Legislature(2015 - 2016)ANCH LIO AUDITORIUM
10/02/2015 01:00 PM House ECON. DEV., TOURISM, & ARCTIC POLICY
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Aapc Implementation Plan | |
| Department of Environmental Conservation Recommendation 3a | |
| Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Recommendations 3b, 3c, and 3d | |
| Alaska Department of Fish and Game Recommendations 3e and 3f | |
| Department of Law Recommendation 3g | |
| Department of Labor and Workforce Development Recommendation 3h | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT MEETING
SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE ARCTIC
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM &
ARCTIC POLICY
October 2, 2015
1:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE ARCTIC
Senator Cathy Giessel, Co-Chair
Senator Lesil McGuire, Co-Chair
Senator John Coghill
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM &
ARCTIC POLICY
Representative Bob Herron, Chair
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Charisse Millett, via teleconference
Representative Cathy Tilton
Representative Dan Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT
SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE ARCTIC
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Donald Olson
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Berta Gardner
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM &
ARCTIC POLICY
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Adam Wool
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Bryce Edgmon - via teleconference
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: ALASKA ARCTIC POLICY COMMISSION (AAPC)
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATION 3A
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS 3B, 3C, AND 3D
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME RECOMMENDATIONS 3E AND 3F
DEPARTMENT OF LAW RECOMMENDATION 3G
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATION 3H
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
BILL GRIFFITH, Facility Programs Manager
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information related to DEC's role
in Arctic communities.
CHRIS HLADICK, Commissioner
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Explained DCCED Recommendations 3B, 3C, and
3D.
JOEL NIEMEYER, Federal Co-Chair
Denali Commission
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Reported on the implementation of
Recommendation 3D.
GLENN HAIGHT, Executive Director
Alaska Board of Fisheries
Boards Support Section
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented Recommendations 3E and 3F.
BRUCE DALE, Director
Division of Wildlife Conservation
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to food security
of the Arctic people.
BRAD MEYEN, Senior Assistant Attorney General
Natural Resources Section
Department of Law (DOL)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Explained legal positions regarding
Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings.
MIKE ANDREWS, Director
Division of Employment and Training Services
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Addressed Alaska Arctic Policy Commission
Recommendation 3H.
MARK BRZEZINSKI, Executive Director
Arctic Executive Steering Committee
Washington, D.C.
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified about the federal government's
perspective of the future of the Arctic.
BETH KERTTULA, Director
National Ocean Council
Washington, D.C.
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the presentation of the
Alaska Arctic Policy Commission's Implementation Plan.
VIVIAN KORTHUIS, Vice President of Community Services
Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP)
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on ways to help support healthy
communities.
KATE BLAIR, Committee and Projects Coordinator
Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Shared AOGA's role in Arctic policy.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:05:37 PM
CHAIR HERRON called the joint meeting of the Senate Special
Committee on the Arctic and the House Special Committee on
Economic Development, Tourism & Arctic Policy to order at 9:05
a.m. Present at the call to order were Senators Coghill and Co-
Chair Giessel and Co-Chair McGuire, and Representatives Tilton,
Ortiz, Johnson and Chair Herron.
Alaska Arctic Policy Commission (AAPC) Implementation Plan
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE commented that the topic of Healthy Communities
is one area where the people of the Arctic can be positively
impacted. The purpose of today's hearing is to learn about the
administration's perspective of this topic through state agency
involvement. She stressed that this is the beginning of the
conversation.
^AAPC Implementation Plan
1:09:33 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL commented that she is a nurse practitioner and
she led the team that worked on the resource development piece
of AAPC. She opined that "a good paying job is the best social
program." She read a quote about resource development and how it
relates to positive community and economic development, cultural
preservation, a modern standard of living, and health and
safety.
CHAIR HERRON noted that Representative Edgmon was listening via
teleconference. He also said the presentation could be found on
BASIS.
^Department of Environmental Conservation Recommendation 3A
Department of Environmental Conservation Recommendation 3A
1:11:47 PM
BILL GRIFFITH, Facility Programs Manager, Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC), presented information related
to DEC's role in Arctic communities. He said the department
works with communities all over the state, but today he would
focus on the plan's delivery of reliable in-home water, sewer,
and sanitation services in rural Arctic communities.
MR. GRIFFITH began by relating the department's focus on the
process of getting rid of the honey bucket. Today, about 85
percent of rural homes have indoor plumbing. This was
accomplished with a centralized approach of treating 100 percent
of the water to full regulatory compliance, storing large
quantities of water, and distributing the treated water. The
household sewage is transported to a lagoon. About 60 percent of
Arctic communities have pipe systems, some have individual
wells, and a handful have truck delivery, but 31 communities
don't have individual services. The total number of unserved
homes is about 3,500.
1:15:17 PM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE asked where the 31 communities are located.
MR. GRIFFITH replied that they are in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta,
the Interior, and in the Northwest Territory. He referred to a
map on the DEC website which depicts those communities.
He turned to a chart showing water and sewer funding needs, both
for the current system and for the unserved communities. The
amount has increased from $4 million in 2006 to almost $700
million in 2014. The funding gap continues to widen and appears
to be an untenable situation as it is currently set up.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL noticed that in 2010 funding increased and then
decreased. She asked if federal funding played a role.
MR. GRIFFITH replied that the funding line represents all
sources, including state and federal funds. The increase was
caused by stimulus funds.
REPRESENTATIVE ORITZ asked him to summarize the reason for the
rapid upward movement related to the Red Mine in the last five
years.
MR. GRIFFITH explained that it is related to increasing
construction costs and aging facilities. Also, the regulatory
environment for drinking water and waste water disposal involves
new costs in order to meet compliance standards.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE requested charts of numbers of households and
funding needs, as well as delineating between new households and
those doing upgrades.
MR. GRIFFITH agreed to provide the charts to the committee.
1:20:38 PM
He noted that the cost of operating a water and sewer system in
rural communities is much greater than anywhere else. In the
Lower 48 and in large Alaska communities it takes 1 percent of
the average income to fund a sewer and water system, but in
rural communities it takes 5 percent.
He concluded that innovative approaches are needed to address
health problems associated with water and sewer deficiencies.
MR. GRIFFITH spoke of the Alaska Water and Sewer Challenge which
began in 2013. Some key components are that it is private sector
driven and ownership of all intellectual property is retained by
project teams. Multi-disciplinary teams looked at the problems
of rural sewer and water with a decentralized approach -
household level systems. Three teams are putting together pilot
systems which will be evaluated by DEC. Focus group members from
throughout rural Alaska are working with the teams.
1:24:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked if the project teams are
contractors.
MR. GRIFFITH explained that two of the three teams are private
sector driven and the third is led by University of Alaska-
Anchorage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked why private companies retain
intellectual properties when the funding is coming from federal
or state sources.
MR. GRIFFITH clarified that DEC felt that the teams would be
motivated to invest in the projects.
1:25:59 PM
SENATOR COGHILL noted that some teams have invested in the
projects. He asked if a company from Fairbanks was involved.
MR. GRIFFITH didn't know. He noted that DEC is looking at the
containerized approach for smaller communities such as Akiak.
SENATOR COGHILL suggested using a consistent design and allowing
competition.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE thought it could be an opportunity for
entrepreneurial efforts. She said projects are more marketable
when the cost of energy is lowered.
1:28:14 PM
MR. GRIFFITH noted that the United States has assumed
chairmanship of the Arctic Council. He said DEC has been working
with the State Department on a recommendation to hold an
International Conference on Water and Sewer Service in Rural
Arctic Communities in Anchorage in the fall of 2016. However, it
has no funding at this point. The conference would bring
together engineers, scientists, researchers, and policy makers
from all over the Artic to address some of the challenges and
innovative ideas related to water and sewer service. At that
conference DEC would demonstrate the pilot systems it is
developing with the Alaska Water and Sewer Challenge.
CHAIR HERRON asked for information about how the two committees
could endorse the conference.
MR. GRIFFITH agreed to provide the information.
1:30:39 PM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE noted that Representative Millett was on line.
MR. GRIFFITH shared information about a statewide study to
assess the feasibility of piped water and sewer in remaining
unserved villages and partially served villages.
1:32:00 PM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE asked what is needed in order to have the
conference take place.
MR. GRIFFITH replied the State Department supports the idea of a
conference, but does not supply funding for the projects.
Federal agency support would be needed.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE asked what the conference budget would look
like.
MR. GRIFFITH estimated $200,000.
He turned to the topic of the connection between increased home
water use, water quantity and improved health. Studies show a
direct link in decreased severe skin infections and respiratory
diseases. There is need for further studies and improved
education and public outreach regarding better water use
practices in homes.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE suggested setting a goal of reducing by 50
percent the numbers of households that do not have access to
water and sewer. Canada set a goal of eradicating this problem
and has actually attained it.
MR. GRIFFITH mentioned the importance of technical service
providers for water and sewer systems who provide essential
training and services throughout the state. They are funded
primarily through federal assistance grants specific to Alaska.
1:36:57 PM
He spoke of long term initiatives for future legislative
consideration. Local contributions for water and sewer
improvements are currently prohibited by the Village Safe Water
Act (VSWA). Micro loan programs for small projects in
communities might be a solution. He reviewed the history of the
VSWA and why it did not include appropriations for water and
sewer.
REPRESENTATIVE ORITZ asked how much funding the state
contributed this year toward water and sewer programs.
MR. GRIFFITH answered that the state has provided the required
match in order to receive federal funding.
1:39:57 PM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE expressed support for the idea of community
micro loans.
SENATOR COGHILL thanked Mr. Griffith for his work. He inquired
if there are any new ideas for replacing obsolete systems.
MR. GRIFFITH answered that DEC is always looking for innovative
ideas. Currently, there is discussion about upgrading old water
treatment plants for less cost. He added that they are
installing remote monitoring features.
SENATOR COGHILL asked if there are possibilities of financing
packages with housing entities like HUD.
MR. GRIFFITH replied there is not much money available from
housing programs for water and sewer improvements, but there is
for in-home plumbing. He noted that DEC is working closely with
the Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks.
He pointed out a future need for subsidies for water and sewer
improvements to extend the life of the systems and save a lot of
money in the long run.
^Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Recommendations 3B, 3C, and 3D
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Recommendations 3B, 3C, and 3D
1:45:46 PM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE introduced Commissioner Hladick.
CHRIS HLADICK, Commissioner, Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development (DCCED), explained DCCED
Recommendations 3B, 3C, and 3D. He shared his experience of
living in the Arctic for 25 years.
He began with Recommendation 3B, which is to reduce power and
heating costs in rural Alaskan Arctic communities. He addressed
the collaboration between the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), the
Alaska Center for Energy Power (ACEP), and the Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative (AVEC), which has been successfully
integrating renewables. They are responsible for researching,
developing, and constructing energy infrastructure. He shared
their new technology goals.
COMMISSIONER HLADICK discussed Administrative Order 272, which
is to facilitate collaboration and coordination among
governmental and other entities involved with consumer energy.
He described the working group that was tasked with lowering the
cost of energy and increasing efficiency.
The Alaska Affordable Energy Strategy (SB 138) was set up to
provide a source of funding for those who won't have direct
access to a North Slope natural gas pipeline. The working group
is considering ways to reduce energy costs, long-term planning,
and investment strategies.
He said DCCED concurs that long-term strategic planning is
needed to address complex issues of change in remote Arctic
communities. He discussed objectives of a coordinated planning
strategy.
1:52:24 PM
COMMISSIONER HLADICK turned to current efforts of implementation
of Recommendation 3C. He described the Alaska Community Coastal
Protection Project blueprint for how to implement 3C for the
communities of Shishmaref, Shaktoolik and Kivalina. The
objective is to increase community sustainability, resilience to
the impacts of climate change and natural hazards.
CHAIR HERRON asked him to share efforts made in Kivalina.
COMMISSIONER HLADICK said the plans necessary to receive funding
are in place and a funding source is being sought. A working
group is seeking answers if funding is not found.
1:55:38 PM
He reported that currently funding and technical support for a
full-time community coordinator is being provided for each of
the three communities. Also, interagency working groups have
been organized to assist with the planning effort. The
communities and the inter-agency working group is working on a
long-term strategic management plan. He noted the plan is
community driven and the Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) is intimately involved with it. So far, no
additional funding has been identified. He suggested that the
legislature could act to fund future Department of Community and
Regional Affairs (CRA) planning efforts and federal and other
funding opportunities should be pursued.
1:57:32 PM
COMMISSIONER HLADICK addressed Recommendation 3D, which is to
anticipate, evaluate, and respond to risks from climate change
related to land erosion and deterioration of community
infrastructure and services, and support community efforts to
adapt and relocate when necessary. He explained the Alaska Risk
Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program, which is
funded by FEMA and implemented by the Division of Community and
Regional Affairs. It provides communities with tools, resources,
and technical assistance they need to achieve greater disaster
resilience.
He discussed the Alaska Climate Change Impact Mitigation Program
established by the legislature to provide funding and technical
assistance for communities with imminent risk of climate-related
natural hazards. It has two funding sources, the Hazard Impact
Assessment Grants and the Community Adaptation Planning Grants.
The Denali Commission has been named as the single coordinating
agency for the program.
He addressed future considerations for Recommendation 3D and
concluded that a lot of planning had gone into this effort and
continued efforts to find federal and alternative funding must
be undertaken.
2:02:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ORITZ requested more information about
controlling high energy costs. He referred specifically to two
weatherization programs currently in effect and asked if they
have had any impact in the Artic.
COMMISSIONER HLADICK answered yes. He listed ways that high
energy costs might be controlled. One of the problems is that
standards are often not met when completing projects. Schools
need incentives to improve their energy consumption. He
suggested that a new home might be financed based on fuel
savings.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE noted that in 2009 the state put in $24 million
matched by federal government to AHFC for school district loans
using the same concept. She asked about Commissioner Hladick's
role on the Arctic Council.
COMMISSIONER HLADICK answered that he is one of five people, and
the only Alaskan, named to a task force on Arctic Marine
Cooperation.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE agreed that getting Alaskans involved in
working groups is important.
COMMISSIONER HLADICK said there is a request for an Alaskan to
get involved in a Sustainable Development Working Group and he
volunteered to do so. He said he also has been named to a Marine
Protection Working Group.
SENATOR COGHILL thanked him for his involvement and agreed that
having a local voice is very important. He asked how local
communities manage federal funding.
COMMISSIONER HLADICK responded that the mapping establishes the
100-year flood plain and the insurance program works based on
house location.
2:12:03 PM
CHAIR HERRON commented that many urban dwellers benefitted from
the weatherization program. He gave an example of the savings a
weatherized home in Bethel might receive.
He requested a report on the Denali Commission.
2:13:03 PM
JOEL NIEMEYER, Federal Co-Chair, Denali Commission, reported on
the implementation of Recommendation 3D. He related that the
President Obama appointed an Arctic Executive Steering
Committee, which is a high-level group that can effect funding
for programs in the Arctic. He noted the Denali Commission will
never have the funds needed for adaptation strategies of village
relocation or "protect and place" and will need to rely on
local, state, and federal funding. The Denali Commission has a
coordinating role that is still being worked on. It will provide
an opportunity for Alaskans to "get to the policy makers."
^Alaska Department of Fish and Game Recommendations 3E and 3F
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Recommendations 3E and 3F
2:15:43 PM
GLENN HAIGHT, Executive Director, Alaska Board of Fisheries,
Boards Support Section, Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
presented Recommendations 3E and 3F. He related that the
department is impressed with AAPC's strategies, which correlate
with some of the department's programs regarding education and
outreach, food security, and the endangered species listings.
He began with a discussion of the department's education and
outreach program with a goal to involve communities in the
management of fish and wildlife resources. Education toward the
goal of connecting people with their natural environment involve
hunter education, teacher resources and workshops, events and
programs. Working with the Department of Education and Workforce
Development, ADF&G provides an Alaska Natural Resource &
Environmental Literacy Plan.
He highlighted examples of ADF&G's outreach to communities about
critical issues in the Arctic, for example, the Western Arctic
caribou, moose in the Upper Koyukuk, Sheefish, Dolly Varden, and
marine mammal programs.
He said that AAPC has enhanced the advisory committee system
within the Boards program to include more outreach and
education. He explained that the Board of Game and Board of
Fisheries are not set up by geographic locations and there are
two members from Arctic areas on the Board of Fisheries and one
on the Board of Game.
2:21:14 PM
MR. HAIGHT continued to say that there are 84 different advisory
committees and 28 are in the Arctic. They are made up of
volunteers whose functions are to review and make
recommendations on regulatory proposals. They also serve as
local forums on issues related to ADF&G. They are often involved
in complex management issues.
SENATOR COGHILL advised members to attend an advisory committee
meeting. He said they can be very intense.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT noted that Anchorage advisory committees
don't feel like they are listened to very much. She asked how
much consideration the department gives to advisory committee
recommendations. She said three members resigned because they
felt like they were being blocked.
MR. HAIGHT replied that the department was aware of this
situation so he reviewed Anchorage's suggestions and it appeared
that 80 percent of them were taken into consideration. He added
that Fairbanks has also had a hard time working with the boards
and he would continue to work with them. This issue is on the
Board of Fisheries' agenda.
MR. HAIGHT commented that ADF&G has started two programs: a
recognition program to highlight work the advisory committees do
and a training program so they can be more effective at board
meetings.
MR. HAIGHT turned to Recommendation 3F - to enforce measures
that protect and help further understanding of food security of
Arctic peoples and communities. It encompasses many topic, such
as economic independence, emergency preparedness, health,
nutrition, and sustainable food production. The Commission
requested that ADF&G focus on cultural dependence on a living
resource of a region (subsistence).
2:27:18 PM
He related that subsistence foods are researched and measured
and managed for sustainability. They are the first priority in
consumptive uses. He pointed out that over 90 percent of Arctic
households use fish and game resources.
The Division of Subsistence has done extensive research. The
issue of food security has been targeted since 2004 by
communities and a level of concern is being raised. The
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED) is also involved in subsistence research on food
contaminants. He emphasized that subsistence is a priority and
is measured and managed by the Divisions of Wildlife
Conservation, Sport Fish, and Commercial Fisheries.
MR. HAIGHT addressed climate change. He said in 2007 the state
created a subcabinet led by DEC on climate change. He continued
that ADF&G's part was to develop a climate change strategy in
order to focus on the likely effects on fish and wildlife and
their uses and to develop adaptations and strategies to address
these effects.
2:33:04 PM
CHAIR HERRON requested the status of that information as it
originally appeared and as it is currently.
BRUCE DALE, Director, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), answered questions related
to food security of the Arctic people. He said he didn't have
that information and offered to provide it later.
MR. HAIGHT addressed Recommendation 3G, to identify and promote
industry, community and state practices that promote
sustainability of subsistence resources while protecting against
undue Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings and broad-brush
critical habitat designations. He stated there has been close
collaboration between ADF&G and the Department of Law on the
science and the law related to this issue.
2:34:13 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL asked if ADF&G is collecting data on the
Alexander Archipelago wolf.
MR. HAIGHT replied they have been conducting research on the
Prince of Wales wolf since the late 80s and have substantial
data from a variety of methods. He estimated that the figure of
24 wolves per thousand square kilometers has dropped to 12. It
is still the highest wolf density in Alaska. Prince of Wales
deer do not need to be listed and can support the wolf
population.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL understood that those wolves need to be
identified as a unique subspecies.
MR. HAIGHT answered that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) concluded they could be listed as a distinct population
segment and listed them as such. The state considers them just
another Southeast wolf.
REPRESENTATIVE ORITZ said he is from Ketchikan and asked if
ADF&G is not going to recommend listing them as an endangered
species, but FWS is.
MR. HAIGHT clarified the petition to list them as endangered
came from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
REPRESENTATIVE ORITZ asked if there is cooperation between FWS
and ADF&G.
MR. HAIGHT answered at times. He stressed that it is a very
hotly contested issue. There is a lot of uncertainty and
controversy.
^Department of Law Recommendation 3G
Department of Law Recommendation 3G
2:43:36 PM
BRAD MEYEN, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Natural Resources
Section, Department of Law (DOL), explained legal positions
regarding Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings. He related that
DOL works closely with ADF&G to protect food security and
subsistence resources as they relate to ESA rulings. He gave
several examples of restrictions and exceptions of ESA rulings.
He shared the process of ESA reviews and described how petitions
go through to a final decision and critical habitat designation.
He stressed that it is a process consisting of many stages.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL asked how long he has been working on ESA
listings.
MR. MEYEN said since December of 2007.
CHAIR HERRON asked if he is the only one who works on ESA
issues.
MR. MEYEN replied that he is the only designated attorney in DOL
who works on ESA issues, but outside counsel also assists in
litigation, as do other assistant attorney generals, as needed.
CHAIR HERRON said it looks like Alaska has been successful most
of the time. He asked if there is a pending "hot list" of
federal listings.
2:47:58 PM
MR. HAIGHT reported that the Northern Bog Lemming and Phalaropes
(Wadepipers) in the North Slope are on the radar.
SENATOR COGHILL asked how other Arctic countries deal with
endangered species protection and whether ESA is unique to the
United States.
MR. MEYEN replied that endangered species listings are
worldwide, but Alaska is the only state where certain species
exist and is the only area where critical habitat can be
designated for those species under ESA. He used the polar bear
as an example.
SENATOR COGHILL asked for a comparison of America to other
Arctic nation's regulations.
MR. MEYEN didn't know how other countries deal with their
endangered species. He opined that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service computer
models contain pretty extreme projections out one hundred years.
SENATOR COGHILL suggested that Alaska think internationally, as
well, when discussing endangered species issues with other
Arctic nations.
MR. HAIGHT said that Canada appears to have a program similar to
the United State program. He noted that marine mammals are also
managed under a global treaty called the Marine Mammal
Protection Act. The management of the Chukchi Sea polar bear
quota is an example.
2:54:35 PM
MR. MEYEN added an example regarding the ringed seals.
He explained the role between the state and federal agencies in
terms of ESA management. He focused on Section 4(i), a provision
that states that the Secretary must submit to the state a
written justification for the failure to adopt state
regulations. He gave several examples where the state prevailed.
2:57:26 PM
MR. MEYEN reported on three state-challenged critical habitat
case appeals. He predicted that by the end of 2015 all of these
cases would be resolved.
SENATOR COGHILL asked if the 9th Circuit Court is under a
timeline.
MR. MEYEN answered no.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if the state would appeal the 9th Circuit
Court decisions.
MR. MEYEN answered that it would depend on the reason for
denial.
3:00:44 PM
MR. MEYEN addressed the collaboration on endangered species
litigation between the Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies, a coalition of the 50 state agencies, the Western
Association, which includes 22 western agencies and several
Canadian provinces, as well as the Western Governors
Association, Native organizations, and local governments,
especially the North Slope Borough. There also has been
cooperation with the ESA Federal Task Force. He added that the
current chair of the Western Governors Association is Wyoming's
Governor Lee who is focusing on ESA reforms.
3:02:18 PM
MR. HAIGHT added that Alaska is participating in the Western
Governors Association Task Force in November of 2015.
SENATOR COGHILL requested notices of such meetings.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE agreed. She said three committees, Arctic
Policy, Judiciary, and Resources would be impacted.
^Department of Labor and Workforce Development Recommendation 3H
Department of Labor and Workforce Development Recommendation 3H
3:03:59 PM
MIKE ANDREWS, Director, Division of Employment and Training
Services, Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
addressed Alaska Arctic Policy Commission Recommendation 3H. The
purpose of 3H is to create workforce development programs to
prepare Arctic residents to participate in all aspects and
phases of Arctic development. He shared the policies related to
the recommendation: promote economic and resource development,
address the response capacity gap, support healthy communities,
and strengthen state-based science and research agenda.
He listed areas identified by the Arctic Council: emergency and
environmental response, search and rescue, telecommunications,
maritime, ports, road and civil construction, oil and gas
development, and facility operations. He named the workforce
plans that the state already has in place, all of which are
aligned with Alaska's Career and Technical Education Plan.
3:07:41 PM
MR. ANDREWS discussed the current Arctic labor market, including
unemployment and workforce statistics. He provided data about
jobs provided by the oil and gas industry, local government, and
mining. He spoke of workforce challenges, such as attracting and
training young people to the Arctic workforce.
He emphasized Governor Walker's priority of a renewed focus on
Alaska hire and that the department will expand training and
apprenticeships in the areas of mining, maritime, oil and gas,
and health care. The department was awarded a grant of $3
million from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand
apprenticeships in health care occupations.
CHAIR HERRON asked Mr. Andrews to explain enforcement against
worker misclassification and labor trafficking, as shown in the
slide presentation.
MR. ANDREWS explained that it seeks to prevent importing
employers and workers that are not up to state standards.
3:12:11 PM
He highlighted the University of Alaska's role in Arctic
workforce development with quality programs and training.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL said she has heard that 90 percent of Alaska
Marine Highway's Masters and Mates are not Alaska residents. She
asked if Mr. Andrews was aware of that.
MR. ANDREWS replied that he didn't know the answer to that, but
he offered to find out. He said that the maritime industry has
the largest number of jobs in the state at about 70,000.
SENATOR COGHILL pointed out that Greenland, Finland, and Sweden
are probably trying to do the same type of training for
occupations in the Artic and wondered if Alaska could
collaborate with them.
MR. ANDREWS answered that he has not looked into that, but was
aware that it was also taking place in other countries.
3:17:19 PM
SENATOR COGHILL suggested that Alaska might benefit by
participating in regional and international training centers.
MR. ANDREWS agreed. He thought it would be very beneficial in
the area of maritime jobs.
He shared information on regional training centers, such as in
Kotzebue, Nome, Barrow, King Salmon, and Bethel.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ asked if Alaska is losing oil industry jobs
due to lack of training and if there were any training centers
specific to that industry.
MR. ANDREWS answered that he has seen more new hires of workers
who don't live in Alaska, especially in Prudhoe Bay. He stated
that more has to be done to create direct access for Alaskans in
all industries.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ asked if the trend is to hire more local
residents and the situation is improving.
MR. ANDREWS noted the fact that only 2 percent are local hires
is problematic. He stressed that direct access to the jobs must
be improved.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL asked him to define "local resident."
MR. ANDREWS thought it meant "folks from the North Slope
Borough."
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL asked if he was sure.
MR. ANDREWS answered he would confirm that.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL asked how the data was collected.
MR. ANDREWS answered that the state collected it from PFD
applications and employment statistics.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL recalled a private organization that did a
study and came up with a different number for jobs held by non-
Alaskans. She requested more data.
MR. ANDREWS highlighted the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center
and Seward's Alaska Vocational Technical Education Center
(AVTEC) which has training programs for maritime workers.
He addressed key Arctic workforce planning principles: career &
technical education planning for Arctic economic and workforce
development, directly involve industry, regional employers,
educators, and community representatives, and training programs
focused and designed for sustainability. He shared a plan to
perform an Arctic region economic and workforce analysis that
will be sent to the Arctic Policy Council in the spring of 2016.
3:28:23 PM
CHAIR HERRON recommended providing an update to Senator
Giessel's questions on employment data with the report to the
Arctic Policy Council.
3:28:57 PM
CHAIR HERRON opened public testimony.
MARK BRZEZINSKI, Executive Director, Arctic Executive Steering
Committee, testified about the federal government's perspective
of the future of the Arctic. He said he had been working with
Beth Kerttula to spearhead a unity of purpose on the part of the
federal government regarding the future of the Arctic, a core
mission of the newly formed Arctic Executive Steering Committee.
He shared the genesis, goals, and priorities of the committee,
which was created by President Obama by executive order in
January 2015. Its mission covers domestic and international
issues and its core goals are to set and evaluate priorities,
especially those the President made after visiting Alaska, to
accelerate and integrate a full coordinating effort with the
state, local, and tribal entities, and to proactively support
the U.S. chairing the Arctic Council. He stressed the importance
of the President's visit and the need to work globally on the
challenges of the Arctic. He noted that three important
commitments were made following the President's visit.
3:38:14 PM
BETH KERTTULA, Director, National Ocean Council, testified
during the presentation of the Alaska Arctic Policy Commission's
Implementation Plan. She said she could see Mark Brzezinski's
deep commitment to Alaska and the Arctic. She listed several
projects the federal government is involved with in the Arctic,
such as the mapping project.
CHAIR HERRON stated he was glad to see the federal government
recognizing the importance of Arctic policy and wanting to have
an earnest conversation about the Arctic. He stressed the
importance of the legislature's role in the conversation.
SENATOR COGHILL said he was looking forward to international
cooperation. He opined that U.S. federal regulations appear to
be more burdensome than in other Arctic nations and he wished to
see them aligned.
CHAIR HERRON agreed. He stated that the federal government seems
to hold Alaska to a different standard than the other 49 states.
MR. BRZEZINSKI said he welcomed learning about important,
specific Alaskan concerns. He pointed out that regarding
international cooperation, the United States is "in the catbird
seat" as the leader of the Arctic Council and could advance
priorities.
MS. KERTTULA noted the importance of agency coordination on
Arctic positions and policies.
MR. BRZEZINSKI related how he followed up on Senator McGuire's
concern about communication with the Department of Energy.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE said she is relieved and thanked him.
3:49:52 PM
VIVIAN KORTHUIS, Vice President of Community Services,
Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP), testified on
ways to help support healthy communities. She said everything
the tribe does in their region "is Arctic" because the Arctic is
their home. She spoke of their goal for healthy communities and
shared AVCP's recommendations.
CHAIR HERRON noted the committee had a copy of the
recommendations. He asked her about the top two.
MS. KORTHUIS said these are not the only things that can be
implemented in the region. She highlighted the recommendations
of the holistic approach and the partnership with the Cold
Climate Research Center, and the Emergency Response Center
Project, and others.
CHAIR HERRON thanked her for her patience in waiting to testify.
3:59:22 PM
KATE BLAIR, Committee and Projects Coordinator, Alaska Oil and
Gas Association (AOGA), shared AOGA's role in Arctic policy. She
stated AOGA's mission and thanked the Arctic Policy Commission
for their work on the implementation plan and the follow
through. She opined that the document reflects the opinions of
Alaskans and is a meaningful guide.
MS. BLAIR spoke to Recommendation 3E saying AOGA strongly
encourages education efforts that increase public awareness of
living natural resources and their impact on the state. She
suggested including all natural resources such as timber, coal,
minerals, oil, and gas.
She also suggested that Recommendation 3G include strong support
by AOGA when challenging federal government ESA listings used to
halt or delay development. She encouraged the legislature to
include funding to continue litigation in ESA matters.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE asked if AOGA had filed an amicus curiae brief
in the most recent ESA cases.
MS. BLAIR said she would have to follow up on that question.
SENATOR COGHILL suggested that the committee take seriously Ms.
Blair's comment about including all natural resources.
CHAIR HERRON concurred. He shared an experience in King Cove.
4:04:55 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL thanked everyone and adjourned the joint
meeting of the Senate Special Committee on the Arctic and the
House Special Committee on Economic Development, Tourism &
Arctic Policy at 4:04 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| ADFG-Dept of Law - AAPC Recs 3E 3F 3G - 10.2.2015.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| DCCED (AEA) - AAPC Recs 3B 3C 3D - 10.2.15.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| DEC - AAPC Rec 3A - 10.2.15.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Dept of Labor - Rec 3H - 10.2.15.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Agenda for EDA-ARC Oct 2 meeting FINAL.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| AVCP - VKorthuis Testimony EDA-ARC mtg 10.2.15.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Fugro - Senate Special Committee on the Arctic (Alaska Legislature)_testimony.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| DOLWD Letter and Pres. EDA - 10.9.15.pdf |
HEDA 10/2/2015 1:00:00 PM |