Legislature(2011 - 2012)CAPITOL 120
02/16/2012 01:00 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR34 | |
| HB316 | |
| HJR34 | |
| HB316 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 34 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 316 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HJR 34-COAST GUARD ICEBREAKERS & ARCTIC BASE
1:08:26 PM
CO-CHAIR THOMPSON announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 34, Urging the United States
Congress to fund all the facilities and vessels necessary for
the United States Coast Guard to fulfill its Arctic missions,
including icebreakers and an Arctic Coast Guard base.
1:08:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BOB HERRON, Alaska State Legislature, introduced
HJR 34, as sponsor. Representative Herron called attention to
the supporting documents provided in the committee packet. He
said the resolution is the result of the work Alaskans put into
the Alaska Northern Waters Task Force, including testimony from
throughout the state. The task force concluded that the U.S.
Coast Guard needs an Arctic-capable icebreaker and a forward
base located closer to the Arctic than the current base at
Kodiak. The base at Kodiak is valuable to the U.S., however, a
base near Nome or Barrow would protect the interests of Alaska
and the nation. The task force found there is increased Arctic
activity, thus an icebreaker and an Arctic base would enable the
responsible development of resources, foster maritime commerce,
safeguard Arctic residents and their ecosystems, provide
emergency and disaster preparedness and response, and protect
sovereignty. Representative Herron pointed out that Alaska is
the Arctic state, and it and the Coast Guard "need the tools" to
address the important resources there; even nations without an
Arctic border are building icebreakers. He said the supporting
documents were provided by the lieutenant governor of Alaska and
others, and more expert testimony will follow this introduction.
There is a zero fiscal note attached, and the resolution will be
further vetted by the House State Affairs Standing Committee.
He advised that U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski has invited
legislators and others to attend a hearing of the Homeland
Security Subcommittee, U. S. Senate Committee on Appropriations,
in Washington, D.C., on 3/8/12. Passage of the resolution will
demonstrate serious support in Alaska for the funding of
icebreakers and facilities to enhance the Coast Guard presence
in the Arctic. Recent events on the seas highlight the need for
the Coast Guard to be an important aspect of life in Alaska.
1:14:26 PM
CO-CHAIR THOMPSON opened public testimony.
1:14:43 PM
ED PAGE, Executive Director, Marine Exchange of Alaska ("marine
exchange"), said the marine exchange is supported by the state,
the Coast Guard, and the maritime industry to provide a marine
tracking system. As personal history, he noted he retired from
the Coast Guard 11 years ago as an officer with service on the
East and West Coasts. Mr. Page advised that since World War II
the Coast Guard has provided icebreaking support for the Great
Lakes and for New York Harbor, but not for Alaska. His last
tour in the Coast Guard was as Chief of Marine Safety and
Environmental Protection for Alaska Region, but at that time
"the Arctic wasn't on our radar screen [be]cause nothing was
happening." Since then, the marine exchange vessel tracking
system has revealed that passage in the Arctic has increased
dramatically, by cruise ships, Chinese icebreakers, cargo ships,
tugs and barges, supply vessels, and tankers from Russia
traveling to the Far East. Clearly, now there is a need for a
U.S. presence to establish sovereignty, emergency response, and
oversight of compliance with safety and environmental
regulations. Unfortunately, Coast Guard icebreakers are
reaching the end of their lifespans, even though activities in
the Arctic are national issues and affect the entire country.
The Coast Guard is recognized worldwide as a leader in maritime
safety and environmental protection, however, its present
capability in the Arctic is limited. Mr. Page urged for
continued support from the state for the U.S. to provide for a
Coast Guard presence as required.
1:18:07 PM
CO-CHAIR THOMPSON asked what Coast Guard icebreakers are
available if needed on the Arctic coast.
MR. PAGE said the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Healy is
operational and suitable, and there are smaller icebreakers on
the East Coast. However, the USCGC Healy was designed primarily
as a research vessel with icebreaking capabilities. Although
access to McMurdo Station in Antarctica is an important mission,
he opined the Arctic mission is more pressing, and the more
appropriate place to stage icebreakers. In further response to
Co-Chair Thompson, he said USCGC Healy is in Seattle at this
time.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLER asked what the capabilities of a fully
equipped icebreaker would be.
1:20:21 PM
MR. PAGE advised a fully equipped icebreaker would have a stern
configured so it could back up in ice, and it would have larger
displacement and greater horsepower than the USCGC Healy. The
legacy icebreakers like the USCGC Polar Star and USCGC Polar Sea
have more horsepower and different hull configurations.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLER asked how long it would take an icebreaker
to get from Kodiak to the Arctic.
MR. PAGE estimated one week, depending on the thickness of the
ice. In further response to Representative Miller, he confirmed
that the response would take days, unless the icebreaker was
already in the Arctic.
1:22:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN asked several questions about the
capabilities of an icebreaker.
MR. PAGE said he has limited knowledge, but the design of an
icebreaker involves the thickness and design of the hull so that
it rides on top of the ice. Icebreakers have ballast systems
that move water from the stern to the bow and propellers and
steering gear that are well protected from ice, along with more
power and displacement to break thicker ice. In further
response to Representative Lynn, he said the USCGC Healy can
travel through ice six feet thick.
1:24:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA expressed her understanding that military
organizations need to prepare to be ready for difficult tasks.
She asked if the resolution goes far enough to support
readiness.
MR. PAGE said current operations are increasing - 350 vessels
travelled through the Bering Strait last year - and the
resolution seeks to ensure that Coast Guard capabilities grow as
the pace of the traffic grows. The Coast Guard plans to go to
the Arctic this summer with vessels and aircraft, and there will
be challenges with equipment that may not be designed for cold
weather. He opined the resolution identifies a mission: the
future need for more facilities, capabilities, and icebreakers.
In further response to Representative Cissna, he said HJR 34 is
a good beginning and an important endorsement from the state.
MR. PAGE, in response to Representative Lynn, said helicopters
are standard equipment on icebreakers.
1:29:32 PM
JEFFREY GARRETT, Maritime Affairs Consultant and retired Coast
Guard Rear Admiral, provided a brief history of his experience
serving in the icebreaker fleet. He served in both Polar
Regions, and particularly in Arctic Alaska, although during his
career most operations were limited to defense support and the
support of science programs. However, transformational changes
occurring in the Arctic affect the Coast Guard's statutory
responsibilities. More recently, the Coast Guard is seeking to
project an Arctic presence by deploying cutters, boats,
aircraft, and specialized teams to test equipment, but during
this time of growing need, its polar icebreaker capabilities are
drifting into "obsolescence." He observed that the Coast Guard
has been unable to deploy an icebreaker for Arctic multi-mission
purposes for over two years, and plans for the USCGC Polar Sea
have been canceled, forcing the U.S. to charter a Russian vessel
to serve bases in Antarctica. In addition, the USCGC Healy's
mission to deliver fuel to Nome this year disrupted its planned
maintenance and operations schedule. Mr. Garrett commended HJR
34 and Alaska's strong call for the federal government to
provide the Coast Guard with the capabilities, particularly
polar icebreakers, to meet national needs in the Arctic. He was
encouraged by the 2013 federal budget which contains funding to
begin the acquisition of an icebreaker, and urged quick action
to restore the USCGC Polar Star and the USCGC Polar Sea to full
operational capabilities.
1:32:58 PM
LAWSON W. BRIGHAM, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Geography &
Arctic Policy, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), informed
the committee he is a former commander of the USCGC Polar Sea.
Dr. Brigham raised a question of protocol regarding the
resolution, noting that the draft form of the resolution was
sent to Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic states but he
recommended that the resolution be sent to the Foreign Ministers
of the Arctic states. On a more substantive matter, he observed
the last passage of the resolution urges the U. S. Congress and
the administration to consider all options to finance
icebreakers, including charging fees, leasing, and giving
icebreakers to the private sector. Dr. Brigham highly
recommended that legislators remove that section because user
fees have no place in the operation of the Coast Guard. The
Congress and administration should fund the Coast Guard as it
does the Navy or Air Force, and ships should not be leased for
use by the Coast Guard.
1:35:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLER called attention to page 2, line 1, of the
resolution which read:
WHEREAS ice cover in the Arctic is at historic lows,
and multiyear ice is decreasing;
REPRESENTATIVE MILLER asked whether this loss of ice will affect
how many icebreakers are needed, and if this passage applies
exclusively to the Arctic, or also to the Bering and Chukchi
Seas.
1:36:28 PM
DR. BRIGHAM said the multiyear ice will disappear in the Arctic,
aiding navigation, but the retreat of ice and the thinning of
ice has drawn traffic and opened sea lanes leading to more
responsibility for the Coast Guard for presence, law
enforcement, security, and science. It is a misconception that
less ice reduces the need for icebreakers when, in fact, it is
the opposite due to the greater use of the whole of the Arctic
Ocean. This is related to natural resource development and the
longer season of open navigation.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLER surmised a less than fully-equipped
icebreaker may be designed for these conditions.
1:38:11 PM
DR. BRIGHAM reminded the committee the Bering Sea to the Arctic
Ocean is fully ice-covered so if industry seeks to operate year
around, or in the fall and spring, the need for an icebreaker
with USCGC Polar Sea capability is more necessary. Operations
deep in the winter season, such as exploration in the Bering
Strait, would be beyond the capability of the USCGC Healy.
DR. BRIGHAM, in response to Representative Lynn, estimated the
time needed to build an icebreaker is eight to ten years, due to
the budget process in Washington, D.C.
1:40:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON supported Dr. Brigham's recommendation on
protocol. Regarding the resolve on leasing, he offered to
address Dr. Brigham's concerns during the hearing process on the
resolution. He then asked whether the USCGC Polar Star's return
to service and its projected length of service is accurate in
the resolution.
DR. BRIGHAM indicated yes. The challenge is to appropriate
sufficient funds to keep the ships running in the short run,
with the hope of funding the acquisition of a new ship. He
agreed that the costs are extraordinary and a challenging budget
issue.
1:43:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON inquired whether the action of the USCGC
Healy for the community of Nome, and the fact that China is
building another world-class icebreaker, will convince the
administration and the Navy to invest in icebreakers.
DR. BRIGHAM opined these events show the high readiness of the
Coast Guard and that it only lacks assets; it has quality staff
and readiness. Other less visible factors, such as offshore
development, require a presence on the ice and in the shallower
waters around Alaska. He suggested buoy tenders are also
necessary.
1:46:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON heard the Navy has ordered 51 warships at
$500 million each, and he suggested that one should be an
icebreaker.
DR. BRIGHAM agreed saying, "Two of them could equate to an
icebreaker, [of] course that's not necessarily how Washington
works." Because the U.S. has an extraordinary investment in
Antarctica, he encouraged investment in America's presence in
both Polar Regions by increasing the nation's icebreaker
capability to support both Antarctica and the Arctic.
[Although not specifically stated, public testimony was closed
and HJR 34 was set aside and taken up later in the meeting.]
HJR 34-COAST GUARD ICEBREAKERS & ARCTIC BASE
1:54:05 PM
CO-CHAIR THOMPSON announced that the committee would return its
attention to HJR 34.
1:54:55 PM
CO-CHAIR THOMPSON moved Amendment 1 which read:
"COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the
Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United
States; the Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, United
States Secretary of State; the Honorable Sergey
Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Russian Federation; the Honorable Erkki Tuomioja,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland; the Honorable
Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden;
the Honorable Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Norway; the Honorable John Baird, Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Canada; the Honorable Össur
Skarphéðinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
External Trade of Iceland; the Honorable Villy
Søvndal, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark; the
Honorable Admiral Robert J. Papp, Commandant, United
States Coast Guard; Ambassador David A. Balton, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries, United
States Department of State; Rear Admiral Thomas F.
Ostebo, Commander, United States Seventeenth Coast
Guard District; the Honorable Sean Parnell, Governor
of Alaska; the Honorable Mead Treadwell, Lieutenant
Governor of Alaska; the Honorable Lisa Murkowski and
the Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senators, and the
Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of
the Alaska delegation in Congress; and all other
members of the 112th United States Congress."
1:55:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN objected for the purpose of discussion.
CO-CHAIR THOMPSON said the amendment is in response to Dr.
Brigham's testimony recommending a change in procedure to follow
proper protocol on who receives the resolution.
1:55:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN removed his objection. There being no
further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
1:55:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN moved to report HJR 34, Version 27-LS1303\A,
as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and
the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHJR
34(MLV) was reported out of the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans' Affairs.
1:56:17 PM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 1-HJR034A- Bill.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 2- HJR 34 - USCG Icebreakers Arctic Base - Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 3- HJR 34 - 12 01 11-LG Treadwell on Icebreakers.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 4- HJR 34 - 2010 USCG Auth Act - AMSA Section.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 5- HJR 34 - ANWTF Recs PP 14-21.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 2- HB 316 - Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| 3-HB316 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| 6- HJR 34 - Foreign Minister Amendment.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 4- HB316-Fiscal Note- DCCED-AIDEA-02-10-12.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| 7- HJR 34 - Ltr from Lawson Brigham.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 8- HJR 34 Leg Coun-Fiscal Note.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM SSTA 3/22/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HJR 34 |
| 5- HB316-Fiscal Note-DMVA-MVA-CO-02-13-12.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| 6- HB316-Fiscal Note-DOR-AHFC-02-10-12.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| 1- HB0316 ver I- Bill.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| Saddler testimony HB 316.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HB 316 |
| 9- CSHJR34 (MLV) ver. M.pdf |
HMLV 2/16/2012 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 34 |