Legislature(2019 - 2020)BARNES 124
03/15/2019 01:20 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s):|| Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 15, 2019
1:21 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Geran Tarr, Co-Chair
Representative Grier Hopkins, Vice Chair
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Representative Chris Tuck
Representative George Rauscher
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative John Lincoln, Co-Chair
Representative Dave Talerico
Representative Sara Rasmussen
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
Jason Brune - Anchorage
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
JASON BRUNE, Commissioner Designee
Department of Environmental Conservation
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as commissioner designee to the
Department of Environmental Conservation.
HEATHER RASCH
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ANTHONY VLAHOVICH, Boat Captain
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
DAVE HARBOUR
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
BOB SYLVESTER
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
DEREK BENSON
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the hearing
of Jason Brune.
CARL BRODERSEN
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ROGER MCCAMPBELL
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ERIN KANDOLL
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ANNE KAHN
Lake Clark/Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CHESTEN CLARK
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ROY SMITH
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ALANNAH HURLEY, Executive Director
United Tribes of Bristol Bay
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
LYNN AMMU
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
RIKA MOUW
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KIRIL BASARGIN
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KRIS BENSON
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ANNE FULLER
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the confirmation hearing
of Jason Brune.
SUSIE JENKINS-BRITO
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
JOLIE TULLY
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
EVERETT THOMPSON
Naknek, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
SUSAN HANSON
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KATE FINN
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
STEVE KAHN
Lake Clark/Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
AMY RAINE
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MICHAEL FERRIS
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
SOMMERS COLE
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
JORDEN NIGRO
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
TOM GLASS
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ERIN WILAHAN
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MEGHAN GERVAIS
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
SELIVAN BASARGIN
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
TESS HOSTETTER
Igiugig, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CLAIRE SANCHEZ
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ARTHUR BLOOM
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MARK LISAC
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ERIC FEIGE
Chickaloon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KYLE KNIGHT
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MARTHA MCKINNEY
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
BRIAN HIMELBLOOM
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
NINA VIZCARRONDO
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
VERNA KOLYAHA
Pedro Bay, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
DAVE ATCHUSON
Sterling, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
COLE HANSEN
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
LINDSEY BLOOM, Project Manager
Commercial Fisherman for Bristol Bay
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MIKE SATRE
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CASEY JANZ
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CLARK WITNEY JR.
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MELANIE BROWN
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
WOODY CYR
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
FRANCES BRANN
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CHANDLER O'CONNELL
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
VIKKI JO KENNEDY
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KEITH COMSTOCK, Chairman/CEO
Juneau Hydropower/Juneau District Heating; Spokesperson
Alaska Independent Power Producers Association
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
DAVE CANNON
Aniak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
STEVE SCHOONMAKER
Kasiloff, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
TRISTAN CHANEY
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
JIM CLARK
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
LINDSAY LAYLAND
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CONSTANTINE JOHNSON
Kwigillingok, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
DONNA RAE FAULKNER
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
LISBETH JACKSON
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
SURAJ HOLZWARTH, Executive Director
Whirling Rainbow Foundation
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking on her own behalf and representing
Native Americans, testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
BARBARA REILLY
Anchorage/Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
HEATHER FORBES
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
STEVEN ALBERT
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ANI WEE
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KRISTEN ULERY
King Salmon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
TOM HARRIS
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KAMPER HART
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
GEORGE ORTMAN
Willow, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
DEBRA LATHROP
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
LIZ RANGEL
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ALYSSA QUINTYNE
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ROBERT HOCKEMA
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
RICHARD HERRAN
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ADAM WEBER
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
NIKOS PASTOS
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MIKE BRONSON
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CODY JACOBSON
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
LIZ DEAM
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
JESSICA MCDONNEL
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KATIE DAWSON
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
EDWARD MCDONNEL
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
LEONARD YUKMIS
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
IDA NELSON
Igiugig, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MARK NIVER, President
Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
BRYCE NIVER
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
DANIEL SONDERGAARD
Minneapolis, Minnesota
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
SUSAN AMUNDSON, Consultant
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CASEY COUPCHIAK
Togiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
REBECCA TEMPLE
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
MARGARET ANDERSON
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KATE CRUMP, Spokesperson
Forget Adventure Travel
Bristol Bay, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
BERTHA PAEIAN-LOCKUK
Togiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
KRISTIN CARPENTER
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CARL WASSILIE
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
CAROL FORD
Homer/Nikiski, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
WALLACE MILLS
Halibut Cove/Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
TYLER CASKEY
Ekwok, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
GORDY VERNON
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:21:54 PM
CO-CHAIR GERAN TARR called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:21 p.m. Representatives Tuck,
Hannan, Hopkins, Rauscher, and Tarr were present at the call to
order. Representative Spohnholz arrived as the meeting was in
progress.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation
1:22:27 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR announced the only order of business would be a
confirmation hearing of Jason Brune, commissioner designee to
the Department of Environmental Conservation.
CO-CHAIR TARR read the following statement:
The mission of the Department of Environmental
Conservation: Conserving, improving, and protecting
Alaska's natural resources and environment and enhance
the health, safety, economic, and social well-being of
Alaskans. The commissioner provides policy direction
for the department and relentless coordination of
investment and service delivery, ensures that public
concerns are fully considered in department decisions
and actions, establishes department objectives and
assures performance, serves as spokesperson for the
governor on environmental matters, issues decisions on
administrative appeals requests, and adopts all
department regulations.
1:24:08 PM
COMMISSIONER JASON BRUNE, commissioner designee to the
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), provided a short
background of his education and qualifications [a complete
resume was provided in the committee packet]. While attending
college to attain a biology undergraduate degree, he completed
an internship at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of Interior, in Anchorage, working on sea otters that were oiled
by the [Exxon Valdez oil spill of 3/24/89], an experience he
said, "helped shape who I am today." Alaska's economy depends
on resource extraction; however, the state must ensure
responsible and ethical development to prevent a similar
occurrence. Commissioner Brune said he continued his graduate
school education in Anchorage and worked at what is now the
Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, the
University of Alaska Anchorage, and the Resource Development
Council (RDC). He said RDC's mission is: "Growing Alaska
Through Responsible Resource Development," a motto he
incorporated into his personal environmental ethic: "Think
Globally, Develop Locally." Commissioner Brune noted his
diverse and statewide work experience includes oil and gas,
mining, fishing, timber, tourism sectors, and relationships with
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporations, labor
unions, local communities, and the support sector. He listed
his association with the Alaska Mineral and Energy Resource
Education Fund, his accomplishments as executive director of
RDC, and his service to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee
Council Public Advisory Committee and to the [board of
directors] of the Alaska Sealife Center. In 2011, he became the
government and public affairs manager for Anglo American, a
[former] partner in the Pebble project [also known as the Pebble
Partnership]. While working for Anglo American, he learned much
about the mining industry and gained a deep understanding of the
process to permit a mine in Alaska and the need for a
predictable permitting regime that does not "scare off
investment": a Fraser Institute study ranked Alaska below "the
Congo" on the predictability of its permitting regime [document
not provided]. Commissioner Brune acknowledged Alaska has, and
should have, the highest environmental standards in the world;
however, its ground rules must not constantly change. The state
must work with industry to provide timely science-based and
legally defensible permits to ensure operations will coexist
with Alaska's environment. Returning to his work experience, he
said he worked as the Senior Director of Land and Resources for
Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated (CIRI), where he fostered
relationships with CIRI's village corporations, Tribes, and
shareholders; he expressed his pride in the development of
CIRI's universal gravel agreement with its villages which
established the highest standards for surface gravel mining.
1:30:14 PM
COMMISSIONER BRUNE continued to note while at CIRI, he developed
a carbon offset program and oversaw land reclamation activities.
He related his extensive relationships throughout Alaska are
evidenced by his service to the Tyonek Tribal Conservation
District, the Alaska Sealife Center, [Alaska Chamber], Alaska
Miners Association, Consumer Energy Alliance Alaska, the "Cook
Inlet beluga whale recovery team," and the civil engineer
squadron on [former] Elmendorf Air Force Base. Since his
appointment as commissioner, Mr. Brune has met with industry,
Tribal and ANCSA entities, environmental organizations, and
others; in addition, he has met many of the staff at DEC. He
provided personal information. Commissioner Brune remarked:
Congress and the Alaska legislature established the
laws which DEC is responsible for implementing. To
create a positive and predictable business climate, we
must do no more and no less than what we have the
authority to do. I believe the experiences that I
have outlined uniquely prepare me for this position.
Those who know me will speak to my integrity and
commitment to the environment. I am proud to work to
promote Governor Dunleavy's agenda of showing Alaska
is open for business.
1:34:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN referred to the rulemaking and regulation
process for [Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)]
groundwater cleanup and asked when the draft regulations would
be released for the public review.
COMMISSIONER BRUNE said in September [2018] [the Walker
Administration] released draft regulations on PFAS; [in
February, 2019] the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
released its decision that EPA will set a maximum contaminant
level for PFAS; therefore, DEC will "follow the lead of the EPA
on this ... so we are going to be pulling back the draft regs
that we had put forward in September, ... and awaiting guidance
from the EPA ...."
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN questioned how [the reversal by DEC] would
impact the ongoing cleanup projects of specific sites that were
based on the testing thresholds of contamination previously
issued by the state.
COMMISSIONER BRUNE advised in 2016, DEC promulgated regulations
for cleanup levels of PFAS at 400 parts per trillion; EPA has
issued a health advisory level at 70 parts per trillion. He
said DEC is "using those levels" and he has met with impacted
communities, as the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities will likely be the responsible party; groundwater
contaminated by PFAS has been discovered in King Salmon,
Dillingham, Gustavus, Fairbanks, Utqiagvik, and Yakutat, and DEC
will continue to provide drinking water to those communities.
Commissioner Brune was unsure how the areas will be cleaned up;
however, there will be a pilot test to burn PFAS soil because he
does not support exporting contaminated soil.
1:39:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN restated her question as to the estimated
timeline for state regulations.
COMMISSIONER BRUNE advised he will advocate that EPA has an
expedited process - DEC will await direction from EPA - and
expressed his hope "it's very soon."
1:40:05 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR opened public testimony on the confirmation
hearing of Jason Brune.
1:41:07 PM
HEATHER RASCH expressed her strong belief the commissioner of
DEC should be extremely interested in protecting Alaska waters
and fisheries. As a former employee of Anglo American, Mr.
Brune has a conflict of interest in that he supports mining in
Bristol Bay; mining in Bristol Bay is not beneficial to the
environment and protecting the salmon industry and clean waters
is of the utmost importance. Further the commissioner should
want to protect the environment, salmon, and fisheries from a
neutral stance, without the influence of big business.
1:42:49 PM
ANTHONY VLAHOVICH urged the committee to oppose the confirmation
of Jason Brune. Mr. Vlahovich said he holds a drift permit and
is a Bristol Bay boat captain and career fisherman. He and his
family live in Juneau and Bristol Bay sockeye contribute to 90
percent of his family's income and its future. He and his wife
have made a commitment to Alaska where its fisheries are strong;
however, he questioned his decision to live in Alaska after
Jason Brune's nomination, which shows contempt for a successful
fishery and the livelihoods of fishers. He characterized the
nomination as a threat to his family and said the nomination of
a biased person to a position of public trust surprised and
disappointed him, because Mr. Brune will approve the Pebble mine
and the mine will fail.
1:44:40 PM
DAVE HARBOUR said as a former state regulator, and as a personal
and business reference, he endorses Mr. Brune's confirmation.
From his longtime personal experience, he is inspired by Mr.
Brune's qualities of generosity, integrity, a cheerful and
optimistic attitude, and professional competence. He directed
attention to his written testimony [provided in the committee
packet] that offers compelling logic to reinforce the
committee's decision to confirm the appointment due to Mr.
Brune's extensive biological and natural resource management
background that qualifies him as commissioner from
constitutional and statutory perspectives. Mr. Harbor urged the
legislature to base its decision upon qualifications and the
testimony of those who have actual experience with the nominee.
1:46:41 PM
BOB SYLVESTER commented allowing EPA to function as rulemaker
for the state is not a good idea. He said Mr. Brune is better
suited to a position with the Department of Natural Resources,
that has a different task than DEC. Further, efforts to work
with all the stakeholders would impede making good judgement on
proposals. He expressed his opposition to the appointment.
1:48:16 PM
DEREK BENSON said he strongly opposes Mr. Brune's nomination
because of his previous position as spokesman for the Pebble
project. He said he has worked at the headwaters of a Bristol
Bay fishing camp and does not want to see the area destroyed,
which would hurt Alaskans who depend upon salmon fishing income.
1:49:24 PM
CARL BRODERSEN cautioned confirming the nominee equates to
putting "... a career corporate advocate and lobbyist for the
exact industry he would have to regulate at the head of the very
organization charged with overseeing that industry." Although,
Mr. Brune is familiar with industry, a pro-Pebble corporate
advocate is unfit to run the department that exists to protect
and conserve our environment. Mr. Brodersen said he is pro-
miner, but is wary of some mining companies because of their
actions. He opined Mr. Brune's life's work is strongly
advocating for the interest of mines and he should not be the
commissioner of DEC.
1:51:19 PM
ROGER MCCAMPBELL stated he is a retired state employee with work
experience in ranching, technology, closing oil wells, and oil
spill cleanup. He said Mr. Brune's testimony showed he is
competent and skilled and has a lot of experience, and is a good
candidate for those who have a financial interest in Pebble
mine; however, Mr. McCampbell expressed his opposition to Mr.
Brune's confirmation.
1:52:51 PM
ERIN KANDOLL said she was representing her family and expressed
concern about the commissioner of DEC. Her family owns permits
and operates a Bristol Bay salmon boat; their livelihood would
be harmed by any threat to the fishery such as mine
contamination. She said Mr. Brune's lobbying efforts in support
of Pebble mine are is direct conflict with the responsibilities
of the commissioner's position at DEC, which is to ensure clean
water, to protect Alaskans from pollution, and to protect
sustainable natural resources for the following generations.
1:54:01 PM
ANNE KAHN said she is a lifelong Alaskan living in Lake Clark
and Homer. She expressed her opposition to Mr. Brune's
appointment and urged the committee to contact those with
sufficient knowledge to assess the risks of advancing the Pebble
mine. She reported 62,000 workers are employed because of the
Bristol Bay fishery and others are employed in the tourist
industry. She urged the committee to research worldwide
incidents of tailings dam failings, especially in areas of
sensitive habitat. Ms. Kahn stated DEC should require a
prefeasibility study on Pebble mine to outline its economic
viability. She said the confirmation of Mr. Brune would ignore
the wishes of a majority of Alaskans in favor of mega-
corporations.
1:56:10 PM
CHESTEN CLARK said he is a lifelong commercial fisherman who
fishes in Bristol Bay. He expressed his strong opposition to
Mr. Brune's confirmation because he is biased and too supportive
of mining, which is a conflict of interest [for the commissioner
of DEC].
1:57:03 PM
ROY SMITH said he is a lifelong Alaskan who has fished in
Bristol Bay for over 40 years and each year he is amazed by the
salmon run. He cautioned against the appointment of senior
officials in government who are selected to advance personal and
party agendas at the expense of fairness, science, and history.
Mr. Brune's confirmation would raise serious doubts about his
diligent oversight and equitable motives. Mr. Smith urged the
committee to protect the super sockeye and king salmon runs at
Bristol Bay by a no vote on [confirmation].
1:58:36 PM
ALANNAH HURLEY, Executive Director, United Tribes of Bristol Bay
(UTBB), informed the committee UTBB is a Tribal consortium of
fifteen Bristol Bay Tribal governments representing over 80
percent of the population of Bristol Bay. Ms. Hurley urged the
committee to not confirm Mr. Brune, whose appointment is an
affront to the people of Bristol Bay and all Alaskans because
his support of the Pebble project prevents his objectivity.
Further, his acceptance of the nomination with an obvious
conflict of interest indicates a lack of integrity and
character. She commented on inaccuracies in statements made by
Mr. Brune - on various occasions over many years - and read a
quote. Ms. Hurley opined Mr. Brune's appointment disallows
trust in "the process"; in fact, an objective and fair
commissioner of DEC is not a partisan issue.
2:01:31 PM
LYNN AMMU supported the testimony of the previous witness and
opined consideration of the confirmation of Mr. Brune is an
error due to Mr. Brune's conflict of interest.
2:02:29 PM
RIKA MOUW expressed her opposition to Mr. Brune's confirmation
and her concurrence with other witnesses who have testified in
opposition. She surmised Mr. Brune is a delightful person;
however, the responsibility of the DEC commissioner is to
conserve and improve the environment, and Mr. Brune previously
stated one of Alaska's goals is to grow Alaska through corporate
resource development. She opined Mr. Brune is a "single
objective nomination." Ms. Mouw concluded Pebble mine threatens
her community.
2:04:05 PM
KIRIL BASARGIN said he is a fourth-generation commercial
fisherman in Bristol Bay and elsewhere. He expressed opposition
to Mr. Brune's appointment because Mr. Brune is unfit and
should know from his work in biology what could be devasting to
Alaska; in addition, he does not work for conservation of
Alaska's resources. Mr. Basargin referred to a "childish"
incident and cautioned against putting childish minds into
office.
2:05:58 PM
KRIS BENSON said she has 18 years of experience working for a
land development agency that applies for "permits." She said
the commissioner of DEC should be neutral when reviewing
proposed development, and questioned Mr. Brune's neutrality
because of his past work as a strong advocate for development.
Further, Mr. Brune does not have experience or qualifications in
environmental enforcement against polluters, promulgating
environmental regulations, developing government policy, working
within government, or working within "neutral-type" agencies.
She urged the committee to vote no on Mr. Brune's nomination.
2:07:55 PM
ANNE FULLER pointed out current reasonable regulations are not
serving to improve and protect natural resources, or the
environment as indicated by the air and soil adjacent to the Red
Dog [mine] and the water at Hawk Inlet. She said, "I don't
think that predictability of permits needs to mean approval."
She urged the committee to inquire as to Mr. Brune's [position]
on specific regulations related to issues such as cleaning up
firefighting foam.
2:09:15 PM
SUSIE JENKINS-BRITO said she is a lifelong Alaskan and her
family has fished for four generations in Bristol Bay on drift
gillnet vessels. Although this hearing is not on Pebble mine,
she opined testimony on Pebble mine is relevant because Mr.
Brune's appointment is offensive to the 75 percent of Bristol
Bay residents who are opposed to Pebble mine. She said Mr.
Brune's aforementioned motto, "Think Globally, Develop Locally"
should mean enhanced support to the already vibrant economy in
the fisheries industry and to the subsistence culture. Ms.
Jenkins-Brito said she was not antimining, but mining must be
managed by someone with preservation and conservation in mind.
She stressed Mr. Brune was unsure how to clean up certain
pollutants and urged the committee to not support his
appointment.
2:10:43 PM
JOLIE TULLY expressed her strong opposition to the confirmation
of Mr. Brune and observed [government] leaders should appoint
the best person for the job to a position of power and
responsibility over natural resources. She opined Mr. Brune's
appointment is a cynical act of bad faith against the spirit of
the position he would hold.
2:11:33 PM
EVERETT THOMPSON said he is a commercial fisherman in Bristol
Bay and a lifelong resident of Naknek. He urged the committee
to reject Mr. Brune's nomination; Mr. Brune has publicly
supported the Pebble mine and has indicated he has already made
his decision about permitting [the Pebble mine]. He opined Mr.
Brune would unfairly be in the position of permitting Pebble
mine, which is a mine that is too much of a risk to Alaska
fisheries and the fisheries industry.
2:13:02 PM
SUSAN HANSON spoke in opposition to Mr. Brune who is not a
steward of the sockeye salmon fisheries in Dillingham and is
pro-Pebble mine. She said Mr. Brune is past president of the
[Alaska Mining Association] and therefore is not neutral. She
opined the toxins from the gold and copper mine will eventually
seep into the headwaters and threaten the sockeye fisheries
there. She urged the committee to oppose the nomination.
2:14:00 PM
KATE FINN reiterated Mr. Brune's history has not earned him the
right to be perceived as neutral, as the commissioner of DEC
must be. She recalled pro-Pebble statements made by Mr. Brune
under varied circumstances. Further, DEC must consider other
mines without a conflict of interest; she characterized Mr.
Brune as auditioning for a future job in the mining industry.
2:15:06 PM
STEVE KAHN said he is a lifelong Alaskan living in Lake Clark
and Homer and is strongly opposed to the confirmation of Mr.
Brune. He posited a former spokesperson and advocate for
Greenpeace, even if qualified, would not be confirmed by the
legislature; likewise, Mr. Brune should not be confirmed.
2:16:01 PM
AMY RAINE said she lives in the Bristol Bay watershed where she
and her partner have owned and operated a commercial fishing
vessel for decades. Ms. Raine opined Mr. Brune is not suited to
be commissioner of DEC because of statements he made related to
Pebble mine. Also, Mr. Brune was spokesperson for Anglo
American, a former co-owner of the [Pebble project], executive
director of the Resource Development Council, which exists to
support mines, and a board member of the Alaska Mining
Association. When considering Mr. Brune's advocacy of the
mining industry, his appointment would undermine the purpose of
DEC, which is to protect Alaska's water supply.
2:17:14 PM
MICHAEL FERRI grew up in Kodiak and now lives in Anchorage. He
said he has fished throughout Alaska and fishes in Bristol Bay
with his son. He spoke in support of Mr. Brune's appointment to
commissioner of DEC. He has known Mr. Brune for many years and
worked with him at the Resource Development Council. Mr. Brune
is a passionate father and has a passion for Alaska and its
resources. Mr. Ferri said he has fished in Bristol Bay for 25
years and those who are critical have never met or worked with
Mr. Brune. He stressed Mr. Brune would never show preference
for one Alaska resource over another. He urged the committee
to advance Mr. Brune's confirmation.
2:18:43 PM
SOMMERS COLE said Mr. Brune is unacceptable and unqualified as
an appointee for the commissioner of DEC because he is unable to
make unbiased decisions related to permitting major mine
projects. His work history should preclude him from this role
in a department tasked with making decisions on environmental
permits; Mr. Brune has a clear conflict of interest. Mr. Cole
cautioned the public does not trust its elected officials; in
fact, confirmation of Mr. Brune, who has advanced the interests
of foreign mining companies and lobbied for decreased
environmental protections, would illustrate who holds power in
Alaska. He concluded confirmation of Mr. Brune would be a
disservice to democracy and to present and future generations of
Alaskans, who do not believe the government works for them
because public opinion has no bearing on the actions of their
representatives, but corporate spending does. Mr. Cole advised
the system is corrupt.
2:20:47 PM
JORDEN NIGRO said she is a lifelong Alaskan and asked the
committee not to confirm Mr. Brune's appointment because his
background as a mining industry spokesman is in clear conflict
with the mission of DEC, which is to conserve, improve, and
protect Alaska's natural resources and environment. Alaskans
deserve a commissioner who is nonbiased and not beholden to
private industry; the appointment of Mr. Brune is an insult to
Alaskans by an administration that lacks a vision for the state.
She opined the committee has a vision that prioritizes the land,
considers future generations, and understands the importance of
its actions.
2:22:03 PM
TOM GLASS said he has been a commercial fisherman for 31 years
and opposed the confirmation of Mr. Brune because of his record
advocating for mining and the Pebble mine.
2:22:56 PM
ERIN WILAHAN said although she respects Mr. Brune's work
experience and demeanor, DEC is a "poor fit" for Mr. Brune due
to his background, prior mining affiliations, conflict of
interest, and uncompromising support for Pebble mine. She read
a quote from Mr. Brune, and opined Mr. Brune has clearly and
repeatedly expressed his support for the Pebble mine project and
questioned whether he would consider local concerns related to
any development project.
2:23:56 PM
MEGHAN GERVAIS said she is a commercial fisher who holds a drift
permit and fishes in Bristol Bay in the summer. On behalf of
her children and herself, she expressed her opposition to the
appointment, based on Mr. Brune's long history working for
mining interests, which is in conflict with his position at DEC.
2:24:43 PM
SELIVAN BASARGIN expressed his opposition to Mr. Brune because
of the Pebble mine. He noted in Canada a mine dam failed and
caused environmental damage which was not cleaned up; if that
happened [in Bristol Bay] fish would be poisoned, and he would
not be able to fish.
2:25:42 PM
TESS HOSTETTER urged the committee to not advance Mr. Brune's
nomination because the commissioner of DEC should be rooted in
conservation; further, the commissioner should be one Alaskans
can trust to protect Alaska and not bend to the needs of
developers. She opined Mr. Brune will not act impartially and
his work experiences are very ill-placed for the commissioner of
DEC. His appointment is irresponsible and inappropriate as his
interests seem more focused on development then protecting and
conserving Alaska's land, resources, and water.
2:27:15 PM
CLAIRE SANCHEZ said she did not support the confirmation of Mr.
Brune because the commissioner of DEC is a fair decision-maker
grounded in environmental conservation; Mr. Brune's previous
work with Anglo American mining company proves otherwise. She
related the appointment is disrespectful to Alaskans and Mr.
Brune is not appropriate for the position, which requires
someone with experience and dedication to the mission of
conserving, improving, and protecting Alaska's natural resources
and environment to enhance the health, safety, economic, and
social wellbeing of Alaskans.
2:28:11 PM
ARTHUR BLOOM stated his agreement with most of the previous
testimony and his opposition to the nomination of [Mr. Brune].
2:28:58 PM
MARK LISAC said he has lived in Alaska for 36 years and urged
the committee to oppose the confirmation of Mr. Brune, who has a
conflict of interest and glossed over his career lobbying and
advocating for foreign mining companies. Further, he served the
Resource Development Council - which exists only to promote
mines and dams - in direct conflict with DEC that is responsible
for reviewing permit applications for mines. Mr. Lisac
questioned Mr. Brune's claims and testimony before the Senate
Resources Standing Committee related to his stance on the Pebble
project. Mr. Lisac reviewed the responsibilities of DEC and
pointed out Mr. Brune opposes the basic mission of DEC and has
spent his career advocating for mines over the interests of
Alaskans. He cautioned against creating more Superfund sites in
Alaska.
2:30:32 PM
ERIC FEIGE, former member of the Alaska House of
Representatives, said the committee's task is to review the
qualifications of the appointee and determine whether he has the
leadership talent, managerial skill, and requisite technical
knowledge to perform his duties. Mr. Feige said his experience,
as a former chair of the House Resources Standing Committee, is
that Mr. Brune represented various organizations with personal
integrity and worked to solve issues. Mr. Brune has been a
successful manager under difficult circumstances and has a solid
academic background and early experience in Prince William Sound
where he saw the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Mr.
Feige related Mr. Brune has solid experience dealing with the
government, and the public, in various roles and has brought a
perspective to DEC that will balance its regulatory,
environmental, and customer service aspects due to his
successful career.
2:33:12 PM
KYLE KNIGHT stated his opposition to the confirmation of Mr.
Brune as his nomination is inappropriate, unethical, and
unacceptable. The nomination [of Mr. Brune] demonstrates a
preference by the administration for big business and big money
over the interests of Alaskans.
2:34:18 PM
MARTHA MCKINNEY said her daughter fishes in Bristol Bay every
summer and spoke in opposition to the confirmation of Mr. Brune
due to his conflict of interest, his bias, and his past
experience. She recalled in 2012, EPA issued a decision that
the Pebble mine proposal would negatively impact Bristol Bay
salmon; in 2014, EPA proposed to limit mining within Bristol
Bay; in 2017, EPA ignored scientific study and overwhelming
public support and withdrew protections. She strongly urged the
committee to not approve the confirmation of Mr. Brune and
thereby prevent a tragic choice.
2:35:55 PM
BRIAN HIMELBLOOM informed the committee he is a 32-year resident
of Kodiak Island and expressed his adamant opposition to Mr.
Brune's nomination because he not qualified and lacks the
knowledge to protect air and water quality and environmental
health, as tasked by the Division of Environmental Health, DEC.
He suggested Mr. Brune is well-qualified to serve the Division
of Mining, Land and Water, Department of Natural Resources. He
cautioned against pitting the renewable resources of salmon
fisheries against mining.
2:37:30 PM
NINA VIZCARRONDO said she is a previous subsistence chair for
the Alaska Native Sisterhood in Sitka. She cautioned people
with monetary interests who have power in government [positions]
cannot speak for and properly defend Alaska's environment
because there is an obvious conflict of interest. Ms.
Vizcarrondo urged the committee to represent Alaskans and fail
to appoint Mr. Brune.
2:38:06 PM
VERNA KOLYAHA said she was born and raised in [Pedro Bay] and
opined Mr. Brune is wrong for the appointment because he is
jeopardizing her way of life and that of future generations.
2:38:40 PM
DAVE ATCHUSON agreed with most of the previous speakers and
urged that the committee not support the nominee due to his
obvious conflict of interest. He said Anglo American has a
disastrous environmental track record and Mr. Brune cannot be
objective; further, Mr. Brune's appointment will deepen distrust
of government.
2:39:58 PM
COLE HANSEN said he is a second-generation Bristol Bay fisher
and his livelihood is dependent upon the sustainable management
of Alaska's natural resources. He opined Mr. Brune has serious
conflicts of interest that prevent his leadership of DEC: he is
a former spokesman for Anglo American and a board member of the
Alaska Miners Association. Mr. Hansen said mining lobbyists
should not be trusted to make decisions about the use of
Alaska's resources, especially the permitting process for the
Pebble mine. He cautioned predictability in regulations means
"... letting miners and resource extraction do what they will
...." He repeated the DEC mission statement and urged the
committee to reject the confirmation of Mr. Brune.
2:41:18 PM
LINDSEY BLOOM, Project Manager, Commercial Fisherman for Bristol
Bay, informed the committee she is a member of a Bristol Bay
fishing family that has fished for several generations. She
said Commercial Fisherman for Bristol Bay represents the largest
salmon fleet in Alaska and pointed out in 2018 Bristol Bay
represented $1.5 billion in economic activity and was
responsible for approximately 47 percent of the value of salmon
in Alaska. Ms. Bloom recalled one of the first meetings related
to the Pebble project was held jointly by the Department of
Natural Resources, DEC, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
and mine interests. When fisherman brought forward concerns
about the [permitting process for Pebble mine] they were told
not to worry because they would be protected by the state's
rigorous permitting process: a fair, science-based process that
one can trust. She remarked:
To me this nomination, it flies in the face of, of
that promise and we don't have to look further than
what's already been said with Twitter feeds and media
posts about where Jason Brune stands on the Pebble
project, it's also disturbing that [he] clearly
harbors some distain for commercial fishing in
general, which you can also find in his social media
feeds.
2:44:19 PM
MIKE SATRE said he is a lifelong Alaskan who works in the mining
industry and who is speaking for himself. Mr. Satre said he has
known Mr. Brune for many years as a man with passion for Alaska,
and its people, environment, and resources. He is also a man of
honor and integrity with work experience that some view as a
conflict; however, all commissioners should have educational,
work, and life experiences to serve Alaskans while following the
law and process. He advised Mr. Brune is a man of process who
will follow the rule of law. Mr. Satre urged the committee to
support Mr. Brune's nomination.
2:46:10 PM
CASEY JANZ said she has been a resident of Kodiak for 40 years.
She expressed her strong opposition to the nomination of Mr.
Brune because he has demonstrated his position on Pebble mine
and his past words and actions demonstrate a conflict of
interest with protecting the environment. She urged the
committee to not advance his confirmation.
2:47:03 PM
CLARK WITNEY JR., on behalf of his children and himself, spoke
in strong opposition to the nomination of Mr. Brune. Regarding
Mr. Brune's employment at Anglo American, he said Anglo American
received profits from South Africa and slave labor.
2:47:54 PM
MELANIE BROWN said she is a lifelong Alaskan, a Tribal citizen
of Naknek Native village, and a Bristol Bay permit holder. She
acknowledged Mr. Brune has a very substantial resume that was
designed for mining proponents. Further, she opined the low
ranking of mine permitting in Alaska as stated by Mr. Brune is
because Alaskans do not grant social license to projects such as
the proposed Pebble mine. As acting commissioner of DEC, Mr.
Brune has not listened; in fact, he has issued a permit to the
Donlin gold mine project for waste management that has
demonstrated his willingness to bend the law, create loopholes,
and redefine terms. Ms. Brown urged Alaskans to review the
waste management permit issued by DEC.
2:49:48 PM
WOODY CYR said he has a background in ecology, fisheries, and
soils and is vehemently opposition to the nomination of Mr.
Brune. He cautioned in 20 years the effects of today's
decisions will be seen and he urged the committee to use its
power to institute "checks and balances."
2:51:12 PM
FRANCES BRANN said she has been an Alaska resident since 1975
and cautioned against appointing a commissioner of DEC who
supports the Pebble Partnership and large-scale mining. She
opined this is not just an Alaska problem: tourists come from
around the world; poison in the sockeye salmon are sold around
the world and other animals and humans who eat the fish will
carry the heavy metal contamination around the globe. She said
the economic and environmental costs of permitting the [Pebble]
mine are too high to risk; Mr. Brune is a champion of large-
scale mining, is not neutral, and should not be appointed
commissioner of DEC.
2:52:22 PM
CHANDLER O'CONNELL said she is a lifelong Alaskan and part of a
fishing family. She expressed her belief Mr. Brune has not
earned the trust of Alaskans and thus she is opposed to his
confirmation.
2:52:50 PM
VIKKI JO KENNEDY acknowledged Mr. Brune's fortitude; however,
she said she could not support his confirmation.
2:53:41 PM
KEITH COMSTOCK, President and CEO of Juneau Hydropower/Juneau
District Heating, on behalf of the Alaska Independent Power
Producers Association read the following statement:
The Alaska Independent Power Producers Association
goal is to encourage and promote independent power
production in the State of Alaska. AIPPA respectfully
submits this letter of support of Jason Brune to serve
as our next commissioner of the Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation. Mr. Brune has a history
of supporting lower cost, renewable energy development
in Alaska and has demonstrated his fact and science-
based approach to regulation. He has earned a well-
deserved reputation in his business dealings and is
open and approachable by those who have worked with
him that include Native, environmental, and nonprofit
interests. He has served on the Alaska Sealife Center
board, Cook Inlet beluga whale endangered species act
recovery team, etc., etc. Mr. Brune has a
demonstrated record ....
2:55:03 PM
DAVE CANNON said he is a fish biologist who lives in Aniak. He
is a 20-year Alaska resident who witnessed the decline of
salmon, steelhead, bull trout, Pacific lamprey and other fishes
of the Pacific Northwest. The decline was due to many reasons
including habitat alteration and hydropower dams. In Idaho,
mining played a substantial role in direct habitat modification
or eradication, or in the degradation of water quality, and
industry fought all regulations to halt the decline. At all
levels, environmental stressors are mounting; there is no doubt
building the Pebble mine would have an impact on the important
salmon fishery in Bristol Bay. Mr. Cannon concluded Mr. Brune
has a strong conflict of interest and he opposed his nomination.
2:56:55 PM
STEVE SCHOONMAKER spoke in opposition to Mr. Brune's
confirmation due to his gross conflict of interest.
2:57:27 PM
TRISTAN CHANEY opined Mr. Brune is unfit for DEC because of his
past views on mining, especially the Pebble mine in Southwest
Alaska. The best clean water from all over Alaska deserves the
best [commissioner of DEC].
2:58:31 PM
JIM CLARK said he has been a resident of Alaska for 50 years and
served as transition director and chief of staff for former
Governor Frank Murkowski. In that position, he helped select a
number of commissioners, and he pointed out one's involvement
with mining does not equate with being not qualified; he noted
two prior commissioners, Ernesta Ballard, whose work experience
was heavily involved in logging, and Larry Harding, who was an
attorney for Red Dog mine, proved to be adequate commissioners
of DEC. Mr. Clark said Mr. Brune has a background in science
and a lot of experience in various industries. He urged the
committee to look past the caricature of Mr. Brune and also look
at the experience of a previous appointee who had represented
mining and has been a great commissioner.
3:00:16 PM
LINDSAY LAYLAND expressed her opposition to Mr. Brune's
confirmation due to his obvious conflict of interest in
reviewing mining permits and his previous employment with mining
companies. She urged the committee to do its job by listening
to over 50 of the 55 Alaskans who have testified so far in
opposition to Mr. Brune's confirmation.
3:01:27 PM
CONSTANTINE JOHNSON, on behalf of his family and himself, spoke
in opposition to the confirmation of Mr. Brune because Mr. Brune
would be unable to provide a fair and neutral position on the
Pebble project, which poses a great threat to Mr. Johnson's
region, due to Mr. Brune's previous work experience with a
company supporting the Pebble project. Further, Mr. Brune has
made recent statements reconfirming his support for development
at Pebble. Mr. Johnson concluded Mr. Brune would not be an
objective commissioner and urged the committee to not support
his confirmation.
3:02:14 PM
DONNA RAE FAULKNER said she was strongly opposed to the
appointment of Mr. Brune, which she characterized as horrifying
and disrespectful. She said she is an Alaskan farmer who cares
about food security, the environment, Alaska cultures, and
salmon. She acknowledged she is biased against the Pebble mine
and Mr. Brune's nomination and biased toward regenerative
farming, environmental stewardship, and the health of Alaskans.
She pointed out eight additional witnesses at the Homer
legislative information office (LIO) are waiting to testify in
opposition.
3:03:31 PM
LISBETH JACKSON informed the committee she is not in support of
Mr. Brune for DEC commissioner. She read the mission of DEC and
opined Mr. Brune has an impressive resume that does not include
the expertise, attitude, or experience to adequately represent
the state through DEC. Mr. Brune's work experience has been to
develop Alaska's natural resources, and she urged the committee
to not confirm Mr. Brune. Ms. Jackson questioned whether the
testimony heard would have an impact on the committee's actions.
3:05:13 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR explained that public testimony is heard during
committee hearings and the fact the committee forwards a name
for confirmation does not indicate that individuals will be
supported by members of the committee. She urged witnesses to
continue to advocate for their positions up to the joint session
of the legislature, during which members will vote on
confirmations.
3:05:43 PM
SURAJ HOLZWARTH, Executive Director, Whirling Rainbow
Foundation, said she is a 40-year resident of Alaska and was
speaking on her own behalf and representing Native Americans.
Ms. Holzwarth stated Native Americans understand that the
preamble to the U.S. Constitution identifies we, the people, as
also the fish people, the rock people, and the tree people. She
expressed her agreement with previous opposition and questioned
veracity and the safety of Alaska's fish, wildlife, air, and
water quality. Although Mr. Brune is qualified to represent
mining companies; however, water keeps people alive but is being
sold off to the industries of oil and gas and mining without
consideration of the economy and the amount of time necessary to
clean up poisoned water. Ms. Holzwarth stressed the importance
of protecting resources for future generations; in fact, the
commissioner of DEC should be a superhero for the environment.
The committee took a brief at ease.
3:09:05 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR recessed the House Resources Standing Committee
meeting to reconvene at 5:30 p.m.
5:31:15 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR called the House Resources Standing Committee
meeting back to order at 5:31 p.m. Representatives Hannan, and
Tarr were present at the call back to order. Representatives
Rauscher and Spohnholz arrived as the meeting was in progress.
5:32:10 PM
BARBARA REILLY stated her strong opposition to Mr. Brune's
appointment due to his conflict of interest, bias, lack of
qualifications, and his interest in money, power, and mining
companies. She said Red Dog mine is a toxic waste pit and noted
she has master's degrees in marine science and engineering and
opined mining is not a good idea. She said, "this mine is in a
seismically active [region] period" and predicted Red Dog mine
will fail. She suggested if the state is interested in money,
it should keep the fishing industry strong and increase tourism.
Ms. Reilly concluded Mr. Brune does not demonstrate the
qualifications of conservation, preservation, and improvement of
natural resources.
5:35:23 PM
HEATHER FORBES said she is strongly opposed to Mr. Brune's
nomination and asked whether the committee can fail to advance
Mr. Brune's name.
CO-CHAIR TARR advised appointees names are forwarded from
committee for consideration before a joint session of the
legislature; during the joint session, members vote on
confirmations.
MS. FORBES suggested there must be a more neutral person for the
job.
5:36:55 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
5:37:08 PM
STEVEN ALBERT said he is retired after 27 years as a biologist
with ADFG; he said as part of his work he visited the Pebble
site and its surrounding area and warned about many facets of
the project. Mr. Albert opined Mr. Brune is not impartial and
has no professional experience that could ensure the public
Alaska's water quality, fish habitat, and wildlife habitat would
be protected anywhere in the state.
5:40:17 PM
ANI LEE expressed her appreciation for Alaska's fish and water
and said she does not trust Mr. Brune to protect them. Thirty-
five years ago, she emigrated from China where the government is
willing to ruin the environment in order to increase the gross
domestic product. Alaskans should preserve Alaska's pristine
environment, and Mr. Brune is not sufficiently neutral for the
job, and does not have a background in environmental
protections.
5:42:03 PM
KRISTEN ULERY said she lives and works in King Salmon where she
relies on Bristol Bay's strong salmon runs. She said she
opposes the nomination of Mr. Brune because the ecological,
economic, and social value of Bristol Bay's salmon fisheries
demand the respect and attention of a commissioner who will not
put big business first, and who is unbiased. Ms. Ulery said
there is evidence Mr. Brune has a clear bias favoring Pebble
mine, and his confirmation would be unethical, inappropriate,
and irresponsible.
5:43:00 PM
TOM HARRIS stated Mr. Brune has served as a board member of
Alaska's first and largest Tribal Conservation District in
Tyonek, that has a mission to conserve, enhance, and encourage
the wise use of natural resources. He related the Kenai
Peninsula has had a documented reduction in wildlife harvest, a
loss of 90 percent of the renowned moose harvest and formation
of the Tribal Conservation District will bring an abundance of
wildlife to the area. There are now 23 Tribal Conservation
Districts in Alaska and Mr. Brune has been part of that movement
which will bring in millions of dollars of wildlife resource
renewal funding without any requirement of state matching funds.
Mr. Harris encouraged those who don't know Mr. Brune to do so.
Mr. Brune also worked in management at Cook Inlet Region, Inc.,
in charge of relationships between villages and corporations.
Mr. Harris said, "And in no case did he put the environmental
health of the community ahead of profit ...." He said he
supports Mr. Brune who is a man of integrity and honesty and who
strives for fairness and equity in all tasks.
5:45:21 PM
KAMPER HART expressed her opposition to Mr. Brune. She said she
is a deckhand in Bristol Bay and believes someone supportive of
Pebble mine could harm her family and families like hers.
5:45:44 PM
GEORGE ORTMAN said he has been a fishing guide since 1981 - now
retired. He said he has been to Talarik Creek and Koktuli
River, which are areas inappropriate for a gold mine as are the
headwaters of the Kvichak and Nushagak rivers. He said Mr.
Brune is the worst man for the job and legislators should not
consider his appointment.
5:46:29 PM
DEBRA LATHROP spoke in opposition to the confirmation of Mr.
Brune because he has neither the background or the inclination
to protect and preserve Alaska's waterways, as evidenced by his
nonsupport of the Ocean Ranger program, [Division of Water,
DEC], and his background as a lobbyist for Pebble mine
interests. She suggested there are better choices for
commissioner.
5:47:19 PM
LIZ RANGEL testified in opposition to Mr. Brune's appointment
because of his history as spokesman for Anglo American and the
Pebble mine project. There is no evidence he can remain neutral
in his decision-making or that he can protect and conserve the
environment in Bristol Bay and elsewhere in Alaska; in fact,
Alaskans prefer a DEC commissioner who works in Alaska's best
interest and not that of mining companies.
5:48:04 PM
ALYSSA QUINTYNE testified in opposition to the appointment of
Mr. Brune and directed attention to her previously-submitted
written testimony. She said Mr. Brune is pro-extractive and
pro-fossil fuel and listed his activities with RDC, the Alaska
Miners Association, and as a Pebble mine spokesman. She said
DEC needs a commissioner who will advocate for Alaskans and for
villages, and provide competent guidance on projects. She
recalled testimony by Mr. Brune did not reveal his true position
on extractive projects, in the case of a violation, in an
emergency, or how he would report to the legislature. Ms.
Quintyne acknowledged others have said Mr. Brune has integrity,
but she has not seen a history of expertise and neutrality.
5:51:11 PM
ROBERT HOCKEMA said he is a student at the University of Alaska
Anchorage and strongly opposes Mr. Brune's nomination. He read
the DEC mission statement and opined an appointee's work
experience should be indicative of an ability to serve the
purpose of a department, not to undermine its capacity to serve
the public.
5:52:30 PM
RICHARD HERRAN said he is a registered nurse who has lived in
Alaska for 39 years. He said he and members of his household
fish and preserve fish to consume for health benefits. The
Pebble mine project represents a potentially significant danger
to the natural environment, spawning salmon, freshwater animals,
and organisms. Developments such as the Pebble mine proposal
fail and destroy living organisms and biomes. Mr. Brune has
been a proponent of damming the Susitna River, which would lead
to a tremendous loss of habitat; the mining industry does not
care about fish, clean water, or clean air, and Mr. Brune has
worked for the mining industry. Mr. Herran equated Mr. Brune's
confirmation to that of DEC not caring about these issues
either. He urged for the legislature to decide whether it
represents Alaskan citizens and voters or industrial entities.
5:54:32 PM
ADAM WEBER said he is a pilot who sees that fish are an
important resource to the communities in rural areas of Alaska
and especially Southwest Alaska. Mr. Brune's nomination is a
threat to an ecosystem and Pebble mine is a mistake that could
not be undone. Confirmation of Mr. Brune would be a blow to
Alaskans and a betrayal of Alaska by its government. He
disagreed with the spurious argument that the Tyonek area
represents Mr. Brune's success and observed there is little
commercial hunting and fishing traffic on that side of [Cook
Inlet]. He urged the committee not to confirm Mr. Brune.
5:55:24 PM
NIKOS PASTOS said he is a lifelong Alaskan whose father was a
hunting guide. He is an environmental sociologist and referred
to previously submitted comments that were written on behalf of
Alaska's Big Village Network, a voluntary association. He
addressed the major social impacts to the Great Land: cultural,
economic, and spiritual. He cautioned natural resources are
being robbed away from the people at the expense of the state's
rich cultures and ecosystems. All members of Alaska's Big
Village Network oppose Mr. Brune's appointment and even though
he may be a decent person, he was paid by industry to develop a
project harmful to Alaska. Furthermore, there is the question
of how development projects such as the Pebble mine, Donlin
Gold, and the natural gas pipeline to Crooked Creek "build on
each other and the, and the aggregate impact to community,
culture, the economy, the air - you know - the natural
environment are just way too costly."
5:58:17 PM
MIKE BRONSON spoke in opposition to the appointment of Mr.
Brune. He said for 20 years he worked in the oil industry in
Alaska and is familiar with its operations and the regulations
implemented by DEC; further, he has run and floated rivers all
over Alaska and eats plenty of salmon. Mr. Bronson pointed out
the legislature has an opportunity to "step away" from the
appointment of Mr. Brune because he is the wrong man for the
wrong job.
5:59:18 PM
CODY JACOBSON stated his opposition to Mr. Brune's appointment.
He said Mr. Brune's track record and prior work history have
documented that he cannot be impartial. The commissioner of DEC
is an extremely important position suited to one who has the
right work history without political influence. Mr. Jacobson
said his extensive experience in the Bristol Bay area leads him
to believe some areas are too sacred and important to be
developed; however, Mr. Brune has shown that he favors
development.
6:00:47 PM
LIZ DEAM said she is a lifelong Alaskan and expressed her
opposition to Mr. Brune's appointment. She said as a Pebble
mine spokesman, Mr. Brune has a conflict of interest. Pebble
mine is not a project that promotes conservation of the
environment nor preservation of Alaska's resources, but seeks
profit for its Outside developers. Further, she opined Mr.
Brune is not an impartial appointee because his interest may be
for profit and personal interest. His appointment would be
unethical, biased, and irresponsible, and would do a disserve to
the state and its pristine resources. Ms. Deam said a watershed
cannot be rebuilt and unprecedented damage cannot be undone.
6:02:04 PM
JESSICA MCDONNEL said she grew up in the Bristol Bay watershed
where she and her husband own and operate a commercial fishing
operation. She stressed appointing Mr. Brune is in direct
conflict with the position of power he would hold. She
questioned Mr. Brune's statement that he has not made up his
mind about "Pebble." Alaskans deserve an unbiased permitting
process for projects such as Pebble, and the committee can deny
Mr. Brune his goal of fast-tracking permits for Pebble mine.
Ms. McDonnell said DEC is in charge to enhance the health safety
and welfare of Alaskans; Mr. Brune is unfit for this position.
6:03:12 PM
KATIE DAWSON informed the committee Homer has many fisheries and
a lot of tourism activities and expressed her surprise [the
state] is still thinking about [permitting] Pebble mine.
Therefore, Mr. Brune should not be [commissioner of DEC] because
he was a spokesman for Pebble mine and will not be neutral. Ms.
Dawson opined Pebble mine will destroy the environment for a
long time and it doesn't make sense to give profits to a major
corporation.
6:04:26 PM
EDWARD MCDONNEL said he has been a commercial fisherman for 20
years; he cautioned much time is needed to see the importance of
resources to maintain the delicate balance of life existing in
Bristol Bay and elsewhere, and how important the resources are
to Native people, their culture, spirit, and education. He read
the mission of DEC and acknowledged Mr. Brune has an impressive
resume, but his interest is limited to the economic portion of
the DEC mission as evidenced by his desire to be commissioner of
the department that approves water and air quality permits. Mr.
McDonnel urged the committee to remember the other elements of
DEC's mission - conservation and the protection of the health
and safety and social wellbeing of Alaskans - and to vote no on
Mr. Brune.
6:06:18 PM
LEONARD YUKMIS said for 53 years he has hunted and fished the
hills and streams of the Bristol Bay area. He said Mr. Brune's
resume is "laughable" and that he did not want Mr. Brune to be
DEC commissioner. He related he is a moderate Republican and
will provide additional written testimony.
6:07:29 PM
IDA NELSON said she lives in Igiugig, 40 miles away from the
proposed Pebble mine, and is testifying in opposition to Mr.
Brune's appointment.
6:08:08 PM
MARK NIVER, President, Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay,
informed the committee the 1,400 members of his organization are
opposed to the appointment of Mr. Brune because Mr. Brune has
stated in public media that he has no doubt Pebble mine can
coexist with the Bristol Bay watershed. He urged the committee
not to advance the appointment and to listen to the amount of
opposition to the Pebble mine.
6:09:38 PM
BRYCE NIVER said he is a lifelong resident and urged the
committee to not advance Mr. Brune's [confirmation] due to Mr.
Brune's obvious bias.
6:10:22 PM
DANIEL SONDERGAARD said he was from Minneapolis and is strongly
opposed to Mr. Brune's appointment. In response to Co-Chair
Tarr, he explained he spends his summer fishing in Alaska.
6:11:44 PM
SUSAN AMUNDSON said she is a consultant to organizations in the
workplace and is opposed to the confirmation of Mr. Brune. She
agreed with others that Mr. Brune has a conflict of interest
related to permitting the proposed Pebble mine because of his
positions with the Alaska Miners Association and the Pebble
mine, which are perceived and direct conflicts of interest. Ms.
Amundson concluded Mr. Brune would be biased, his confirmation
would be unethical, and it would be hard for him to consider
what is best for Alaska, its people, and its resources.
6:13:17 PM
CASEY COUPCHIAK said she is from Togiak, a small coastal village
on the edge of Bristol Bay which is very beautiful and where her
family has fished for centuries and relied on the land for
sustenance. It is a place where wildlife and salmon have fueled
their bodies every year. Her family's roots go very deep there
and Pebble mine would destroy it all. She expressed her
opposition to Mr. Brune's confirmation.
6:14:37 PM
REBECCA TEMPLE said she is a lifelong Alaskan and a Bristol Bay
fisherman who opposes the appointment of Mr. Brune. She said
Mr. Brune presents a conflict of interest with the purpose of
DEC, and she read from the DEC mission statement. Mr. Brune's
work history includes lobbying for the proposed Pebble mine and
she described aspects of the open pit mine project. She opined
Mr. Brune's work history prevents him from being neutral and
impartial when reviewing mine permits.
6:15:26 PM
MARGARET ANDERSON urged the committee to oppose the confirmation
of Mr. Brune because his obvious bias is a danger to the heart
of Alaska. [Due to technical difficulties further testimony was
indecipherable.]
6:17:20 PM
KATE CRUMP said her Bristol Bay business, Forget Adventure
Travel, is a sport fishing outfitter that employs four people
and brings over one hundred tourists to the region each season.
She testified in strong opposition to Mr. Brune's confirmation
as he has a conflict of interest based upon his past affiliation
with the Pebble Partnership and the mining industry. Ms. Crump
said Mr. Brune cannot be impartial in making decisions related
to Pebble mine as evidenced by his public statements; his
appointment would be unethical. She advised the federal
permitting process has not been fair or transparent thus
Alaskans cannot trust the process to Mr. Brune. Ms. Crump said
her business experience in Oregon made her aware of the danger
of trading the natural resource of salmon for industries' gain;
Bristol Bay is the last wild salmon fishery left in the world.
6:19:27 PM
BERTHA PAEIAN-LOCKUK said she has served the Traditional Council
of Togiak, the United Tribes of Bristol Bay, the Bristol Bay
Native Corporation, and Southwest Region School District. On
behalf of her community of Togiak, she informed the committee
her community is not in support of Mr. Brune's appointment
because the residents live there year around and if their needs
are not met, they will not go to someone else's yard and dig for
income. She said the major economy in Togiak is based on
commercial fishing and has been for a long time; even when
salmon prices fluctuate residents remain in the community and
some rely on salmon for their subsistence lifestyle. Community
leaders must serve their communities, regions, and the state,
and in the best interest of the village, she urged the committee
to carry on their voices opposing Mr. Brune's [confirmation] and
development of the Pebble mine project. Ms. Paeian-Lockuk
stated the people in her village pay their taxes and expressed
her belief it is the committee's duty to listen to their voices.
6:23:30 PM
KRISTIN CARPENTER said she opposes the confirmation of Mr. Brune
on behalf of herself and the Copper River Watershed Project, an
entity that is a past grantee for DEC "section 319" funds and
which has worked with DEC to mitigate stormwater pollution and
on other issues. She stated her concern about Mr. Brune's
ability to implement DEC's mission related to Alaska's water
quality, pollutant discharges, and oil spill prevention and
response, because his past work history does not reflect
experience in these matters.
6:25:12 PM
CARL WASSILIE expressed his strong opposition to Mr. Brune's
confirmation. Mr. Brune has advocated for the destruction of
Alaska's subsistence resources by allowing development, and that
is a concern to Mr. Wassilie and others. [Due to technical
difficulties portions of the testimony were indecipherable.]
Mr. Wassilie urged the committee to recognize the threat of
resource extraction over the basic benefits that provide
Alaskans with nutritional, physical, spiritual, and cultural
protections of natural resources that are renewable.
6:28:35 PM
CAROL FORD said she lives in Homer and Nikiski. She opined
although Mr. Brune seeks to be commissioner of DEC, he has shown
himself to be against conserving Alaska's environment and
prefers short-term monetary gain; in fact, to balance debate on
Alaska's future natural abundance, the commissioner of DEC must
be a strong voice for environmental conservation, reason, and
for guiding the protection of the balance of the natural
resources. Ms. Ford questioned how many voices are needed to
bring understanding that this appointment and some projects are
abominations.
6:30:03 PM
WALLACE MILLS said he has been an Alaska resident for over 40
years and is a retired lawyer, pilot, and active Episcopal
priest. He expressed his belief Mr. Brune "is the wrong person
and the wrong project, both" and said he is in opposition to the
appointment of Mr. Brune. Mr. Mills agreed with others who have
said Mr. Brune has an "unconscionable" conflict of interest. He
referred to an EPA assessment of impacts of the Pebble mine on
water and air quality in the Bristol Bay watershed that was
based on " good science"; in addition, the project is disruptive
to Homer and Kodiak because of the infrastructure required in
[Kachemak] Bay and Lake Iliamna and an affront to Bristol Bay
and its renewable resources. He urged the committee to not
confirm Mr. Brune.
6:32:07 PM
TYLER CASKEY said he has been a sportfishing guide for 12 years
on the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, the Kenai Peninsula, and
the Nushagak River drainage and watershed. He said he owns and
operates a business in Ekwok and is speaking for himself and his
company. Mr. Caskey said he is opposed to Mr. Brune and to the
Pebble mine [because] he hoped his grandchildren in the next 30-
60 years will have same opportunity that he has, [but] that may
not happen with the mine. Mr. Caskey said he has listened to
others and waited two hours to give his testimony opposing Mr.
Brune and the Pebble mine.
6:35:22 PM
GORDY VERNON spoke in opposition to Mr. Brune's confirmation.
He said he holds stock in five iron ore mining companies, two of
which have suffered tailings dam failure - a 40 percent failure
rate in one month. The proposed tailings dam at Pebble mine is
seven hundred feet tall, which would be one of the ten tallest
dams in the world. Mr. Vernon said the dam is to keep ponded
water in perpetuity, and he questioned who would keep the dam
from leaking, because tailings dams leak. He said he shares
responsibility for two dam failures - and for deaths caused by a
dam failure - and he is worried about insidious leaks and
leaching from the dam that would be genocide for the Yupik
people and their way of life.
6:37:31 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR, after ascertaining no one further wished to
testify, closed public testimony. The confirmation of Jason
Brune was held in committee for possible further public
testimony and the committee's consideration.
6:39:29 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at [6:39]
p.m.