04/12/2017 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR9 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 197 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 211 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 217 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 218 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | HJR 9 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 177 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 12, 2017
2:20 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Andy Josephson, Co-Chair
Representative Geran Tarr, Co-Chair
Representative Dean Westlake, Vice Chair
Representative Harriet Drummond
Representative Justin Parish
Representative Chris Birch
Representative DeLena Johnson
Representative George Rauscher
Representative David Talerico
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Mike Chenault (alternate)
Representative Chris Tuck (alternate)
OTHER MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Jennifer Johnston
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9
Urging the United States government to continue to work with the
government of Canada to investigate the long-term, region-wide
downstream effects of proposed and existing industrial
development and to develop measures to ensure that state
resources are not harmed by upstream development in British
Columbia.
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 197
"An Act relating to the duties of the commissioner of natural
resources; relating to agriculture; and relating to community
seed libraries."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
HOUSE BILL NO. 211
"An Act requiring a nonresident to be accompanied by a guide or
resident spouse or relative when hunting certain caribou; and
providing for an effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
HOUSE BILL NO. 217
"An Act relating to the Alaska Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
relating to the sale of milk, milk products, raw milk, and raw
milk products; and providing for an effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
HOUSE BILL NO. 218
"An Act relating to the state veterinarian and to animals and
animal products."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
HOUSE BILL NO. 177
"An Act relating to the response to, and control of, aquatic
invasive species; establishing the aquatic invasive species
response fund; and relating to the provision of information
about aquatic invasive species to users of the Alaska marine
highway system."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HJR 9
SHORT TITLE: CANADIAN MINES ON TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) ORTIZ
01/30/17 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/30/17 (H) FSH, RES
03/16/17 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/16/17 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/28/17 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/28/17 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/30/17 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/30/17 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/06/17 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
04/06/17 (H) Moved CSHJR 9(FSH) Out of Committee
04/06/17 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
04/07/17 (H) FSH RPT CS(FSH) 3DP 2NR 2AM
04/07/17 (H) DP: KREISS-TOMKINS, TARR, STUTES
04/07/17 (H) NR: CHENAULT, FANSLER
04/07/17 (H) AM: EASTMAN, NEUMAN
04/10/17 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/10/17 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/12/17 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE DAN ORTIZ
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking as the sponsor, introduced HJR 9
and answered questions.
KIRSTEN SHELTON-WALKER, Project Manager
McDowell Group, Inc.
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a PowerPoint presentation
entitled, "Economic Impacts of Southeast Alaska Transboundary
Watersheds."
CAROLINE HAMP, Staff
Representative Dan Ortiz
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking on behalf of Representative Ortiz,
sponsor, answered questions during the hearing of HJR 9.
JILL WEITZ, Spokesperson
Salmon Beyond Borders
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 9.
CHRIS ZIMMER, Alaska Campaign Director
Rivers Without Borders
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 9.
JERRY MCCUNE, President
United Fisherman of Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 9.
MIKE SATRE, Manager
Government and Community Affairs
Hecla Greens Creek Mine; President
Council of Alaska Producers; Vice President
Alaska Miners Association
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking on behalf of the Alaska Miners
Association, urged the committee to amend HJR 9.
ACTION NARRATIVE
2:20:47 PM
CO-CHAIR ANDY JOSEPHSON called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 2:20 p.m. Representatives
Josephson, Drummond, Parish, Rauscher, Tarr, and Westlake were
present at the call to order. Representatives Birch, Talerico,
and Johnson arrived as the meeting was in progress. Also
present was Representative Johnston.
HJR 9-CANADIAN MINES ON TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS
2:21:15 PM
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9, Urging the United States
government to continue to work with the government of Canada to
investigate the long-term, region-wide downstream effects of
proposed and existing industrial development and to develop
measures to ensure that state resources are not harmed by
upstream development in British Columbia.
[Before the committee was CSHJR 9(FSH), which was read across
the floor on 4/7/17.]
2:21:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAN ORTIZ, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of
HJR 9, recalled U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan's address to the
[Alaska State Legislature] on the value of Alaska's fishing
industry to its economy, the fishing industry's prospects as a
renewable resource, and the importance of protecting and
enhancing said resource. House Joint Resolution 9 would declare
that the legislature support federal measures to ensure Alaskans
have their voices heard regarding transboundary mining issues.
As the [Province of British Columbia (B.C.), Canada] expands its
mining industry, Alaskans deserve to know how mining development
affects transboundary rivers and, if necessary, to have
protective measures to protect Alaska's watersheds.
Representative Ortiz explained that currently, when a [spill
damaging to Alaska's fishing industry occurs within another
jurisdiction's boundaries], there are no legally binding
protections or financial assurances; in fact, the [Statement of
Cooperation on the Protection of Transboundary Waters (SOC)] and
"the memorandum of understanding" between the state and B.C.
call for shared information, monitoring, and potential
cooperation in regard to mining. However, there are no
protective assurances [for reclamation] in an event such as the
[Mount Polley tailings dam breach in B.C. on 8/4/14].
Therefore, HJR 9 urges the federal government to investigate -
with the government of Canada - the downstream effects of
industrial development, and to develop measures to ensure the
safety of Alaska's resources. Representative Ortiz related the
resolution is supported by thousands of Alaskans and the
governor and lieutenant governor, and that federal reforms on
this issue are being touted by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski and
Senator Sullivan. He urged for the committee's support of HJR
9.
2:25:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH asked whether the state currently has the
capacity to manage this issue through its existing departments.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ responded that the Alaska Department of
Fish & Game (ADFG) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
have the ability to monitor waters within the boundaries of
Alaska; however, the departments have no authority to monitor
activities upstream, or the potential impacts of mining.
Further, the state and B. Co. lack authority to sign financial
agreements, which must be entered into by their respective
federal governments.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH was encouraged by the recent SOC executed
between Alaska and B.C., facilitated by Lieutenant Governor
Mallott and [British Columbia's Minister of Energy and Mines].
He noted his reluctance to involve the federal government in
issues the state could resolve independently, although HJR 9 is
"well-intended."
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ agreed solving problems at local or state
levels is best; however, issues involving transboundary waters
must be addressed at federal government levels, and he pointed
out Senators Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski have called for the
proposed resolution.
REPRESENTATIVE WESTLAKE shared Representative Birch's concern,
and asked whether any mining companies [in Alaska or B.C.] are
working with each other on these issues, or if Canadian fishing
and mining industries are working together.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ expressed certainty that interests of
Canadian fisherman have been heard, and affected Tribal groups
have voiced their concerns to the B.C. [provincial] and Canadian
federal governments. He was unsure as to whether American
mining companies are in contact with Canadian mining companies.
2:31:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WESTLAKE referred to [the Pacific Salmon Treaty
of 1985] between the U.S. and the Canadian federal government
pertaining to salmon in the Yukon River that traverse Alaska on
their way to its headwaters, and said, "So in some instances -
I'm loath to say this - the federal government can actually get
something right every once in a while."
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND directed attention to a map entitled,
"State of Alaska Trans - Boundary Watersheds Southeast Alaska
and British Columbia," and asked whether the Unuk, Stikine, Taku
Alsek, and Chilkat rivers have headwaters in Canada and outfalls
in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ said the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk rivers
drain into Alaska waters.
REPRESENTATIVE WESTLAKE asked whether the resolution applies to
only three watersheds.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ said HJR 9 addresses issues that may
develop from the mining projects at the headwaters of the Taku,
Stikine, and Unuk rivers. He opined the resolution would have
ramifications on related issues; however, the resolution is not
antimining, but is pro-economic and pro-fishing. In fact,
different types of proposed mines have plans for production that
appear to be safer and economically sound, and thereby have
earned his support.
2:35:04 PM
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON opened [invited] testimony.
2:35:10 PM
KIRSTEN SHELTON-WALKER, Project Manager, McDowell Group,
provided a PowerPoint presentation entitled, "Economic Impacts
of Southeast Alaska Transboundary Watersheds." She informed the
committee McDowell Group is an economic consultant firm that was
tasked by SalmonState, an initiative with offices in Juneau,
Anchorage, and Homer, to conduct an economic analysis of
Southeast Alaska's transboundary watersheds. McDowell Group
studied the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk rivers, and completed a
preliminary analysis of the Nass River and Skeena River, which
do not flow into Southeast, but salmon therein do migrate into
Alaska waters [slide 2]. She said economic impacts include job
and labor income generated from businesses operating within the
watersheds, spending by watershed-related businesses, spending
by employees, visitor spending, tax benefits for communities,
and the present value of future benefits [slide 3]. River
economics are activities such as recreation and fishing, the
visitor industry, and others [slide 4]. For the Taku River
watershed, commercial salmon fisheries, sport fishing, visitors,
and tax revenue totaled annual spending of $33 million, labor
income of about $13 million, average annual employment was 260
jobs, and a thirty-year present value was $650 million. Ms.
Shelton-Walker explained present value of future benefits is
based on resources kept intact in perpetuity, such as commercial
fishing [slides 5 and 6]. For the Stikine River watershed, the
total annual spending was about $13 million, labor income was
almost $6 million, average annual employment was 117 jobs, and
thirty-year present value was $250 million [slides 7 and 8].
For the Unuk River watershed, total annual spending was $2.5
million, labor income was $1.2 million, average annual
employment was 24 jobs, and thirty-year present value was $50
million [slides 9 and 10]. Slide 11 was a summary of the total
economic impacts of all three watersheds as follows: 400 jobs,
labor income of $20 million, and $48 million in economic impact.
Ms. Shelton-Walker concluded that with appropriate management,
Southeast Alaska's transboundary watersheds - when combined -
generate economic benefits in a thirty-year period of just under
$1 billion, and a fifty-year period present value of over $1.2
billion [slide 12].
2:40:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH referred to the previously identified map
and asked whether the foregoing economic assessment encompasses
the entire watershed, or just the watershed "that falls within
the State of Alaska and U.S. territory."
MS. SHELTON-WALKER said the study looked at the U.S. boundaries
of the watershed within Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH pointed out 90-95 percent of the Taku River
watershed is in Canada, as is at least 95 percent of the Stikine
River watershed. A watershed does not stop at a boundary, and
the assessment is only of the economic impact on the 5 percent
of the watershed lying within the U.S.
MS. SHELTON-WALKER stated the study was of the impacts on
Southeast Alaska, and McDowell Group did not measure any
economic impact outside of the state or within Canada.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH said watershed boundaries are not
arbitrary, but are well-defined by geography and topography.
Based on his background in mining engineering, Representative
Birch expressed his concern that the study presented is of the
economic impact on a series of transboundary rivers that does
not reflect the economic opportunities on the other side [of the
national boundary], which is a shortsighted and narrow focus; in
fact, what is presented is not a full picture, and committee
deliberations should not ignore the economic impact of 95
percent of the Stikine River watershed.
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON asked whether Alaska should be concerned with
Canada's economic welfare.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH characterized Alaska and Canada as "joined
at the hip," which is why Alaska's lieutenant governor is
engaged in conversation with Canadian officials. He opined
measuring economic assessment, divorced from that of Canada, is
unrealistic and without understanding that the bulk of the river
systems lie in Canada. He suggested the report should indicate,
"This only represents 5 percent of the watershed that, that
resides in the U.S."
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON opined the close relationship between Alaska
and Canada is the reason for the resolution.
MS. SHELTON-WALKER clarified that if in any of the watershed
economic activities, such as mining operations, were occurring
that employed Alaskans, or that benefitted Alaskans, that value
would have been part of the analysis; any activity within a
watershed on either side of the boundary was taken into account.
Not reported was the economic impact on Canada.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH stressed the report should clearly indicate
that no economic impacts on Canada were reported - which is a
significant shortcoming if the goal is to weigh the merits of
the watersheds.
REPRESENTATIVE WESTLAKE asked what is similar, or dissimilar, in
comparing Canadian and American mining discharge permits related
to pollution issues. He restated his question, adding that
mining discharge permits [regulate] affluency and asked, "Is
there something on the Canadian side that we're unaware of or
that we've got a major concern about that could hurt my friends
in the fishing industry? Is there something that prompted
this?"
2:46:52 PM
CAROLINE HAMP, Staff, Representative Dan Ortiz, Alaska State
Legislature, responded that the permitting and financial
assurances required of mines differ between Canada and the U.S.
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO inquired as to whether side-by-side
comparisons are available.
MS. HAMP directed attention to documents provided in the
committee packet [entitled, "Canadian Mines on Transboundary
Rivers," and dated 3/16/17, and entitled, "Deficiencies in Post-
Mt. Polley Reclamation Changes: BC Financial Surety for Mines
BC Mine Reclamation Code Changes] that are related to financial
assurances and mining permits.
2:49:09 PM
JILL WEITZ, spokesperson, Salmon Beyond Borders, informed the
committee she previously served as a statewide compliance and
enforcement officer for the Division of Water, Department of
Environmental Conservation. She said robust watershed
management is in response to concerns in Southeast Alaska.
Salmon Beyond Boards is an initiative driven by commercial and
sport fishing gear groups, concerned citizens, municipalities,
conservation organizations, business owners, and tour operators
throughout the region, including from B.C. Members of Salmon
Beyond Borders have been working for the past three years to
defend and sustain the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk river watersheds
which provide culture and history, and contribute to Southeast
Alaska's annual billion-dollar commercial fisheries and tourism
industries. She expressed the support of Salmon Beyond Borders
for HJR 9. More than ten large-scale, open-pit, and underground
mines are in development in the watersheds flowing from B.C.
that create the entire spawning habitat in Alaska. The three
rivers provide livelihoods in communities and there is
widespread support for HJR 9 from Alaskans and the Alaska
congressional delegation. Ms. Weitz said the Salmon Beyond
Borders campaign appreciates the administration's attention to
this matter; however, the 2015 amended memorandum of
understanding (MOU) and the 2016 SOC between Alaska and B.C. are
nonbinding voluntary agreements that do not possess the
authority to address international disputes. In addition, the
SOC does not provide federal commitments or funding.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH observed that the aforementioned ten mines
in development are not reflected in the economic impact report
on the watersheds, but they would provide many jobs and economic
potential. He asked for their locations.
MS. WEITZ said the mines can be found on the "B.C. mining
industry map" which shows an array of underground, open-pit, and
coal projects.
2:54:22 PM
CHRIS ZIMMER, Alaska Campaign Director, Rivers Without Borders,
informed the committee he has been working on transboundary
river issues for 16 years. Mr. Zimmer stated his support for
HJR 9, and said the resolution addresses not an environmental
issue, but is an effort to protect Alaska jobs and resource from
cross-border threats - an issue that has united residents across
the region. Further, the issue is not how well Alaska manages
its resources, but the resolution seeks to ensure Alaska
resources are not harmed by activities across the border, where
Alaska state agencies do not have authority. In fact, neither
Alaska nor B.C. have exclusive jurisdiction for resource
management, their respective federal governments hold the
primary role for transboundary issues. Involved are an
international border, several sovereign governments, and
international treaties, all of which make this a federal issue.
He encouraged use of the [Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 (BWT)],
in conjunction with the aforementioned SOC, and turned attention
to the history of the Tulsequah Chief mine. Twenty years ago,
Alaska fisherman called for the International Joint Commission
authorized by the BWT to address the Tulsequah Chief mine that
was abandoned in 1957 with no reclamation measures. Inspections
at the site have found acid mine drainage and permit violations;
however, the B.C. [government] continues to wait for a new owner
to clean up the mine, and claims there is no emergency, even
though toxic mine discharge continues to drain into salmon
habitat and there is no commitment to clean up the site.
Although B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett promised
to clean up the mine in 2015, there has been no result,
indicating that B.C. water quality standards are not enforced,
except in an emergency. Mr. Zimmer opined bonding in the B.C.
mining industry is inadequate if a company declares bankruptcy,
and there is weak enforcement of environmental laws, thus
binding and enforceable protections are needed. He concluded
that a coordinated state and federal approach - utilizing the
BWT and the SOC - is best.
2:57:59 PM
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON asked whether Mr. Zimmer believed the
Canadian government is not enforcing its federal laws.
MR. ZIMMER answered that the Canadian Federal Fisheries Act
prevents deleterious substances from entering salmon habitat and
although inspections have found deleterious substances are
entering salmon habitat, no enforcement action has been taken.
Furthermore, B.C. is not enforcing its mine permits, which
direct both [previous owners of the Tulsequah Chief mine] to
stop the discharge.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER stated a resolution to [the U.S.
secretary of state and the Alaska congressional delegation] is
not a very powerful tool.
REPRESENTATIVE WESTLAKE recalled testimony that there are 11 to
12 operating mines, and asked whether there are other abandoned
mines.
MR. ZIMMER clarified that there are 11 to 12 mines either
operating or under development in this region. The Johnny
Mountain mine is another abandoned mine that was not reclaimed;
material was burned and buried at the site, and there is a
potential for acid drainage. He warned that the current
expansion of mining warrants federal authority.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH expressed his support for the fishing
industry. He suggested the mining industry should be engaged in
this issue as - worldwide - the mining industry is compelled and
interested in, "... doing the right thing by the, the
community." Furthermore, it is more constructive for an
economic impact report to include all the businesses in the
studied watersheds, and to involve all the interested parties in
Canada and Alaska. Representative Birch acknowledged that mines
that were operated in the '50s and earlier need to be cleaned
up.
3:03:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH asked whether the standards for mining
permitting are more, or less, strict in Alaska, as compared to
Canada.
MR. ZIMMER advised in Alaska, a mining company is required to
post a full bond to reclaim the proposed mine before beginning
operations. Canada uses a risk-based approach, and the mining
company posts a percentage - or a corporate guarantee - thus if
the company is bankrupt, the bond is inadequate and there is no
recourse. Also in Alaska, mixing zones in salmon habitat are
prohibited; in B.C., for example, the proposed Kerr-Sulphurets-
Mitchell (KSM) Project would use the Unuk River from the mine to
the border as a mixing zone. He opined in general, because of
the bonding requirement and mixing zone prohibition, Alaska
standards are stronger; however, related to other activities,
"It really becomes a mixed bag, where it kind of evens out ...."
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND inquired as to how Rivers Without
Borders responded to the [Mount Polley tailings dam breach in
B.C. on 8/4/14].
3:05:23 PM
MR. ZIMMER recalled the Mount Polley mine tailings dam failure
in August 2014, which sent billions of gallons of mine waste
downstream into salmon habitat, was notice to his organization
that tailings dams - in many cases - are not constructed to last
forever. Also, the failure demonstrated that mixing water with
tailings meant the contaminants were carried downstream; without
water, the dam failure would have resulted in "a small
landslide." In response to Mount Polley, Mr. Zimmer said Rivers
Without Borders instigated studies with a focus on major
proposed mines that would use large tailings dams mixed with
water, and supports "dry stack" technology which puts dry
tailings behind a dam. Also, Rivers Without Borders is
searching for a better design for building tailings dams, and is
analyzing B.C.'s response to the Mount Polley dam failure.
3:07:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND referred to a letter [addressed to the
Honorable John Kerry, Secretary, U.S. Department of State,
signed by the Alaska congressional delegation, and dated
5/12/16] and asked whether the actions requested therein, if in
effect in B.C., would have affected the Mount Polley "outcome."
MR. ZIMMER said, "It very well may have, because in the, there
were a number of failures made in the construction and operation
of that dam, and the maintenance of it." For example, too much
water was introduced, the dam was not constructed properly, and
the dam was constructed on a weak layer of glacial till soil.
More oversight and involvement by Alaska in permitting
processes, and federal engagement, may have prevented the
failure at Mount Polley.
3:09:32 PM
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON opened public testimony on HJR 9.
3:09:46 PM
JERRY MCCUNE, President, United Fisherman of Alaska (UFA), said
the Southeast members of UFA are very concerned about "what
could happen on our side of the border." Jobs are important in
Canada and Alaska, and UFA urges the Canadian federal government
to consider better safeguards for new mines which - if they fail
- can negatively affect jobs in Canada and Alaska. He noted
members of UFA have been in touch with mining companies, and
look at each [mining] project individually in order to open
dialogue between jurisdictions. Mr. McCune pointed out an
abandoned mine located in the important Taku River watershed has
been leaking for years without action from the Canadian
government, and said members of UFA support the resolution.
3:11:26 PM
MIKE SATRE, Manager of Government and Community Affairs, Hecla
Greens Creek Mine, President, The Council of Alaska Producers,
and Vice President, Alaska Miners Association (AMA), said he is
a lifelong Southeast Alaskan who is a member of the [State of
Alaska Transboundary Working Group] representing AMA, and he is
speaking on behalf of AMA. Mr. Satre said contrary to the
resolution, industrial development of the transboundary [region]
is not experiencing unprecedented rapid expansion, as one mine
has been opened, one is under construction, and others are in
inactive or exploration status. Although AMA supports Alaskans'
interest in upstream development located in another country,
asking for involvement by the federal government is a fallacy
when the existing system is working. He urged the committee to
amend the resolution to support the MOU and SOC signed by
Governor Walker and Lieutenant Governor Mallott, because
dismissing these agreements as nonbinding sends a message to
B.C. that "we don't want to engage." Furthermore, even prior to
the MOU and SOC, Alaska permitting agencies were able to
facilitate permitting changes in the Canadian process, and will
continue to do so. He said supporting the MOU and SOC furthers
the Alaska congressional delegation as it seeks to protect the
state's resources. Mr. Satre also referred to the letter
[addressed to the Honorable John Kerry, Secretary, U.S.
Department of State, signed by the Alaska congressional
delegation, and dated 5/12/16] and advised four of the five
requests therein are fulfilled by the MOU and SOC; the remaining
request relates to the International Joint Commission authorized
by the BWT, and he opined said joint commission is "a body
that's outlived its usefulness." He remarked:
We have the laws in place on both sides of the border,
in fact, we have a treaty in place that says, "Thou
shall not pollute waters across borders," so we
already have the means to deal with the issues here.
... It's important that the legislature make its
opinion known on issues like the transboundary. It's
important that legacy issues like Tulsequah Chief are
dealt with. ... However, we still believe this version
of HJR 9 has multiple problems and needs significant
amendments, but we think we can amend it and move it
forward with everybody supporting it.
[HJR 9 was held over.]
3:15:51 PM
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON recessed the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting at 3:15 p.m., to reconvene on 4/13/17 at 5:00
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HJR009 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Sectional Analysis ver D.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Version J.PDF |
HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Explanation of Changes A to D.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Fiscal Note LEG-SESS-03-10-17.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Additional Documents BC Audit Summary Recommendations.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Additional Documents Map of Transboundary Watersheds.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Additional Document McDowell Kirsten Shelton Walker McDowell.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Additional Documents McDowell Group SE AK Transboundary Watershed Economic Impacts.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Additional Documents McDowell Group Summary.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document - AMA Comments.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document - Letter from Rep. Stutes to Sec. Kerry.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document - Letter from WA to Sec. Kerry.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document ATA 031417.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document CAP Comments.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document Daniel Schindler.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document SE Delegation.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document SEAGO.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document UFA 031417.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document USAG.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - AK Congress to Sec. Kerry.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - Brian Lynch Testimony 3.13.17.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - Chris Zimmer testimony 3.13.17.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - FNWARM 3.13.17.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - Form Letter 6000+Alaskans to Mallott.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - Fred Olsen Op-Ed.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - Robyn Allan Testimony (Summary of Brief).pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - Salmon Beyond Borders Letter.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - Support Letter Summary.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Documents - UFA to Gov.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document CCTHITA letter.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document Petersburg Vice-Mayor.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document ATA CORRECTED.pdf |
HFSH 3/16/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document - Chris Zimmer.pdf |
HFSH 4/6/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Additional Document Dr. Dave Chambers Presentation.pdf |
HFSH 4/6/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Additional Document Robin Allan Financial Assurances FULL BRIEF.pdf |
HFSH 4/6/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document - Children of the Taku.pdf |
HFSH 4/6/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HJR009 Supporting Document - Tasha Elizarde.pdf |
HFSH 4/6/2017 10:00:00 AM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 9 |
| HB 197 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/17/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/19/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/26/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/28/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 5/1/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 197 |
| HB197 Version J 4.5.2017.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/17/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/19/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/26/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/28/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 5/1/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 197 |
| HB197 Sectional Analysis ver J 4.6.2017.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/17/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/19/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/26/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/28/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 5/1/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 197 |
| HB197 Fiscal Note - DNR-PMC 4.7.17.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/17/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/19/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/26/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/28/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 5/1/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 197 |
| HB197 Supporting Document - Article. Seed Bill 4.9.17.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/17/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/19/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/26/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/28/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 5/1/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 197 |
| HB0177 ver A 3.28.17.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 fiscal note DNR.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 fiscal note DOT.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 fiscal note DFG.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Sponsor Statement 3.28.17.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Support Ltr.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Supporting Document-Article Juneau Empire 3.29.17.PDF |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Supporting Document-Article NOAA 3.29.17.PDF |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Supporting Document-Article Peninsula Clarion 3.29.17.PDF |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Supporting Document-Support Letters 3.29.17.pdf |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177-Supporting Document-Article ADN 3.29.17.PDF |
HRES 4/5/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Supporting Document - Prince William Sound RCAC 4.7.17.pdf |
HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Supporting Document - Pictures and Pamphlet Examples 4.6.17.pdf |
HRES 4/7/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Supporting Document - Response from DOT 4.10.17.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |
| HB177 Amendment Rep. Tarr D.1 4.10.17.pdf |
HRES 4/10/2017 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/12/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 177 |