Legislature(2009 - 2010)BARNES 124
03/30/2010 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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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
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*+ | HCR 22 | TELECONFERENCED | |
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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 |
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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 |