Legislature(2009 - 2010)BARNES 124
03/30/2010 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Overview: Community Services Block Grant | |
| HCR22 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HCR 22 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HCR 22-ALASKA NORTHERN WATERS TASK FORCE
8:54:08 AM
CO-CHAIR MUNOZ announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 22, Establishing and relating
to the Alaska Northern Waters Task Force.
8:54:20 AM
ELIZABETH HENSLEY, Staff, Representative Reggie Joule, Alaska
State Legislature, read the following prepared statement into
the record [original punctuation provided]:
HCR 22 creates the Alaska Northern Water Task Force to
facilitate State of Alaska leadership and regional
coordination in the ongoing development of United
States' policies related to the opening of Arctic
waters.
As many of you know, the Arctic is changing. Recent
warming trends are depleting the ice pack by 9% per
decade. NASA has observed that the rate of depletion
is accelerating due to interactions between the ice,
oceans and atmosphere.
The melting of the sea ice is opening waters that were
previously frozen year-round. Already, we have seen:
- increased ship traffic, and it is projected
that the Bering and Chukchi seas will become
major marine highways in the near future
- an unannounced cruise ship docking in Barrow
- possibilities for new fisheries
- increased access to natural resources
- questions of territorial rights
Arctic nations like Norway, Canada, Iceland and Russia
are actively promoting and defending their interests
in increasingly ice-free areas. The U.S. is taking
steps, as well. In your bill packet, you will see
that [U.S.] Senator Begich has introduced 7 pieces of
legislation that deal with the Arctic, and [U.S.]
Senator Murkowski has introduced 2 bills, one of which
relates to crating a deep water port in northern
Alaska. The White House has created 2 task forces
that touch on northern waters issues: the Interagency
Ocean Policy Task Force and the Climate Change
Adaptation Task Force. Finally, international bodies
like the Arctic Council and the Inuit Circumpolar
Council have been working in this area, as well as
Alaska-based [nongovernmental organizations] NGOs like
the Institute of the North.
As the only Arctic state in this nation, Alaska has a
unique role and interest in the development of U.S.
Arctic policy. This bill foresees the creation of a
joint federal/state commission that will guide
interagency and inter-jurisdictional actions in the
Arctic. It provides an opportunity for the
Legislature to take a proactive role in shaping this
commission, and in doing so, ensuring that Alaska's
interests are strongly represented.
8:56:44 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON moved to adopt CSHCR 22, Version 26-LS1622\E,
Cook, 3/26/10, as the working document. There being no
objection, Version E was before the committee.
8:57:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE REGGIE JOULE, Alaska State Legislature, presented
HCR 22. He opined that establishing this task force places the
state in a position to look to and plan for the future.
8:58:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS expressed the need for Alaska to have a
presence in Washington, DC. However, the fiscal note doesn't
include funds to travel to Washington, DC. Therefore, he
proposed including such.
8:59:57 AM
CHRISTINE HESS, Staff, Representative Reggie Joule, Alaska State
Legislature, explained that five meetings of the proposed task
force are planned: two in Anchorage, one in Nome, one in
Kotzebue, and one in Barrow. The fiscal note specifies $10,000
in professional services, which could possibly be used for a
member to travel to Washington, DC, or to an international
meeting.
9:00:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE related that the original fiscal note was
quite a bit higher than the one in the committee packet, but it
was scrubbed. He opined that if the committee feels the need to
include more of a presence where the actual discussions are
occurring then they could [include more funds].
9:01:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS opined, "If we're going to do this, it
needs to have the ability to be in the places where it's going
to make a difference." He said that although he won't suggest
the change in the fiscal note in this committee, he will make an
appearance in the House Finance Committee regarding the proposed
task force having the ability to make a difference. There's no
doubt that the Northern ice cap is decreasing and the area needs
to be prepared for more commercial activity. He also added that
Alaska needs to be involved with the Treaty of the Seas as well.
Representative Harris reiterated the need for the resolution to
have enough financial weight to accomplish [the goal].
9:03:42 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON asked if the elders predicted this.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE replied yes, there are stories that
reference growth. In further response to Co-Chair Herron,
Representative Joule said that there really isn't fear, although
there are concerns regarding the potential for clash.
Therefore, the proposed task force is necessary to bring
awareness to the community rather than have people at a distance
make decisions. The aforementioned is an integral part of the
proposed task force.
9:06:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER surmised that the proposed task force will
pay attention to the formation of the federal, international
commission and ensure that Alaska has a voice in the
discussions. He then inquired as to what Representative Joule
envisions in terms of recommendations that will be brought to
the legislature.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE said he envisioned some entity continuing
beyond the task force. He related his belief that there needs
to be a high level view of what's occurring in general terms in
order to determine what to do and what investments need to be
made investments on the ground. The aforementioned could
include partnerships and workforce preparedness.
9:08:45 AM
TRACY FOSTER, Executive Director, Alaska House, began by
explaining that Alaska House is a nonprofit dedicated to
promoting Alaska's issues and its opportunities. She noted her
agreement with earlier testimony regarding the great need for
the proposed task force. She related her understanding that
there are 30 different federal agencies and committees that work
to regulate oceans policy. At this point, there's no single
state entity that works to coordinate with the federal and local
governments. Therefore, it's imperative to have an entity with
"some legs" and "some budget" to set policy, lead infrastructure
development and planning efforts as well as policy.
9:10:02 AM
MEAD TREADWELL, Chair, U.S. Arctic Research Commission, began by
relating that he endorses HCR 22. As chair of the U.S. Arctic
Research Commission, he related that the U.S. Arctic Research
Commission has been involved in this issue by funding the U.S.
government's work on the Arctic marine shipping assessment,
which was signed off on by eight Arctic nations last year. In
fact, a number of town meetings were held throughout Alaska.
However, there's no continuing state role with the follow-up
work for the area meriting special attention (AMSA). Just
yesterday, the five foreign ministers of the Arctic Ocean
nations met in Canada where they reiterated interest, just to
name a few, in the following: having a search and rescue
agreement for the Arctic; having better hydrographic work; and
having the international maritime organization set standards for
Arctic ships. He reminded the committee that many of Alaska's
coastal and river villages receive their goods through a tug and
barge system, but pointed out that few have reviewed the new
United Nations standards for Arctic Ocean-going vessels and how
it may impact the cost of living in Alaska. The U.S. Coast
Guard is performing a high-latitude study to determine the type
of equipment it needs in northern Alaska. Again, the state and
the local communities need to be involved in the aforementioned.
The commission is publishing a paper on which the state weighed-
in on heavily regarding obtaining more Arctic oil and ice oil
spill funding. Speaking as a citizen of Alaska and the chair of
the commission, Mr. Treadwell recalled that a few years ago the
legislature funded a study regarding twin ports between Adak and
Iceland. He noted that he has had conversations in Iceland
regarding Alaska and Iceland together as a tender to find out
what shipping companies would support the construction of an
appropriate port at each end for Trans-Arctic shipping. He then
noted that noise issues in the Arctic, in terms of subsistence,
are fairly significant. The insurance industry has said that
without the appropriate ports, ports of refuge, and tug
capacity, the insurance rates won't decrease. Mr. Treadwell
suggested that after the issue is considered through the
proposed task force, Alaska's agenda would be considerable.
There is legislation, the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment
Implementation Act, that has been sponsored by all three members
of the Alaska congressional delegation. This legislation
establishes a federal process that could result in the state
having more involvement, especially if there is an
[organization] that is responsible for following the issue. He
commended the members to read the Arctic Marine Shipping
Assessment Implementation Act. Speaking on behalf of the U.S.
Arctic Research Commission, Mr. Treadwell related that it will
do what it can to support the state's efforts.
9:14:33 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON asked if Alaska, although it's a state, becoming
more involved with the Arctic waters issue heightens the issue.
MR. TREADWELL pointed out that the U.S. [government] has said it
wants to lead in having a safe, secure, and reliable shipping
system. If the aforementioned is done without including Alaska,
it won't occur as well. He opined that many in the
administration and the proposed task force will be able to bring
lots to the table. Furthermore, there are governments around
the world who are ready to set rules. In fact, the European
Parliament held a large debate over the Arctic Northern waters
two weeks ago. However, the Alaska State Legislature hasn't
discussed it very much. Mr. Treadwell opined that it's time for
Alaska to develop its own views. He further opined that others
will listen to Alaska.
9:16:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE interjected that Mr. Treadwell had much to
do with the genesis of this concept [embodied in HCR 22]. He
thanked Mr. Treadwell.
9:17:58 AM
BILL NOLL, Owner, Major International LLC, related his support
for HCR 22. With regard to the earlier budget discussion, Mr.
Noll related that in his experience in international business,
the goal was to establish value prior to the budget. The value
of this resolution is almost incalculable. He reminded the
committee that state waters only extend three miles, beyond
which are national waters and then international waters. At
this point, it's a confusing situation in terms of who is in
control as it has been said that there are 30 agencies
addressing this matter in the federal government and they may
not know they all exist. He likened this [proposed task force]
to the Magnusson-Stevens Act, which established the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) and ultimately
provided a forum where both state and federal officials were
mandated to work together regarding fisheries. He characterized
NPFMC as a huge success in terms of representing Alaskans who
work beyond the three miles of state waters to 200 miles from
shore.
9:21:55 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS commented that one of the reasons he
supports HCR 22 is it's the state helping itself. He opined
that having 30 different agencies in the federal government
through which one will have to navigate on this issue is
confusing.
9:23:19 AM
DENISE MICHELS, Mayor, City of Nome, related the City of Nome's
support for HCR 22. She told the committee that the City of
Nome has experienced an increase in ocean vessel traffic in both
the Bering Sea and Norton Sound. In 1990, there were 34
dockings in the Port of Nome while at the end of the season last
year there were 301 dockings. In 2008, three vessels traveling
the Northwest Passage stopped in Nome, which increased to four
vessels in 2009. She related the various organizations with
which the City of Nome has tracked or worked on this issue. She
also related that there are three studies regarding ports and
harbors that are being performed. The U.S. Navy is conducting a
two-year study for the deep water port its [constructing]. The
U.S. Coast Guard is performing a high latitudes study. The
Corp. of Engineers and the Department of Transportation are
performing a baseline survey of ports and harbors. During the
process, the question arose regarding who in Alaska is keeping
track of all the studies and groups. Mayor Michels agreed with
earlier testimony that all levels of government needs to be
involved, particularly those at the local level because the laws
and regulations being considered at the national and
international level will directly impact local [Alaskan
communities]. In conclusion, Mayor Michels related that she
looks forward to participating [with this issue].
9:26:05 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS highlighted that HCR 22 taps the mayor of
Nome to be part of the task force. He asked if she's up to the
task.
MAYOR MICHAELS replied yes.
9:26:36 AM
TOM OKLEASIK, Planning Director, Northwest Arctic Borough,
related the Northwest Arctic Borough's support for HCR 22. He
reminded the committee that Arctic is home to the Inupiaq
people, with interrelations across the region and countries.
Furthermore, the Inupiaq people are closely connected to the
environment. Changing climate and global economic interest
cause the Arctic to be viewed in a new light, particularly in
terms of marine accessibility as well as the exploration and
exploitation of natural resources onshore and offshore. He
opined that in general there's a lack of science and
understanding of the unique Arctic environment. Therefore, the
state and federal policy and permit decisions need to be
cautionary. At this point, any development needs to be done
correctly and in partnership with the Inuit. Mr. Okleasik
pointed out that there are many past mistakes with Arctic
development that need to be acknowledged and from which one can
learn. He highlighted that the Arctic is one of the last
pristine environments in the world, and thus the task force
needs to include indigenous people, including the Eskimo Walrus
Commission, the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, the Nanuk
Commission, and others that would have an important voice in the
process.
MR. OKLEASIK, in the way of background, informed the committee
that both the Northwest Arctic Borough and North Slope Borough
Planning Commissions have held a joint strategic planning
session over the past year. One of the priorities, in
recognition of the Arctic development is to map high use
subsistence use areas and define deferral development areas in
order to achieve balanced development. Both commissions realize
the need to boost their Arctic economies, in terms of both their
cash and subsistence economies. The aforementioned was also
supported by the Arctic Economic Development Summit, which is a
summit in which both boroughs participate. Mr. Okleasik related
that there is recognition of infrastructure needs, including the
development of ports in multiple locations. He then expressed
the need for an energy policy in order that the region can be
energy independent while contributing to the energy needs of the
U.S. At the same, there needs to be wildlife protection to
ensure that the subsistence economy is protected and thrives in
the future. In conclusion, Mr. Okleasik reiterated the
Northwest Arctic Borough's support for HCR 22, but encouraged
amendments to achieve better involvement of the indigenous
people of the Arctic.
9:30:47 AM
BOBBY SCHAEFER, Public Services Director, Northwest Arctic
Borough, began by characterizing HCR 22 as a stepping stone in
the right direction. There is very little scientific data
regarding the Arctic ecosystem. He related that over the course
of the last six to seven years, the Kotzebue IRA has been
tagging the bearded seal to track its movement. The Beluga
Commission has been tagging Beluga whales in order to know the
areas they frequent throughout the year. He explained that he
mentioned the aforementioned tagging in order to relate the
concern for the wildlife. He noted that these are animals upon
which the people in the area utilize to survive. The concern,
he expressed, is that the increased traffic due to the opening
up of the Northwest Arctic passage will impact wildlife.
However, the extent of the impact is unknown, which is why he is
pushing for the work [in the Arctic region] to begin as soon as
possible. Mr. Schaeffer then reiterated support for HCR 22. He
concluded by relating his belief that the Alaska Inuit
Circumpolar Conference should have a representative on the
proposed task force.
9:33:33 AM
KATIE BALDWIN, Alaska House, began by relating that she was
originally from Bethel, Alaska. She then related that Alaska
House, which is a resource to connect Washington, D.C. and
Alaska, recently hosted a discussion on the issues of melting
Arctic ice and increased shipping traffic. She opined that it
has been eye-opening to participate in these discussions. These
shipping routes are opening and without planning ahead, Alaska's
coastlines and people will be taken advantage of. Therefore,
establishing this infrastructure protects the state's
coastlines, monitors the ecological effects, and takes measures
to protect the state's environment. Ms. Baldwin also
characterized this as an opportunity for economic development,
particularly in terms of seasonal work. Therefore, it's in the
best interest of Alaskans to hear about these jobs first and to
be trained to fill the jobs. The aforementioned may mean the
need for training programs, which she opined can't happen
without the proposed Alaska Northern Waters Task Force. In
conclusion, Ms. Baldwin related her support for the proposed
task force.
9:35:27 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON inquired as to what Ms. Baldwin tells people in
New York in terms of describing the impact of opening the
Northern waters.
MS. BALDWIN answered that it begins by describing the [Bethel]
area as it's foreign to [those in the Lower 48]. People are
shocked that Bethel isn't on the road system. She also
expressed the need to discuss the subsistence lifestyle and its
importance to the Yupik people in the area as well as the
importance of non Alaska Natives to be able to live off the
land. She opined that people [in the Lower 48] can relate to
the fact that the area is unique and is part of America's
heritage. She further opined that people [in the Lower 48] are
willing to protect the aforementioned.
9:38:08 AM
ANDERW MACK, Assistant, Office of the Mayor, North Slope
Borough, speaking on behalf of North Slope Borough Mayor Itta,
related that the North Slope Borough shares many of the concerns
expressed in HCR 22. Specifically, the Arctic Ocean ice cap is
rapidly melting and the effects of the aforementioned and other
symptoms of climate change are already being experienced in the
surrounding communities and wildlife populations. For instance,
coast erosion has accelerated, wildlife migration patterns
appear to be changing, and numerous species are migrating into
Northern waters for the first time. Moreover, cruise ship
activities are expected to increase and commercial fishing is
being contemplated in the Northern waters. He characterized the
Arctic as ground zero for climate change.
MR. MACK informed the committee that last week the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service asked the North Slope Borough to join the
Arctic Landscape Conservation Cooperative, which will be a
partnership of federal, state, and local government agencies,
tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and other entities in
Arctic Alaska and Northern Canada. The Arctic Landscape
Conservation Cooperative is part of a larger effort to address
the impacts of climate change called for in Secretarial Order
3289, which was signed by U.S. Secretary Salazar last September.
Additionally, the North Slope Borough holds the position of
chair of the North Slope Science Initiative (NSSI), which
includes federal and state agencies focusing on science needs in
the North Slope. The goal is to provide more effective programs
for developing science in the Arctic. Perhaps most importantly,
is the existence of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force,
which is a program that overlaps with issues identified in HCR
22. Since last summer, the aforementioned task force has been
working to develop a national policy for oceans and coasts. The
Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force traveled to Alaska and took
testimony last August. The task force has issued an interim
report with recommendations on human health, economic interest,
the adaptation to climate change and other environmental
concerns, foreign policy, and homeland security. The task force
is also developing recommendations for a framework for coastal
and marine spatial planning, which is a huge endeavor that could
impact the borough in a significant manner. Therefore, the
borough is spending much time to understand the process. He
noted that the task force is being directed from the White House
and thus he expected that an executive order will be signed and
issued. Mr. Mack stated that these are just three examples of
major initiatives already underway that the task force proposed
in HCR 22 should consider. He reviewed activities by various
other organizations and related that the North Slope Borough is
approached on a regular basis to participate in various efforts
to examine the changing Arctic environment. "We appreciate that
HCR 22 provides a strong local voice. We need the local, state,
and federal agencies to be working together to address these big
issues," he related. In conclusion, Mr. Mack related support
for HCR 22 as the vehicle for the state's voice in the
aforementioned process.
9:43:22 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON asked if the approach by the various
organizations is patronizing.
MR. MACK answered that in some cases it feels as if the
organization wants to include the local communities in the
beginning, but as the process continues it becomes apparent that
people outside of the Arctic and Alaska are driving the process.
At that point, it does feel patronizing. He then highlighted
that the state territorial waters are very limited, whereas
there are far more [waters] controlled by federal regulatory
processes. Therefore, it's imperative that the State of Alaska
take an active role.
9:45:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ALAN AUSTERMAN, Alaska State Legislature, opined
that Alaska is behind on addressing the depletion of the Arctic
ice cap and the issues that will arise with other foreign
countries. Alaska should be involved in what occurs in the
Arctic and the proposed task force is a good step with regard to
what is going on, who is involved, and their plans. Although
the state only has control of three miles of water, the impact
of what occurs in the vast territorial waters is important. He
recalled six to seven years ago when he worked with fisheries in
the Murkowski Administration when there was a shift in fishery
issues such that foreign countries were becoming involved in
fish stocks that seem to be moving. The aforementioned led to
the North Pacific Fisheries Council closing all fishing inside
federal waters until they can get a handle on what the stocks
are and will be doing. In conclusion, Representative Austerman
related his support for HCR 22.
9:48:49 AM
CO-CHAIR MUNOZ, upon determining no one else wished to testify,
closed public testimony.
9:49:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE thanked the committee for introducing the
resolution and related that he looks forward to moving HCR 22
through the legislative process.
9:50:06 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS mentioned that there may be some language
issues on page 2, lines 26 through page 3, line 3. He related
his belief that the President of the Senate and the Speaker of
the House of Representatives won't appoint the following members
to the task force: the U.S. Coast Guard member; the member
representing the state administration; the mayors of the North
Slope Borough, Northwest Arctic Borough, and the City of Nome;
and the U.S. Department of Interior representative. Therefore,
he suggested that the language be modified such that the
appropriate appointing agency is specified.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE agreed to address the necessary language
changes as the resolution moves through the legislative process.
9:51:16 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON moved to report CSHCR 22, Version 26-LS1622\E,
Cook, 3/26/10, out of committee with individual recommendations
and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection,
CSHCR 22(CRA) was reported from the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee.
9:51:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE concluded by relating his appreciation for
the work performed by the staff in his office as well as
Representative Austerman's office.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HCRA 3.30 - Draft CSBG FFY11 State Plan.pdf |
HCRA 3/30/2010 8:00:00 AM |
CSBG |
| HCR 22 Bill Packet.PDF |
HCRA 3/30/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HCR 22 |
| CS HCR 22 (1622-E).PDF |
HCRA 3/30/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HCR 22 |