Legislature(2013 - 2014)BUTROVICH 205
03/04/2013 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR10 | |
| SB54 | |
| HB36 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SJR 10 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 54 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 36 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SJR 10-ARCTIC: POLICY, USCG, ARCTIC COUNCIL
3:32:55 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced SJR 10 to be up for consideration.
JOE BURNS, intern to Senator Giessel, sponsor of SJR 10,
explained that this resolution broadly deals with the overall
Arctic policy of the United States with particular emphasis on
how that policy affects Alaska. Specifically, it urges Congress
to expand the existing US Coast Guard Icebreaker fleet to
maintain its growing Arctic responsibilities, requesting that
the US Department of State include a designated representative
from the State of Alaska to serve as part of the official state
delegation to the increasingly influential Arctic Council.
MR. BURNS said there is renewed interest in the Arctic because
of diminishing levels of polar sea ice that is presenting new
opportunities to the world. Geologists believe the Arctic holds
the potential for large quantities of natural resources that
could promote domestic energy security and the Alaskan economy.
The decline in the amount of floor sea ice is also presenting
commercial interests with the opportunity to reduce
international shipping times compared to conventional routes by
navigating the Arctic Ocean.
3:35:06 PM
He said though the rest of the world appears to recognize the
potential of the Arctic, relatively little interest has been
exhibited at the federal level. "Major Icebreakers of the
World," published by the US Coast Guard reveals how our
neighbors have demonstrated their Arctic interests.
Icebreakers are essential to carrying out Arctic operations and
projecting a nation's presence in northern waters. Russia has 17
state-operated icebreakers, Canada has 6 and the US has only 3
and only 1 of those is presently in service.
MR. BURNS said that US interests are at stake in the Arctic and
these interests are of particular concern to Alaskans because
international Arctic policy affects them uniquely compared to
any other state. To preserve Alaska's interests, SJR 10 seeks to
give Alaska a presence on the Arctic Council. Since its
inception in 1996, this international high-level forum has
emerged as a leading channel for the discussion of international
Arctic affairs among all the Arctic states.
The sponsors believe Alaska's Arctic interests are fundamentally
America's interests and that whatever avenues are available to
pursue those interests should be pursued. Our nation should seek
to unlock the Arctic's potential by having the US take a
leadership role in guiding international Arctic policy. They
believe that adopting the provisions in SJR 10 will be a good
step in advancing that goal.
3:36:45 PM
MR. BURNS brought some updated information regarding the number
of Russian icebreakers that should be reflected in the
resolution on page 2, line 24. It says the total number of
Russian icebreakers presently commissioned is now 36 vessels and
below it on line 25 the number of Russian government operated
icebreakers commissioned is 17.
SENATOR DYSON moved conceptual Amendment 1 based on the updated
information on page 2, line 24, to change "35" to "36" and on
line 25, to change "22" to "17".
CHAIR GIESSEL found no objection and announced that Amendment 1
was adopted.
CHAIR GIESSEL gave great accolades to Senator McGuire who
brought great expertise to this topic.
SENATOR MCGUIRE said it was a joy to work with her on this
issue.
3:38:17 PM
SENATOR FAIRCLOUGH and SENATOR BISHOP joined the committee.
3:38:31 PM
SENATOR FRENCH asked how much an icebreaker costs.
MR. BURNS answered that he didn't have that information, but
would get it for him.
CHAIR GIESSEL said she was looking at an article about a
privately owned icebreaking anchor-handling tug vessel
originally commissioned by Royal Dutch Shell for construction by
Edison Chouest Offshore for $150 million; it was somewhat
smaller than a full icebreaker. The cost would be substantial.
SENATOR DYSON said there is a difference of magnitude between an
icebreaker that can break seasonal ice and one that can bust
through multi-seasonal ice by a factor of three. The US is in
the process of getting its multi-season ice capable vessel
refitted for $2.5 to $3 million and they are considering doing
it to a sister vessel, too.
SENATOR DYSON moved to report SJR 10, as amended, from committee
to the next committee of referral with individual
recommendations and attached fiscal notes.
CHAIR GIESSEL, finding no objection, announced that CSSJR
10(RES) moved from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.