Legislature(1997 - 1998)
01/29/1998 01:25 PM House RES
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 296 - EXTEND ALASKA MINERALS COMMISSION CO-CHAIRMAN HUDSON announced the first order of business was House Bill No. 296, "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission." Number 0187 REPRESENTATIVE TOM BRICE, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of HB 296, explained the bill is a simple extension of the sunset date for the Alaska Minerals Commission. In 1997, the mineral industry invested close to $1.1 billion in extraction, exploration and further development in the state. The mineral resources are the state's wealth. The Alaska Minerals Commission makes recommendations to the legislature and Governor concerning problems and issues. The report is commonly used as a guide when introducing legislation. Currently, he noted there is a 23 percent increase in investment in the minerals industry in the state. The bill calls for a five year sunset which is normal for a commission of this magnitude. Number 0347 REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN asked Representative Brice whether the Alaska Minerals Commission acts in any other manner, other than data dispersement and assemblage. He asked whether the commission has a permitting or regulatory function and whether the commission advocates for mineral development where there are oppressive type rules and regulations. Number 0383 REPRESENTATIVE BRICE replied the Alaska Minerals Commission does not participate in the regulatory process. It does advocate for legislative changes in terms of onerous rules that the industry could face, however. For instance, the commission recommended that the state freeze a permit when a project was placed under injunction by a court, a bill introduced by Representative Brice last year. It also advocates for programs such as airborne geophysical mapping that has led to a boom in exploration in the Interior of the state. Number 0535 REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY MASEK commended the sponsor for the bill. It is pretty straight forward and easy to read. Number 0584 MARY NORDALE, Chairman, Alaska's Miners Association - Fairbanks Branch (AMA), testified via teleconference in Fairbanks. She expressed her deep appreciation to Representative Brice, Therriault and Davies for introducing HB 296. The Alaska Minerals Commission is a very important body because it provides (indis.) branch between government and the industry. The mining community supports and respects the commission. It has been very helpful to the general public and to the government of Alaska. Number 0662 JULES TILESTON, Director, Division of Mining and Water Management, Department of Natural Resources, testified via teleconference in Anchorage. The division supports HB 296. Simply, the commission does good work. It identifies mining related issues that promotes responsible mining, encourages streamlining, and enhances the Governor's theme - open for business. Number 0745 REPRESENTATIVE MASEK made a motion to move HB 296, version 0- LS1176\A, from the committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note. There being no objection, HB 296 moved from the House Resources Standing Committee.
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