Legislature(2013 - 2014)BARNES 124
02/27/2013 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR6 | |
| HB99 | |
| HJR7 | |
| HJR6 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 7 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 99 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HJR 7-ENDORSING ANWR LEASING
2:24:36 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 7, Urging the United States
Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration,
development, and production; relating to oil and gas
exploration, development, production, and royalties; and
relating to renewable and alternative energy technologies.
2:27:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN GATTIS, Alaska State Legislature, speaking
as the prime sponsor, informed the committee the proposed
committee substitute (CS) provides minor grammatical
modifications to HJR 7.
2:27:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved to adopt Version 28-LS0399\N,
Nauman, 2/26/13, as the working document. There being no
objection, Version N was before the committee.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS stated that HJR 7 urges Congress to pass
legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration, development,
and production. She expressed frustration that "our hands are
tied" with respect to oil exploration in the 1002 area of ANWR,
even though geological indicators predict that the area contains
8 percent of the nation's undiscovered oil. Clearly, ANWR is a
key component of the nation's effort to achieve energy
independence, when combined with other alternatives. Further,
oil development in ANWR will garner great financial benefit to
Alaska. Representative Gattis recalled legislation before
Congress in 1995 and 2002 that could have led to oil production.
She restated the potential for economic benefit to the state and
the nation, and urged that the committee support the resolution.
2:31:09 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER opened public testimony on HJR 7.
2:31:54 PM
DANIEL LUM informed the committee he is a former tour operator
and author. Mr. Lum said as an Alaskan it is frustrating to
hear arguments about ANWR raised by those who do not live on the
North Slope. While scientists and politicians debate,
subsistence users see that climate change is real because of the
absence of ice packs, and the melting permafrost on the tundra
and beneath the lakes. As the Arctic climate shifts, the
effects are coastal erosion, the decline of land and marine
species, and the arrival of invasive bird species: small
changes in global climate bring massive changes to plants,
fungus, and lichen on the North Slope. Mr. Lum explained that
with change, certain areas become increasingly more important,
such as the biological stronghold of the North Slope - the
coastal plain of ANWR. When the refuge was created, the intent
was to establish a wilderness refuge for wildlife, however,
industry has targeted the biological heart of the refuge, which
is the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd and where
polar bears den. He urged that the committee not support the
resolution.
2:34:12 PM
PAMELA A. MILLER, Arctic Program Director, Northern Alaska
Environmental Center (NAEC), stated that NAEC and fourteen other
environmental organizations in Alaska - representing residents
from Kaktovik to Juneau - issued written opposition to HJR 7 and
in support for protecting ANWR. She pointed out that the area
is a refuge originally established by President Eisenhower,
including the coastal plain. It was expanded by the Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and work
continues to permanently protect the coastal plain area. She
said the organizations opposing the resolution identified four
major reasons for continued protection of the refuge: oil, gas,
and wilderness are not compatible; the ANWR coastal range is
important ecologically and culturally; tourism is vital to
Alaska's economy and business; and alternative ways to meet
energy needs must be pursued. Finally, in response to previous
testimony, she said the proposed federal legislation sponsored
by U.S. Representative Don Young will open the entire coastal
plain area to oil and gas, although according to the U.S.
Geological Survey, the oil is located in small, scattered
pockets. In comparison, Prudhoe Bay is one large oilfield. Her
personal experience is that ANWR is a vital and remarkable area,
and an asset to Alaska for future generations.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON requested a copy of the letter of
opposition and a list of the signatory organizations.
MS. MILLER will provide a copy.
2:38:23 PM
PRINCESS LUCAJ, Executive Director, Gwich'in Steering Committee,
said her grandparents are of Arctic Village and expressed her
appreciation to her elders and ancestors who spoke with one
voice to support protection of the refuge and its coastal plain.
She recalled her grandmother saying her grandmother's elders
predicted changes in the weather, the effects of which are now
seen in Alaska and the nation. Living in an oil state creates a
conundrum between the revenue from oil and setting aside the
last 5 percent of the North Slope that is not open to
development. Ms. Lucaj relayed recent conversations with
workers on the North Slope and miners who love Alaska, hunting,
and fishing, and believe that areas like the refuge should be
protected. She said her heritage has taught her to fight to
protect the unique way of life of one of the last indigenous
peoples who can live off the land.
2:41:40 PM
ADRIAN HERRERA, Washington DC Coordinator, Arctic Power, stated
that Arctic Power is a nonprofit organization that runs a
national grassroots advocacy campaign for environmentally
responsible oil and gas development of the 1002 area of the
coastal plain. Organized in 1992, Arctic Power receives grant
funds from the State of Alaska and works closely with the Alaska
Congressional Delegation and the governor's office. Arctic
Power supports HJR 7; in fact, opening 1002 is perhaps one of
the single most important energy policy acts for the nation.
Just this year, two proposed bills have been introduced in
Congress that contain ANWR 1002 provisions, and about fifteen
more are expected during this session. As a matter of fact,
single houses of Congress have passed legislation to open the
1002 area of ANWR fifteen times in the past thirty-three years,
most recently last year. Each resolution passed by the Alaska
State Legislature to open the 1002 area of ANWR is delivered by
Arctic Power to Congressional offices and to many non-
governmental agencies. Mr. Herrera opined this is the most
important action taken to convey the wishes and beliefs of the
residents of Alaska; a past study showed that over 50 percent of
all public respondents who were initially against 1002
development, changed their minds when told that a majority of
Alaskans and state government support this issue. He assured
the committee that Arctic Power will continue to inform others
that development and nature can coexist, and that development of
the 1002 area is crucial to the nation's transition to new
alternative energy resources, funded by trust funds from oil
taxes.
2:46:39 PM
JULIE KITKA, President, Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN),
explained AFN's position of support for HJR 7 was taken after
extended debate and discussion. The official position of AFN is
to support careful and responsible development because Alaska
has a responsibility to further energy security in the national
interest.
2:48:16 PM
TARA SWEENEY, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Arctic
Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), informed the committee ASRC
is owned by 11,000 Inupiat shareholders and was formed pursuant
to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971. The
corporation owns approximately 5,000,000 acres of land within
the boundaries of the North Slope. In addition, ASRC and
Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation, the Native corporation for the
Village of Kaktovik, own more than 92,000 acres of subsurface
and surface acreage inside the coastal plain. These lands hold
significant promise for onshore oil and gas development and both
organizations remain committed to developing resources in a
manner that respects Inupiat subsistence values, protects
culture, and ensures proper care of the environment. As a
result of a provision in the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA) these lands remain protected awaiting
further action from Congress, which is the basis for ASRC's
support for HJR 7. In addition, her organization requests that
the surface and subsurface ownership of both ASRC and Kaktovik
Inupiat Corporation are acknowledged in the resolution because
the resolution is aligned with ASRC's mission to enhance Inupiat
economic opportunity while protecting subsistence freedoms. Ms.
Sweeney reminded the committee that the Arctic is an unforgiving
climate and home to the residents of Kaktovik - the only village
within the boundaries of ANWR - who subsist from the land and
the sea; in fact, no one would suffer greater harm from the
mismanagement of the coastal plains lands. She opined it is
possible to develop the coastal plains oil and gas reserves and
allow access to energy resources with a minimum footprint in the
refuge and without a significant disturbance to wildlife. The
legislature should take a leadership role to promote sound
energy policy and responsible oil and gas development to provide
a safe and secure source of energy to the nation and to create
jobs for Alaskans. The coastal plain has been home to the
Inupiat people for over 10,000 years and ASRC would not support
development of this area if it would have an adverse effect on
subsistence; however, without further development in the region,
communities will not survive.
REPRESENTATIVE HAWKER asked that the sponsor take heed of Ms.
Sweeney's counsel about respecting the private property rights
and interests within the 1002 area that are being completely and
totally disrespected by the federal government.
2:52:37 PM
JAMES SULLIVAN, representing the Southeast Alaska Conservation
Council (SEACC), submitted written comments from SEACC and
fourteen other organizations across the state and the nation in
opposition to HJR 7. He said the organizations feel that the
refuge should remain a refuge, devoid of exploration and
development. In response to Representative Tarr, he said the
signatory organizations are: Alaska Center for the Environment,
Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Alaska Wilderness League,
Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition, Arctic Audubon, Audubon Alaska,
Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, Gwich'in Steering
Committee, National Wildlife Federation, Northern Alaska
Environmental Center, Pacific Environment, Sierra Club,
Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands, The
Wilderness Society, and Southeast Alaska Conservation Council.
2:54:19 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER, after ascertaining that no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON remarked:
I find it a little disingenuous that the good
committee from Fairbanks testified earlier that they
would not support the cleanup of oil wells, but yet
they come forward to oppose the opening of ANWR. So,
I just wanted to make sure that that was clear and on
the record.
2:54:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON moved Conceptual Amendment 1 that read:
On page 4, line 2, delete "Inuit" and add "Inupiat"
REPRESENTATIVE WILSON explained that the word Inuit includes all
of the people, and Inupiat includes all of those living on the
North Slope.
2:55:57 PM
LINDA SYLVESTER, Staff, Representative Lynn Gattis, Alaska State
Legislature, informed the committee that the correction was
brought forward by Representative Nageak, who is from the
Village of Kaktovik.
2:56:41 PM
There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment 1 was adopted.
MS. SYLVESTER advised the sponsor of HJR 7 would consider the
conceptual amendment brought forward by Tara Sweeney to be a
friendly amendment, and suggested drawing the language of the
amendment from Representative Hawker's statement.
2:57:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HAWKER moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 2,
which is that Legislative Legal Services, Legislative Affairs
Agency, is authorized to draft an amendment to HJR 7 that
recognizes the substantial private property interests of
Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and ASRC in this area, and that
those property rights be respected. He further asked for
Legislative Legal to be granted large latitude to work with the
sponsor, and with Ms. Sweeney, on that language.
CO-CHAIR SADDLER restated the intent of Conceptual Amendment 2.
REPRESENTATIVE HAWKER stressed the importance that the
conceptual amendment reflect the following: the land is held in
private property ownership; the development of the land is being
obstructed by federal policy; these are lands that were conveyed
to the Arctic people by part of the terms and qualifications of
ANCSA; these are their legacy lands that they were charged with
economically developing for the future of their people; and they
are being denied the opportunity for that development through
the federal government's own denial of access to the lands that
were given specifically for that purpose.
2:59:03 PM
There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment 2 was adopted.
2:59:19 PM
CO-CHAIR FEIGE moved to report the proposed CS for HJR 7,
Version 28-LS0399\N, as amended, out of committee with
individual recommendations and zero fiscal notes. There being
no objection, CSHJR 7(RES) was reported from the House Resources
Standing Committee.
2:59:43 PM
CO-CHAIR SADDLER handed the gavel back to Co-Chair Feige.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HJR6 LAA Fiscal Note.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 6 |
| HJR6 AOGCC Presentation.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 6 |
| HJR6 Petroleum News Article.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 6 |
| HJR6 RDC Letter.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 6 |
| HJR6 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 6 |
| HJR6 Version N.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 6 |
| HJR7 ANWR Map.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR7 CBO Report.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR7 LAA Fiscal Note.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR7 RDC Letter.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR7 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR7 Version U.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR7 Version N.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR7 ACE Letter.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 7 |
| HJR6 Cribley Testimony.pdf |
HRES 2/27/2013 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 6 |