Legislature(2011 - 2012)BARNES 124
02/22/2011 10:15 AM House ECON. DEV., TRADE & TOURISM
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR15 | |
| Presentation(s): "getting Alaskans' Gas to Alaskans in the Shortest Amount of Time While Maximizing an Export Opportunity," by David Gottstein | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 15 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HJR 15-SUPPORT ARCTIC CAUCUS
10:22:49 AM
CHAIR HERRON announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15, Relating to collaboration with
the Yukon and the Northwest Territories through the Pacific
NorthWest Economic Region and its Arctic Caucus to address
common issues.
CO-CHAIR HERRON called a brief at-ease due to technical
difficulties.
10:23:08 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON called an at-ease from 10:24 a.m. to 10:28 a.m.
due to technical difficulties.
10:28:53 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON introduced Mr. Earl.
10:29:15 AM
ROB EARL, staff, Representative Bob Herron, Alaska State
Legislature, introduced HJR 15 on behalf of Representative
Herron, prime sponsor. Mr. Earl informed the committee that HJR
15 encourages the legislature to support the Arctic Caucus
within the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER). The
Pacific NorthWest Economic Region was founded in 1991 and is the
only statutory, non-partisan, bi-national, public-private
partnership in North America. The organization includes five
U.S. states, two Canadian territories, and three Canadian
provinces; its mission is to increase the economic well-being
and quality of life for all citizens of the region, to
coordinate provincial and state policies, to identify and
promote models of success, and to serve as a conduit for the
exchange of information. Mr. Earl noted that PNWER addresses
issues through eighteen working groups, one of which is the
Arctic Caucus that includes legislators, governmental officials,
and business and non-profit leaders working to responsibly
develop North America's Arctic. The caucus began meeting in
July 2010, for the purpose of providing a forum for Alaska,
Northwest Territories (NWT), and Yukon Territory (YT) to discuss
issues of mutual concern, share information, and identify areas
of possible collaboration; for example, to promote a pan-
northern approach to federal government. The resolution
addresses this approach and states "the Arctic Caucus will also
strive to promote a synchronized message detailing the common
needs of the Arctic Caucus member regions to their respective
federal governments and emphasizing that coordinated
U.S./Canadian federal policies are vital for the well-being of
the region's citizens." He advised the resolution's final
resolve calls on the governments of YT and NWT to join Alaska in
an enduring alliance to pursue common goals.
10:32:22 AM
MR. EARL provided a PowerPoint presentation titled, "HJR 15 -
Support Arctic Caucus." Slide 2 indicated that the combined
land area of NWT and YT is larger than Alaska, but Alaska's
population is almost ten times that of the two territories.
Slide 3 was a map of the Arctic Caucus and he pointed out the
expense of traveling to Whitehorse, Inuvik, and Yellowknife from
Anchorage. Slide 5 provided economic information about the
region. Slide 6 indicated that Arctic populations across the
Arctic Ocean vastly outnumber the population on Alaska's side.
In fact, almost one-half of Arctic residents live in Russia.
Mr. Earl pointed out that United Nations (UN) mapping includes
all of Alaska's population in its Arctic totals. Slide 7
indicated that Alaska has the third largest indigenous
population behind Canada and Greenland. Slide 8 was a map of
the two major sea routes through the Arctic Ocean; the Northern
Sea Route follows the northern coastline of Russia and the
Northwest Passage follows the coastline of Canada. Slides 9 and
10 indicated that there is increasing vessel traffic in the
Arctic Ocean and Bering Strait, up from an estimated 325
transits per year. Slide 11 displayed extended continental
shelf claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS). Under the provisions of UNCLOS, coastal
countries have resource control over an Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ) from shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf or
200 miles, whichever is farther. He pointed out that the
continental shelf around Alaska is "narrow" except for an area
near the maritime border with Russia, where the U.S. can make an
extended Continental Shelf Claim north of the U.S. EEZ after
UNCLOS is ratified by the U.S. Senate. Slide 13 was a map of
extended claims by country.
10:37:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK asked how claims are made.
MR. EARL advised that claims are made to the UN for judgment.
10:38:19 AM
CHAIR HERRON clarified that the basis of Russia's claim is that
the territory is an extension of the Continental Shelf, and that
would pertain to the U.S. as well.
MR. EARL explained that Slide 14 indicates an area about the
size of New Jersey that is under a maritime border dispute
between the U.S. and Canada. Canada has delineated its maritime
border as an extension of the land boundary, whereas the U.S.
has drawn the boundary perpendicular to the coastline.
10:39:33 AM
MATT MORRISON, Executive Director, Pacific NorthWest Economic
Region (PNWER), noted that during PNWER's twenty-year history
two Alaskans have served as its president. Mr. Morrison opined
the point of the Arctic Caucus is the importance of
relationships in accomplishing goals for a large geographic
area; in fact, provincial and state efforts can be combined for
a greater voice in the federal capitals of Ottawa and
Washington, D.C., and throughout the region. Members of PNWER
are: Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, Montana,
Saskatchewan, Washington, Yukon Territory, and Northwest
Territories. He relayed that an example of PNWER'S expanding
spheres of cooperation between its members is the facilitation
of enhanced driver's licenses that will serve as passports
within the region. Another example is PNWER's Legislative
Energy Horizon Institute. Graduates of the institute are state
and provincial legislators who participated in a bi-national
effort with the U.S. Department of Energy and Canadian provinces
to study energy policy. Prior to the XXI Olympic Winter Games,
PNWER formed a border council to address border concerns, which
led to further progress toward the Beyond the Border Declaration
regarding regulatory compliance and perimeter security issues.
In addition, PWNER has hosted legislative visits to the Alberta
Oil Sands to discuss royalty issues. The Arctic Caucus was
developed in 2009 with strong support from NWT and YT, because
of the common concern with states in the U.S. that the federal
government in Ottawa "doesn't listen to them," and linking with
Alaska creates a different opportunity for attention from
Ottawa. Mr. Morrison also pointed out that PNWER contributed to
a proposed international rail connection along the British
Colombia, Washington, and Oregon corridor which led to $726
million for rail infrastructure improvements.
10:45:26 AM
MR. MORRISON advised that the Arctic Caucus is a forum for the
northern jurisdictions, although other states and provinces are
central to many Arctic issues such as seaports in Washington,
and oil sands development in Alberta. The first leadership
forum was held in Barrow, Alaska in 2010, and action items that
were addressed included advocacy from Canada and PNWER
encouraging U.S. participation in the Arctic Council, and
promotion of a northern approach on common issues to both
federal governments. Other issues addressed included the
expansion of the Marine Exchange of Alaska Automatic
Identification System (AIS) to support better capacity for
search and rescue, including joint training exercises, and the
promotion of federal support for the Alaska Highway and Shakwak
funding. Other issues identified included: gas pipeline
development; UNCLOS; energy development and transmission; joint
tourism and marketing; training and workforce development;
support of youth exchange programs; completion of an
infrastructure gap analysis to provide justification for
investment in future cross-border infrastructure. The next two
meetings of the Arctic Caucus are scheduled for Portland,
Oregon, in July 2011, and in Yellowknife, NWT, in August 2011.
Mr. Morrison said at these meetings and others, the Arctic
Caucus will push for its action items to Ottawa and the U.S.
federal government. He concluded by saying that there will be
further developments to implement and support Arctic Caucus
initiatives, and he urged support of HJR 15.
10:49:12 AM
CHAIR HERRON asked if there has been a reaction to the
resolution from PNWER's Canadian members.
10:49:19 AM
MR. MORRISON observed there is keen interest in the Alaska
legislation by YT and NWT. In further response to Chair Herron,
he opined similar action is forthcoming in YT, but both
territories are involved in upcoming elections.
10:50:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER spoke of his personal experiences with Mr.
Morrison and expressed his strong support for PNWER.
10:51:51 AM
NILS ANDREASSEN, Managing Director, Institute of the North
(Institute), noted the hearing was being filmed by a group of
young Alaskans who were brought to the State Capitol by the
Institute to film a series of tutorials of the state legislature
for young Alaskans. He then advised that the Institute was
founded to educate Alaskans about the reality, the richness, and
the responsibility of the northern regions, thus it provides
opportunities for stakeholders from across the Arctic to engage
in circumpolar transportation, energy, and infrastructure
issues. In addition, the Institute serves the state by
connecting local, state, federal, and international parties,
often through Arctic Council initiatives which it believes to be
the proper international forum for addressing technical,
scientific and human challenges. A valuable corollary to the
Arctic Council would be a sub-regional forum such as the PNWER
Arctic Caucus. The caucus would provide opportunities for
Alaska to engage with its neighbors to articulate a pan-northern
approach to infrastructure and policy development. Mr.
Andreassen turned to several important Arctic issues, such as
the responsible management and development of energy and
resources that will sustain the economies of northern regions.
Furthermore, Alaska's geographic location reinforces its role to
respond to increases in Arctic tourism and transportation
through the Bering Strait, thus must be in a position to respond
to the needs of search and rescue in its waters and beyond.
Infrastructure to support transportation activity is needed
immediately due to the aging icebreaker fleet and the distance
of the region from responders. In fact, the 940 miles from the
Coast Guard base at Kodiak to Point Barrow is nearly equal to
the distance from Seattle to Los Angeles. He pointed out the
state must advocate for investment in critical transportation
infrastructure by its participation in sub-regional and
international forums. The Institute has strong relationships
with Alaska's neighbors, and he stressed that these
relationships are crucial in today's world of "mixed media
messages and hyper-sensationalism." The Arctic Caucus provides
a needed opportunity to produce sound and relevant information
to address critical issues. Alaska must play a strong role in
decisions affecting northern waters such as Arctic marine
shipping, increased activity along Alaska's coast, search and
rescue, and Arctic aviation. All of these issues should align
with national policies in a spirit of cooperation similar to
Canada's commitment to the Arctic in 2010 that included a
foreign policy statement to work with international partners for
the advancement of the region. The Institute will be hosting
the Arctic Policy Forum with presentations from many Arctic
neighbors discussing complex regional issues. He closed,
advising that further interaction to strengthen relationships
can be provided by PNWER's Arctic Caucus.
10:58:53 AM
CHAIR HERRON asked for the highlight of the Arctic Policy Forum
agenda.
MR. ANDREASSEN explained the clear priority of the conference
will be the infrastructure deficit revealed by the Arctic marine
shipping assessment, and the gaps in Alaska's ability to respond
to issues along its coast.
11:00:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER observed that Canada has other Arctic
provinces and asked why they are not participating in the
caucus.
MR. ANDREASSEN advised that other territories and states are
stakeholders and can participate in Arctic issues through PNWER.
CHAIR HERRON observed that the provinces and territories have a
different relationship to Ottawa, thus the Arctic is the common
denominator in this PNWER sub-caucus.
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER asked for the first step that Alaska can
take to solve the gaps in search and rescue response.
11:02:36 AM
MR. ANDRESASSEN recalled a recommendation by the leadership
forum that called for two processes: to assess and identify
benchmarks for infrastructure that is needed at airports such as
lighting and modifications at ports, and a baseline assessment
of existing infrastructure.
CHAIR HERRON paraphrased a letter from Lieutenant Governor Mead
Treadwell, indicating Alaska is an important part of our
national security, and the governor and lieutenant governor
appreciate the resolution.
11:03:59 AM
MICHAEL O'HARE, Deputy Director, Division of Homeland Security
/Emergency Management, Department of Military & Veterans'
Affairs (DMVA), stated there are existing agreements and
advisory committees between Alaska and Canada regarding
coordination on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery
issues. Alaska has the responsibility to ensure that
communities are best prepared for any disaster.
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER complimented the division on its response
to problems in Savoonga.
11:06:36 AM
PAUL FUHS, Board President, Marine Exchange of Alaska, informed
the committee that vessels in international trade are required
to carry transponders on board to transmit their location. The
Marine Exchange, with the support of the U.S. Coast Guard, state
funds, and private sector funds, installed an array of antennas
in the Arctic and in Alaska to track the vessels. Mr. Fuhs said
the amount of current vessel activity in this area is
incredible. The tracking system allows analysis of "Arctic
domain awareness" and from this data policy can be set on
whether there should be established fairways and buffer zones.
Tracking also indicates which vessels are following regulations,
and if there is a marine casualty, can show the command and
control of the assets, response vessel location, equipment
location, and the drift zone of an oil spill. Mr. Fuhs offered
to display the system to the committee at a later date. He
expressed his support of HJR 15 with its focus on Arctic issues
such as the U.S. Arctic policy, oceans policy, the law of the
sea treaty, the Endangered Species Act, and risk assessment
activities of the Bering Strait and Unimak Pass. He opined
these are national and international overarching issues that
will affect the state. Mr. Fuhs also spoke in support of the
capital request by the Institute of the North for an assessment
task. He stressed that the state should be "on the front end"
of the issues in the Arctic because they are directly tied to
economic development.
11:09:53 AM
CHAIR HERRON spoke of the importance of the Marine Exchange
during the successful rescue of the crew from a freighter in the
Aleutian Chain.
[HJR 15 was heard and held.]
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HJR 15 - Alaska Arctic Caucus - PNWER.pptx |
HEDT 2/22/2011 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 - Arctic Caucus Proceedings.pdf |
HEDT 2/22/2011 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| HJR 15 - Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HEDT 2/22/2011 10:15:00 AM |
HJR 15 |
| EDT - Gottstein slides 2.22.11.ppt |
HEDT 2/22/2011 10:15:00 AM |