetters Association,
Fairbanks, Alaska, spoke in opposition to confirming Thomas
Carpenter to serve on the Board of Fisheries. He expressed
concern that the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation's
viewpoint was that more hatchery fish is better. He offered his
view that the ever-increasing release of millions of Prince
William Sound hatchery pink salmon has resulted in pink salmon
infiltrating many Southcentral Alaska salmon streams, which has
the potential to dilute the genetics of the wild stocks in those
streams. The hatchery pinks released into the ocean compete with
Alaska's wild stocks, resulting in much smaller wild stock
returns and much smaller fish.
4:44:43 PM
MR. DARRICK expressed concern that Mr. Carpenter's role as chair
of the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation will result
in him promoting the increase and release of hatchery fish, and
Alaska's wild stocks will suffer.
4:45:12 PM
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, stated
that he served three terms on the Board of Fisheries. He related
that he had just returned from a Yukon River Panel meeting. He
has served since 1988 on the Yukon River Panel, which was formed
by Canada and the US as part of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. He
indicated that the sustainability of Yukon River fisheries is
problematic. He highlighted run statistics to illustrate the
declining runs, including a decline in the average summer chum
salmon run from 2 million to 152,000 and the fall run from 1
million to 102,000. The king salmon escapement in the Yukon
River tributaries, the Chena and Salcha Rivers, was only 22
percent despite closures to all fishing, including subsistence.
He offered his belief that this is the result of overfishing.
Koernig Hatchery, one of the biggest producers of pink salmon,
dumps 700 800 million pink salmon and over 200 million chum
salmon into Bristol Bay each year. The North Pacific Anadromous
Fish Commission (NPAFC), an international commission, reported
that 5.5 billion hatchery salmon dumped into the North Pacific
each year is causing fish to starve. The ADF&G scientists said
that the weights of salmon were the smallest per age ever
measured.
4:47:59 PM
KAREN GILLIS, Executive Director, Bering Sea Fisherman's
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that she echoed Mr.
Darrick's and Mr. Umphenhour's comments opposing Mr. Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries. She noted that his
expertise would not add to the board's diversity. She offered
her belief that the governor does not understand the historical
composition of the Board of Fisheries based on the recent
appointments. She reiterated her opposition to Mr. Carpenter
serving on the Board of Fisheries.
4:49:15 PM
PAUL SHADURA II, representing self, Kasilof, Alaska, referred to
qualifications in AS 16.05.221, which read, in part:
(b) ... The governor shall appoint each member on the
basis of interest in public affairs, good judgment,
knowledge, and ability in the field of action of the
board, and with a view to providing diversity of
interest and points of view in the membership. The
appointed members shall be residents of the state and
shall be appointed without regard to political
affiliation or geographical location of residence.
MR. SHADURA II stated that Mr. Carpenter would enhance the board
process because his experience in regulatory matters, commercial
fisheries experience, education, and small business operation
would assist in the board's deliberations. He urged members to
support Thomas Carpenter to serve on the Board of Fisheries.
4:50:47 PM
TRACY WELCH, Executive Director, United Fishermen of Alaska
(UFA), Petersburg, Alaska, stated that UFA is a statewide
commercial fishing trade association representing 37 commercial
fishing organizations participating in fisheries throughout
Alaska. UFA supports Thomas Carpenter for appointment to the
Board of Fisheries because of his significant experience in
fisheries throughout Alaska and his leadership roles in various
committees, councils, and groups. She further stated that Mr.
Carpenter possesses a wealth of knowledge and fisheries-related
experience in the local and regional organizations, including
his work on the Southcentral Regional Advisory Council, the
federal subsistence board, and the Copper River/Prince William
Sound Fish and Game Advisory Committee. He was awarded the ADF&G
Excellence in Service Award in 2020 for his ability to connect
with diverse groups and approachability. He currently serves as
the chair of the Board of Directors for the Prince William Sound
Aquaculture Corporation.
4:51:47 PM
MS. WELCH stated that Mr. Carpenter is also a longtime business
owner, former commercial fisherman, and an avid sportsman. He
has a history of working with various user groups, and a good
reputation amongst fishery professionals around the state speaks
to his qualifications to serve as a member of the Board of
Fisheries. She offered UFA's support for Thomas Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
4:52:43 PM
JERRY MCCUNE, President, Cordova District Fishermen United,
Cordova, Alaska, stated that he had known Mr. Carpenter since he
moved to Cordova. He related that he has fished for 62 years. He
offered his belief that Mr. Carpenter takes this appointment
seriously and that he was dedicated to all fisheries, not just
commercial ones. He said he is qualified and will be fair to all
fishermen and gear types.
4:53:24 PM
CHAIR REVAK closed public testimony on the confirmation hearing
for Thomas Carpenter, appointee to the Board of Fisheries.
4:53:52 PM
DAVID WEISZ, Appointee, Board of Fisheries, Alaska Department of
Fish and Game (ADF&G), Wasilla, Alaska, provided his background,
including that he had hunted and fished throughout Alaska most
of his life. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Three
Bears Alaska, which has provided him with expertise in handling
complex issues and balancing various parties' interests. He
stated that he would like to serve on the board to help achieve
the goal of preserving Alaska's fisheries for all stakeholders
for Alaskans and future generations of Alaskans.
MR. WEISZ stated that he would bring his problem-solving
abilities to the board. He indicated that he had worked with
many regulatory commissions throughout his career when opening a
new store location within Alaska, so he was familiar with the
impact of regulations on businesses. He said he has worked to
find solutions to satisfy all parties while conducting business.
He highlighted that he looks forward to serving on the board.
4:55:28 PM
CHAIR REVAK stated he would take public testimony after hearing
from the governor's appointees to the Board of Fisheries and
Board of Game.
4:55:50 PM
FLOYD "MIKE" HEIMBUCH, Appointee, Board of Fisheries, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Homer, Alaska, provided his
background, including that he has lived in Alaska for 70 years.
He stated his interest in serving on the board because of his
commercial fishing experience in Alaska. He said he has
participated in numerous fisheries throughout Alaska, giving him
a perspective of the various gear groups. He stated that the
Board of Fisheries must look through three lenses: economic,
biological, and political. He cautioned against revolutionizing
fisheries due to problems. He highlighted that he looks forward
to serving on the board.
4:57:25 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE commented that he would hold questions for Mr.
Weisz and Mr. Heimbuch to ensure the committee had time to hear
from all the appointees.
4:58:15 PM
CHAIR REVAK turned to Board of Game appointees, inviting
appointee Al Barrette to testify.
4:58:29 PM
AL BARRETTE, Appointee, Board of Game, Alaska Department of Fish
and Game (ADF&G), Fairbanks, Alaska, stated that his family
relies on Alaska's fish and game resources by participating in
subsistence, sportfishing, and personal use hunting and fishing.
They only take what they can use or share. He provided his
background, including that he served in the US Army for ten
years, and his last duty station was Fairbanks. He has owned a
fur dresser business since 1992 and supplements his income by
trapping. He highlighted that he does not advertise or book
hunts but holds a Class-A Assistant Guide license and works
under a registered guide outfitter for about ten days per year.
He highlighted that his interest in serving on the Board of Game
is to manage wildlife resources sustainably, not to favor
commercial interests. He said he would like to continue to serve
on the board to use his extensive knowledge on issues, noting
that he served for 20 years on a local game management working
group and has acquired a working knowledge of the federal
subsistence process, laws, and priorities. In closing, he said
he hoped that his grandson and Alaskan youth would be afforded
the same wildlife resources that Alaskans have today.
CHAIR REVAK thanked him for his willingness to continue to serve
on the board.
5:00:56 PM
BEATRICE "RUTH" CUSACK, Appointee, Board of Game, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Chugiak, Alaska, provided
her background, noting that she was raised in Iowa, and her
family hunted to put food on the table. Although she was not
allowed to hunt as a child, she took up hunting in her 20s. She
moved to Alaska in 2007, hunting species such as black bear,
caribou, moose, mountain goat, Dall sheep, and black-tail deer.
She said she initially accompanied her husband on a bison permit
hunt and later drew a musk ox permit. She highlighted her
volunteer work, including guiding black bear hunts at a black
bear camp sponsored by Alaska's Healing Hearts. This national
organization provides outdoor recreational opportunities for
veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).
She had also volunteered in ADFG's Becoming an Outdoors Woman
(BOW) program, teaching women about moose hunting and field
dressing and helping in several children's programs. She offered
her view that all generations should be able to enjoy what she
enjoys now. She serves on the Safari Club International, Alaska
Chapter (SCI-Alaska) Board of Directors, as vice chair. She
emphasized that she strongly believes in the SCI's mission,
noting their hunter advocacy and wildlife conservation efforts.
She said she earned her assistant guide license in 2020, working
under a Registered Guide-Outfitter, Mike Bowden. She spends
about three weeks in the spring and ten days in the fall
assisting with bear hunts on the Alaska Peninsula.
MS. CUSACK stated her interest in serving on the board is to
ensure that Alaska's game is healthy and resilient to ensure
that all future Alaskans can enjoy hunting. She pledged to
listen to all perspectives and make common sense decisions based
on data and science. If she is confirmed to serve on the Board
of Game, she offered her view that she might inspire other women
and Alaska's youth to participate in hunts and enjoy the
outdoors.
5:05:42 PM
SENATOR KIEHL thanked her for her volunteer work, especially in
outdoor education. He commented that the Board of Game did not
reappoint the board member who served as someone representing
subsistence hunting. He asked if she could address how the board
would function without a subsistence seat.
MS. CUSACK answered that she and her husband are subsistence
hunters who consume everything they hunt other than brown bears.
They donate 50 percent of any moose taken to the village where
they hunt.
5:07:09 PM
SENATOR KIEHL stated that some constituents had expressed
concern that 70 percent of the board would be big game guides or
former ones. He acknowledged the goal to make decisions based on
data and science, but sometimes board members must make judgment
calls on questions of allocation, resident, and non-resident
issues. He asked what effect the 70 percent board composition
might have on the public perception.
5:08:02 PM
MS. CUSACK answered that she is a hunter and an Alaska resident.
She stated that her assistant guiding is not her main focus or
source of earnings, so it should not interfere with her serving
on the Board of Game. She acknowledged that she is a guide
because hunting is her passion.
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether there were any areas where the board
would need to adjust the resident and nonresident harvest.
MS. CUSACK answered that she was unsure that she was informed
enough to speak on that issue. She said she views herself as a
sport hunter, not a guide.
5:09:49 PM
CHAIR REVAK commented that Ms. Cusack is being modest. He
related that he knows Ruth and her husband, Louis, and has
observed Ms. Cusack's tireless volunteer efforts in non-profit
organizations related to wildlife conservation and management.
He asked what her interest was in serving on the Board of Game.
MS. CUSACK answered that her interest in serving on the board
was to ensure that Alaska's wildlife resources are healthy. She
noted that people had expressed concern about the declining Dall
sheep and moose populations. She would also like to inspire
people to go outdoors and enjoy the state.
CHAIR REVAK thanked the appointees for their willingness to
serve.
5:12:00 PM
CHAIR REVAK opened public testimony on the governor's appointees
to the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game. He noted that
public testimony was previously taken for Mr. Carpenter,
appointee to the Board of Fisheries.
5:12:30 PM
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director, Resident Hunters of Alaska
(RHAK), Fairbanks, Alaska, paraphrased his previously submitted
written comments, which read:
The Board of Game is a seven-member panel that
determines all regional and statewide hunting
regulations, to include allocations between different
user groups, seasons and bag limits, and methods and
means of hunting.
It is imperative that the Board of Game be balanced
and fairly represent all Alaskans. AS 16.05.221, the
statute that governs Boards of Fisheries and Game
appointments, speaks to the need to provide a balanced
membership: "The governor shall appoint each member on
the basis of interest in public affairs, good
judgment, knowledge, and ability in the field of
action of the board, and with a view to providing
diversity of interest and points of view in the
membership." [my emphasis]
The current 3 appointments/reappointment to the Board
of Game (James Cooney, Ruth Cusack, and Al Barrette)
are all licensed hunting guides. If confirmed, there
would then be 5 guides on the seven-member board.
While we certainly believe that all of the individuals
appointed or reappointed to the Board of Game are
qualified to serve, we must oppose any more guides on
the Board of Game, regardless of class of their guide
license, as it clearly does not provide a diversity of
interest and points of view and unbalances the board
in favor of commercial hunting interests.
We have communicated to all of the appointees our
position, and in no way is our position meant to
question their integrity or character or
qualifications. This is purely about adhering to the
statute governing diversity of interests and points of
view on the Board of Game.
We have always made recommendations to the Governor
and Boards and Commissions regarding Board of Game
appointments, and currently we have three individuals
whom we've recommended. One has served on the board in
the past, one is a retired wildlife trooper who served
as trooper liaison to the Board of Game, and the other
is a resident hunter who has served on his local Fish
and Game Advisory Committee for several years. None of
these individuals holds a guide license.
We brought up our opposition to more guides on the
Board of Game during the last session when the
Governor appointed two new guides to the board, both
of whom were confirmed and are now serving. We believe
the statutory structure of the Boards of Fisheries and
Game needs to be revisited by the legislature. For
several years now the legislature has been using their
own non-statutory guidelines for appointments to both
boards, such as certain designated seats on the Board
of Fisheries, and regional representation on the Board
of Game. The legislature has been clear that they want
commercial fishing interests to be represented on the
Board of Fisheries, hence the two de facto commercial-
fishing-interest seats on Board of Fisheries.
Regarding commercial hunting interests on the Board of
Game, we are disappointed that the legislature has
been willing to confirm so many guides to the Board of
Game, while making clear they don't believe there
should be more than two seats on the Board of
Fisheries representing commercial fishing interests.
There are some 100,000 Alaskan residents who purchase
a hunting license and contribute more than a billion
dollars to the economy annually. Less than 1 percent
of those resident hunters are licensed guides, who
overwhelmingly cater to and guide nonresident hunters
in the commercial hunting industry.
Certainly, it makes sense to have a licensed guide on
the Board of Game to represent commercial hunting
interests. It makes no sense at all, though, to have
guides make up a majority of the board membership.
RHAK has an overview and history of the Board of Game
and process available on our website that I highly
recommend reading; it provides more context to our
position and information on why we believe the
statutory structure of the Board of Game should be
revisited. You can find it at this link:
https://www.residenthuntersofalaska.org/boardofgame
Respectfully,
Mark Richards Executive Director Resident Hunters of
Alaska (RHAK)
5:14:35 PM
MR. RICHARDS in closing, stated that RHAK firmly believes that
it is wrong to have the seven-member Board of Game be comprised
of five licensed big game guides, regardless of their class of
license or how many hunts they conduct.
5:14:42 PM
At ease
5:15:46 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
5:15:56 PM
CHARLES DARRICK, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, stated
that he served on the Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Committee
with Mr. Barrette. However, he resigned when he was appointed to
the Board of Fisheries. He commended his broad working knowledge
of Alaska regulations, laws, and Game Management Units (GMUs).
He characterized him as an impressive appointee.
5:17:10 PM
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, spoke in
support of David Weisz's confirmation to the Board of Fisheries
and Al Barrette and Beatrice "Ruth" Cusack's confirmation to the
Board of Game. He stated that he had served on the Fairbanks
Fish and Game Advisory Committee for 18 years, serving with Mr.
Barrette for about 15 years. He said Mr. Barrette is a fair,
scientific person who is highly knowledgeable about the board
process. He offered his belief that Mr. Barrette fully
understands the principle of sustained yield, predator and prey
relationships, and wildlife habitat.
5:18:52 PM
PAUL SHADURA II, representing self, Kasilof, Alaska, stated that
Mr. Heimbuch had previously noted that the board selection
process should gravitate more towards people with a background
with a broad array of participation and a decent understanding.
He said he agrees with this statement, primarily if it is
codified as a requirement. He offered his view that Mr. Heimbuch
should be confirmed based on his qualifications and practical
application.
MR. SHADURA II pointed out that Mr. Weisz does not list any
fisheries experience. He offered his belief that the
administration has made some political appointments by
appointing several board members from Southcentral Alaska. He
acknowledged that providing a diversity of interests is
difficult. The state's fisheries resources are dispersed
regionally and pose different biological and social issues. He
related that the framers of the Alaska Constitution deliberated
on numerous considerations to reflect geographical locations,
types of fish, fisheries, and political points of view to allow
for a diverse volunteer board.
MR. SHADURA II asked members to follow the current
qualifications and guidelines to avoid political considerations
and enhance the process by appointing board members with
scientific solid, practical application, historical knowledge,
and regional perspectives to improve the board's expertise and
reduce political conflicts.
5:21:05 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked which Board of Fisheries appointments he
supported or did not support.
MR. SHADURA II answered that he supported Mr. Heimbuch and Mr.
Carpenter and has no recommendation on Mr. Weisz because of his
lack of experience.
5:21:57 PM
SHANNON MARTIN, Executive Director, Kenai River Sportfishing
Association (KRSA), Soldotna, Alaska, stated that the KRSA is a
non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the sustainability
of the greatest sportfishing river in the world, the Kenai
River. KRSA's area of responsibility encompasses the Kenai River
Watershed and the Greater Cook Inlet Basin in Alaska. She stated
that KRSA supports the appointment of David Weisz to the Board
of Fisheries because of his proven leadership. She said he is a
well-respected businessman, and KRSA believes he will listen to
all perspectives and make fair and impartial decisions for all
user groups.
5:23:22 PM
JERRY MCCUNE, Lobbyist; Chair, Board of Directors, Cordova
District Fishermen United (CDFU), Cordova, Alaska, offered
CDFU's support for the appointment of Mike Heimbuch to the Board
of Fisheries. He related that he has known him for over 40
years. He stated that Mr. Heimbuch has commercially fished in
many parts of the state, but is also knowledgeable about
personal use, subsistence and other fisheries in the state. He
offered his belief that he will be fair to all user groups.
5:24:16 PM
TRACY WELCH, Lobbyist; Executive Director, United Fishermen of
Alaska (UFA), Petersburg, Alaska, stated that UFA supports the
appointment of Floyd "Mike" Heimbuch to the Board of Fisheries.
He has significant commercial fishing experience throughout
Alaska and has held leadership roles in various committees,
councils, and groups.
MS. WELCH said that Mr. Heimbuch is a longtime commercial
fisherman who has participated in fisheries across the state,
dating back to the 1960s. He has fished Prince William Sound,
Cook Inlet, Bristol Bay, the Alaska Peninsula, and Adak
throughout his fishing career. In addition to fishing
experience, Mr. Heimbuch has been active in fishing issues
across the state. He has previously worked in the legislature as
a fisheries aide to the Speaker of the House, been engaged in
fisheries associations, served on the Bering Sea Advisory board,
and been nominated twice for a seat on the North Pacific Fishery
Management Council. Mr. Heimbuch has also been active in his
hometown of Homer, serving on the City Council, Port and Harbor
Commission, and the Library Board.
MR. WELCH summarized UFA's view that Mr. Heimbuch's fisheries
experience, experience serving on other boards and commissions,
and familiarity with fishing issues throughout Alaska will serve
him well on the Board of Fisheries.
5:25:35 PM
CHAIR REVAK closed public testimony on the governor's appointees
to the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game.
5:25:49 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE related his understanding that Mr. Heimbuch had
a commercial fishing violation and asked him to elaborate.
MR. HEIMBUCH answered that in 1987 he had a violation when the
Cook Inlet fishery was transitioning from a 3-mile radar line to
a straight line because it was challenging to precisely identify
the vessel's location. He had a second violation in Bristol Bay,
where it was necessary to drop a blue card before fishing. He
stated that he had fished in a cannery that delivered the blue
cards by airplane to ADF&G in King Salmon. He said the planes
didn't fly for two and a half days. The violation was discovered
a year later when ADF&G found the discrepancy.
SENATOR MICCICHE commented that he never had a fishing
violation. He acknowledged that most fishermen do their best to
follow the rules. He expressed appreciation that Mr. Heimbuch
had explained the years-old fishing violations.
5:29:38 PM
At ease
5:30:15 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
5:30:21 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080,
the Senate Resources Standing Committee reviewed the following
and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session
for consideration:
Board of Fisheries
Thomas Carpenter Cordova
David Weisz Wasilla
Floyd "Mike" Heimbuch Homer
Board of Game
Allen "Al" Barrette - Fairbanks
Beatrice "Ruth" Cusack Chugiak
5:30:45 PM
[Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or
rejection.]
5:32:01 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Revak adjourned the Senate Resources Standing Committee
meeting at 5:32 p.m.