Legislature(2019 - 2020)BARNES 124
03/29/2019 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB35 | |
| HJR10 | |
| HB16 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 16 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HJR 10 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 35 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 29, 2019
1:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Geran Tarr, Co-Chair
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Representative Chris Tuck
Representative Dave Talerico
Representative George Rauscher
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative John Lincoln, Co-Chair
Representative Grier Hopkins, Vice Chair
Representative Sara Rasmussen
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 35
"An Act relating to participation in matters before the Board of
Fisheries and the Board of Game by the members of the respective
boards; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 35(FSH) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10
Supporting development of the road belt electrical transmission
line; and urging members of the Alaska delegation in Congress to
pursue the development of this high- voltage electrical line in
the interior of the state.
- HEARD & HELD
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 16
"An Act relating to shared animal ownership; and relating to the
sharing and sale of raw milk and raw milk products."
- MOVED SSHB 16 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 35
SHORT TITLE: CONFLICT OF INTEREST: BD FISHERIES/GAME
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) STUTES
02/20/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/20/19 (H) FSH, RES
03/07/19 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/07/19 (H) Heard & Held
03/07/19 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/12/19 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/12/19 (H) Moved CSHB 35(FSH) Out of Committee
03/12/19 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/13/19 (H) FSH RPT CS(FSH) 6DP 1NR
03/13/19 (H) DP: VANCE, TARR, KOPP, EDGMON, KREISS-
TOMKINS, STUTES
03/13/19 (H) NR: PRUITT
03/27/19 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/27/19 (H) Heard & Held
03/27/19 (H) MINUTE(RES)
03/29/19 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HJR 10
SHORT TITLE: SUPPORTING ROAD BELT ELECTRICAL LINE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TALERICO
03/04/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/04/19 (H) ENE, RES
03/14/19 (H) ENE AT 10:15 AM CAPITOL 17
03/14/19 (H) Moved CSHJR 10(ENE) Out of Committee
03/14/19 (H) MINUTE(ENE)
03/15/19 (H) ENE RPT CS(ENE) 4DP 2NR
03/15/19 (H) DP: RAUSCHER, PRUITT, FIELDS, SPOHNHOLZ
03/15/19 (H) NR: ZULKOSKY, HOPKINS
03/29/19 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 16
SHORT TITLE: LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT; LABELING
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TARR
02/20/19 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/7/19
02/20/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/20/19 (H) RES, FIN
03/20/19 (H) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED
03/20/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/20/19 (H) RES, FIN
03/22/19 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/22/19 (H) Heard & Held
03/22/19 (H) MINUTE(RES)
03/29/19 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
MATT GRUENING, Staff
Representative Louise Stutes
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Stutes, chair,
House Special Committee on Fisheries, sponsor of CSHB 35(FSH),
presented new documents in support of the bill.
JASON HOKE, President
Board of Directors
Copper Valley Development Association
Alaska Regional Development Organizations
Division of Economic Development
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development;
Program Director
Ahtna Inter-Tribal Resource Commission
Copper Center, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a PowerPoint presentation
entitled, "Road Belt Inter-Tie (RBIT)."
JOHN DUHAMEL, Chief Executive Officer
Copper Valley Electric Association
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a PowerPoint presentation
entitled, "Road Belt Intertie (RBIT) Concept," and expressed
support during the hearing of HJR 10.
CRYSTAL ENKVIST, Executive Director
Alaska Power Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HJR 10.
ART GRISWOLD, Owner
Golden Heart Dairies
Delta Junction, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
JOHN ANDERSON
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
AMY SEITZ, Executive Director
Alaska Farm Bureau, Inc.
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
SUZY CROSBY, Spokesperson
Cottonwood Creek Farm
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
COURTNEY MUNSON
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
LESLIE TOMPKINS
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
GIANA THOMAS
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
CANDY BATES
Delta Junction, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
PETE KENNEDY, Attorney
Weston A. Price Foundation
No city provided, Florida
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 16.
ROBERT GERLACH, VMD, State Veterinarian
Office of the State Veterinarian
Division of Environmental Health
Department of Environmental Conservation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing of HB
16.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:02:38 PM
CO-CHAIR GERAN TARR called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Representatives
Talerico, Spohnholz, Tuck, Hannan, and Tarr were present at the
call to order. Representative Rauscher arrived as the meeting
was in progress.
HB 35-CONFLICT OF INTEREST: BD FISHERIES/GAME
1:03:01 PMS
CO-CHAIR TARR announced that the first order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 35, "An Act relating to participation in
matters before the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game by
the members of the respective boards; and providing for an
effective date."
[Before the committee was the committee substitute (CS) for HB
35(FSH), reported out of the House Special Committee on
Fisheries on 3/13/19.]
1:03:37 PM
MATT GRUENING, Staff, Representative Louise Stutes, Alaska State
Legislature, sponsor of HB 35, directed attention to documents
provided in the committee packet which were a letter of support
from Cordova District Fishermen United, and a letter from United
Fishermen of Alaska that explains why it is critical for a board
member to speak during the final stage of board deliberations.
He restated the intent of the bill: allow board members who
have a declared conflict of interest to deliberate on a proposal
prior to their recusal from voting; the bill makes no changes to
voting or how a conflict is determined and has no fiscal impact.
1:05:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN moved to report CSHB 35(FSH), [Version 31-
LS0297\U], out of committee with individual recommendations and
the attached fiscal note. There being no objection, CSHB
35(FSH) was reported from the House Resources Standing
Committee.
1:05:42 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:05 p.m. to 1:09 p.m.
HJR 10-SUPPORTING ROAD BELT ELECTRICAL LINE
1:09:37 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10, Supporting development of the
road belt electrical transmission line; and urging members of
the Alaska delegation in Congress to pursue the development of
this high- voltage electrical line in the interior of the state.
[Before the committee was the committee substitute (CS) for HJR
10(ENE), reported out of the House Special Committee on Energy
on 3/15/19.]
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO, sponsor of HJR 10, paraphrased from the
following written sponsor statement [original punctuation
provided]:
The Development of the road belt electrical inter-tie
transmission line would create a high-voltage
electrical line running from Sutton to Glennallen,
where a subtransmission line would extend to Gakona
and on to Tok and north through the upper Tanana
region to Delta Junction, and the final leg of the
project would run from near Delta Junction, just south
of Fort Greely, back to Gakona. This resolution
supports infrastructure development for energy and
national security, economic development, and natural
resource development in the State of Alaska. The Trans
Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) would benefit by using the low-
cost energy provided by the transmission line in the
operation of the pipeline and protection of its off-
grid pump stations. A high-voltage electrical line
would complete an electrical transmission bus loop and
establish a second path for power transmission from
Anchorage to Fairbanks which is needed during
disasters such as earthquakes. With the infrastructure
development and the increase in population at Eielson
Air Force Base, Fort Greeley and Clear Air Force
Station, the need for power in the region will
increase significantly. This resolution urges Congress
to advocate for the security of the nation's
northernmost military and oil infrastructure by
pursuing the development of the Road Belt Inter-tie.
This is a project long overdue for Alaska and I ask
for your support for this resolution.
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO continued, noting Alaska is becoming a
national security stronghold for the U.S. as evidenced by an
increased military presence in the state. He said he seeks to
ensure a supply of power to military and other facilities in the
Interior of Alaska.
1:14:40 PM
JASON HOKE, President, Board of Directors, Copper Valley
Development Association (CVDA), Alaska Regional Development
Organizations, Division of Economic Development, Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic Development (DCCED), and Program
Director, Ahtna Inter-Tribal Resource Commission, directed
attention to a PowerPoint presentation entitled, "Road Belt
Inter-Tie." Mr. Hoke provided a short history of the Rail Belt
Inter-Tie (RBIT), beginning in the late 1980s (slide 2). Phase
1 of the project would transmit 138-245 kilovolts (kV) of power
from Sutton to Glennallen to Delta. Phase 2 would transmit
power via a subtransmission line 227 miles from Gakona to Tok to
Delta. Mr. Hoke noted the lines could utilize existing rights
of way as there are already distribution powerlines running in
the area with the exception of 100 miles. He explained
completion of a "bus loop" of transmission lines around the road
system of Interior Alaska is necessary to create redundancy in
the event of an earthquake, an avalanche, or other power
emergency. The project would electrify an area the size of
Montana (slide 3). Slide 4 illustrated two maps of the current
concept, one of which showed the project and connections to
renewable energy resources and potential natural resource
development opportunities. A smaller map showed the current
Railbelt transmission line and phase 1 and phase 2 of the
proposed project. Mr. Hoke stated the project has been studied
and vetted; he provided a list of local utilities, local
governments, state agencies, and Tribal organizations that are
in strong support of the project (slide 5).
1:19:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked for a description of the sources of
current power generation, and levels of production, within the
affected area.
MR. HOKE explained the existing power generation sources of
power beyond Sutton are primarily diesel-generated microgrids.
Slide 6 listed additional support and resolutions in support of
the project; he described how contacts were made with local
communities. Slide 7 listed how current costs of power inhibit
development; for example, electrical microgrids are expensive
and consume approximately four million gallons of diesel fuel
per year. Further, the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program
does not cover commercial or state and federal facilities; the
University of Alaska Fairbanks power plant consumes 6,000
gallons of diesel fuel per hour.
MR. HOKE turned to the topic of economic and natural resource
development; he said cheaper electrical power expands business
retention and expansion and he provided several examples of
proposed manufacturing, mining, agricultural, and tourism
opportunities currently prohibited by the cost of electricity
(slide 8). Because energy is national security, military
benefits include power to Alaska military bases and stations,
redundancy and reliable energy, reduced costs, support for
growth in defense installations, and compliance with the
military guideline of 25 percent renewable power (slide 9). Mr.
Hoke opined energy, transportation, and communication are
necessary for infrastructure and Alaska's road system supplies
transportation and communication, however, lower cost energy is
lacking: new industry and economic development mean new revenue
for the state; the legislature is the Interior's governing body;
residents must choose between buying groceries and paying their
electric bill; residents must choose between living at home or
moving to cities (slide 10). To advance the project, $2 million
is needed from the legislature for a reconnaissance engineer's
study/report, after which the project would be submitted to
state and federal agencies for funding (slide 11).
1:32:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN questioned whether the project would be
completely funded with federal funds and if the U.S. Department
of Defense is "on board with this conceptually ...."
MR. HOKE stated the majority of funding may come from the
federal government; he referred to a letter to U.S. Senator Dan
Sullivan included in the committee packet. In addition, there
is interest from the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Development,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Energy,
and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN surmised Sutton is the starting point
because the existing transmission lines end there.
MR. HOKE affirmed the transmission line from Matanuska Electric
Association, Inc. (MEA) ends in Sutton. In response to
Representative Rauscher, he said the reconnaissance engineer's
study/report would define the location of the start of the
transmission line.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ questioned whether the next step is to
obtain funding for the project subsequent to passage of HJR 10.
MR. HOKE advised he is working to obtain $2 million in state or
federal funding for the reconnaissance engineer's study/report;
in fact, HJR 10 would remind Alaska's congressional delegation
and federal agencies that most of the Lower 48 has benefitted
from years of federal funding for infrastructure prior to 1959.
In further response to Representative Spohnholz, he said he has
met with Alaska's congressional delegation.
1:39:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked whether there is any opposition
to the project from affected communities.
MR. HOKE acknowledged there has been some opposition to details
of the project; for example, residents of Sutton would prefer
the underground installation of transmission lines. He opined
these are mitigating issues and not opposition to the project.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER confirmed Sutton residents want the
transmission line installed underground following the existing
line; he stated his support for HJR 10.
1:43:16 PM
JOHN DUHAMEL, Chief Executive Officer, Copper Valley Electric
Association, provided a PowerPoint presentation entitled, "Road
Belt Intertie (RBIT) Concept." He said the Road Belt Intertie
(RBIT) would benefit the power utilities and the isolated power
grids along the Richardson Highway. Mr. Duhamel explained
moving electricity includes distribution power and transmission
power. Distribution power are lower voltages moved to
residential, commercial, and industrial customers and managed by
a power utility. Transmission and sub-transmission power are
high voltages moved between communities and managed by utilities
or the state. The proposed project is a transmission and sub-
transmission project that would be managed by the state. He
stressed transmission, similar to airports and roads, is
infrastructure (slide 2).
MR. DUHAMEL continued to slide 3 - which was an illustration of
an electric power system overview - and described expenses
associated with high voltage transmission. Slide 4 listed the
power principles of a grid, which is a system of wires,
structures and substations: a bigger grid is more resilient and
can absorb interruptions caused by a falling tree or
fluctuations from renewable energy sources such as wind and
solar; a grid set in a loop can move power in any direction; a
bigger grid is economical for all users. Mr. Duhamel advised
RBIT is not a new concept and was studied by the Alaska Energy
Policy Task Force in 2003 (slide 5). Slide 6 was a map of the
region that would benefit from RBIT. Currently, the region is
supplied by isolated grids, or there is no power; most available
power is produced by fossil fuel.
1:50:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether any of the existing isolated
grids produce excess power.
MR. DUHAMEL said some produce surplus power, but it is not
cheap; for example, Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA)
has additional capacity generated by diesel, and a slight
overage of hydropower in the summer. If RBIT were built, CVEA
could provide hydropower to more customers and could also
connect with excess power generated by natural gas.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN questioned whether Chickaloon Wind, Five
Mile Hydro, Chitina Wind, and Gulkana Pellet Mill were currently
producing power.
MR. DUHAMEL expressed his understanding they are isolated grids
that are producing power. He then summarized RBIT key points
from the power utility point of view (slide 7): a larger grid
is better for all; capacity available to more customers; connect
isolated grids; improved reliability; allow more renewable
energy and other sources of energy; provide more choice for
customers. Mr. Duhamel stated the power utility industry
supports HJR 10 for the following reasons: gives credibility to
RBIT; informs Alaska's congressional delegation and the federal
government; allows more renewable opportunity; supports a
request for federal funds; revitalizes RBIT; seeks federal
infrastructure funds. He concluded there is renewed interest in
RBIT because federal money for infrastructure may become
available.
1:56:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether transmission lines can be
buried.
MR. DUHAMEL advised there are many methods that would be
studied; however, in Alaska, power utilities prefer above ground
lines because of permafrost and winter maintenance. The
technology to bury transmission lines is available and has been
used in the Lower 48.
CO-CHAIR TARR referred to forthcoming changes to the existing
Railbelt grid and asked whether RBIT and the Railbelt would be
integrated into "a statewide plan" or whether the grid would
thereby become too big to maximize efficiencies.
MR. DUHAMEL restated a bigger grid is better; however, it is
necessary to have an entity managing the power to obtain the
lowest cost and he gave an example.
CO-CHAIR TARR asked if there are geographic limitations to
transmitting power.
MR. DUHAMEL acknowledged a very large grid has minimal line
loss. Further, the volume of kilowatt hour use is more
important than the number of customers to affect economy of
scale.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked for clarification of the
project's connection to the Railbelt system.
MR. DUHAMEL further explained the Railbelt loop would be from
Delta to Fairbanks to Palmer to Sutton; the RBIT loop would
continue from Sutton back to Delta.
2:06:29 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR opened public testimony on HJR 10.
2:06:37 PM
CRYSTAL ENKVIST, Executive Director, Alaska Power Association
(APA), informed the committee APA is the statewide electric
utility trade association. She expressed APA's strong support
for an electric transmission infrastructure. The transmission
line project proposed by the Copper Valley Electric Association
and others would connect to the Railbelt transmission grid and
would increase Alaska's electric system reliability, allow for
the integration of sources of renewable energy, provide an
alternate route for power, and create economic opportunities in
the greater Copper Valley region. Ms. Enkvist said APA supports
RBIT and analysis of transmission infrastructure options.
2:08:33 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR, after ascertaining no one further wished to
testify, closed public testimony.
HJR 10 was held over.
HB 16-LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT; LABELING
2:08:59 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR announced the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 16, "An Act relating to the Alaska Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act; and relating to the sale of milk, milk
products, raw milk, and raw milk products."
[Before the committee was the sponsor substitute (SS) for HB 16,
introduced and referred to the House Resources Standing
Committee on 3/20/19.]
2:09:42 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR opened public testimony.
2:10:01 PM
ART GRISWOLD, Golden Heart Dairies, said his two sons have a raw
milk dairy that distributes in the Fairbanks area over one-half
ton per week. Mr. Griswold expressed his support for the bill
which clarifies membership and herd-share programs. Golden
Heart Dairies has approximately 30 head [of cows] and seeks to
expand to a 100-head dairy with a Grade A program. He said
financing is difficult for the dairy industry and urged the
committee to support "the program."
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked for the location of [Golden Heart
Dairies].
MR. GRISWOLD said Delta Junction.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked for a description of a Grade A dairy
program.
MR. GRISWOLD said to become a Grade A dairy Golden Heart Dairies
would have to construct a creamery and have Grade A inspections
made on the barns and the dairy. In further response to
Representative Hannan, he said the dairy would still sell raw
milk, but to enter the Grade A dairy and retail market, the
dairy needs a pasteurization plant.
CO-CHAIR TARR inquired as to the amount of investment needed for
the growth of the dairy.
MR. GRISWOLD said the creamery equipment costs $700,000; the
barns and the new creamery will cost $1.4 million. Financing is
difficult although a portion could be federal loan programs.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK asked how a creamery would affect the
production of the dairy.
MR. GRISWOLD advised the investment in a creamery would triple
the dairy's output of milk.
2:16:53 PM
JOHN ANDERSON disclosed he is a member of the Board of
Agriculture and Conservation, Division of Agriculture, DNR, and
was speaking on his own behalf in support of the bill. Mr.
Anderson said the bill would solidify the market for raw milk
products thereby helping producers in the state and keeping
hundreds of thousands of dollars in Alaska. For example,
farmers spend thousands of dollars on feed and supply. He
cautioned about other issues such as "the M.ovi issue" and [the
lack of] access to farm insurance.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether Mr. Anderson carries farm
insurance for his products.
MR. ANDERSON said no. Country Financial is the only farm
insurance company in Alaska and if one sells raw milk products
it will not issue insurance.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN surmised farm insurance is limited because
raw milk is available through herd sharing. She clarified her
question:
Maybe you could help [explain the problem] by just
expanding on what the need for increased farm
insurance coverage is for.
MR. ANDERSON explained when farmers sell products at a farmers
market, the farmers market venue requires liability insurance.
CO-CHAIR TARR added the bill has a very limited scope and does
not relate to retail or farmers market sales.
2:22:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ concluded the bill would not allow
sales at farmers markets; however, a farmer could market a cow
share program.
CO-CHAIR TARR stated a farmer can provide information about a
herd share program, but no sales are allowed at farmers'
markets.
2:23:45 PM
AMY SEITZ, Executive Director, Alaska Farm Bureau, Inc.,
informed the committee the Alaska Farm Bureau promotes expanding
economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers in Alaska. In
Alaska, 95 percent of purchased food is imported, and it is
important to foster continued growth in agriculture. The
proposed bill takes steps, such as security for herd share
programs by allowing access to expanded products, improved food
security, and keeping food dollars in the state. Ms. Seitz
urged the committee to support passage of the bill.
2:25:16 PM
SUZY CROSBY, spokesperson, Cottonwood Creek Farm, expressed her
support for HB 16. She said the bill would protect "herd share"
from changes made by a state official, and includes the sale of
value-added products in the definition of herd share. She
referred to a legal opinion that if a person has a right to
drink raw milk, they have the right to have the milk made into
products. Also, there are three benefits to broadening the term
herd share to include value-added products: producers can
utilize a surplus of milk by making chevre; consumers have more
locally made products available; the state's "closed loop
scenario" between producer and consumer remains intact.
2:29:31 PM
COURTNEY MUNSON said she consumes raw milk and participates in a
herd share program. She expressed her support for the bill
because raw milk and raw milk products are important for the
health of her family. In addition, the bill supports local food
security, the food economy, and a close connection with the food
supply.
2:32:05 PM
LESLIE TOMPKINS said she has members in a herd share of goats
and cows. She expressed support of the "new language" in the
bill and of previous testimony related to value-added products.
2:33:41 PM
GIANA THOMAS said she is in support of HB 16. As a herd share
owner, the bill recognizes her rights, and also helps support
food security. Alaska has only one public dairy and if there
are no longer third-party inspections, all dairies will herd
share. Ms. Thomas explained why pasteurization is necessary for
very large dairies; however, small farm dairies know their
animals and procedures. Ms. Thomas further explained she has a
goat herd and seeks to offer a herd share in sheep; however,
sheep are seasonal milkers and to offer a year-around herd
share, she needs to include sheep cheese. She pointed out sheep
milk and sheep cheese would be a valuable niche market for
Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked for the price of a gallon of raw
milk.
MS. THOMAS said the true cost is approximately $10 per gallon.
In further response to Representative Rauscher, she explained
she has a one-seventh share and picks up one gallon per week
from a goat that weighs approximately 150 pounds; a cow would
give 8-10 gallons per day depending on the feed and the cow's
condition. The number of shares depends on how one manages the
milk and milk products, and she provided examples.
2:40:55 PM
CANDY BATES said she is in support of the bill. She said she
has a calf operation and has dairy cows. She said she has
concerns about insurance and need the support of the legislature
to grow agriculture and livestock [industries] in the state.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked Ms. Bates for the number of her
shareholders and how many cows are milked.
MS. BATES said she has a feedstock operation that breeds cows
and has 35 milk cows. Her farm produces cows to sell to local
homesteaders for hand-milking by their owners.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN questioned whether some farms have meat
shares.
MS. BATES said others do, but she sells beef by a quarter or
one-half. Her involvement with milk cows is to produce better
genetics for the cows in Alaska. In response to Representative
Rauscher, she said a milk cow costs $2,500-$3,500.
2:45:08 PM
PETE KENNEDY, attorney, Weston A. Price Foundation, said he
agreed with testimony from Ms. Crosby related to the benefits to
the state: more food dollars in the state from value-added
products and more opportunities for farmers. He noted value-
added products have a better safety record than does fluid milk.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked Dr. Gerlach how many herd shares
operate in the state.
2:47:14 PM
ROBERT GERLACH, VMD, State Veterinarian, Office of the State
Veterinarian, Division of Environmental Health, Department of
Environmental Conservation, informed the committee the Office of
State Veterinarian does not keep a record of the number of herd
share operators or of the number of farms in the state. He has
heard there may be one or two dozen in the Matanuska-Susitna
valley and more in the Interior.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN questioned whether Alaska has only one
commercial dairy licensed to sell retail products.
DR. GERLACH said correct. Havemeister Dairy has a permit for a
dairy farm and for a pasteurization plant; another facility has
a permit to supply blow molding milk containers for the dairy.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN inquired as to how to bring the state's
raw milk and cheese into full commercial retail operations
across Alaska.
DR. GERLACH advised current state regulations prohibit the
distribution or sale of raw milk to consumers. State
regulations do not prohibit an individual from consuming raw
milk, or from consuming raw milk acquired by owning a portion of
an animal through a "share operation." Dr. Gerlach pointed out
18 AAC 32.010 allows the consumption of raw milk by the owner of
an animal for that person's personal use, but does not permit
the processing of that milk into products for distribution to
owners.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked for the precautions that are
necessary related to raw milk.
DR. GERLACH said raw milk is considered a high-risk product for
foodborne pathogens for two reasons: cattle and goats can shed
pathogens directly into the milk and the environment where the
milk is harvested, and where the animal lives, can contribute to
pathogens being transferred into the milk. He said national
studies have found 12 percent of milk collected from Grade A
dairies and raw milk dairies contain pathogenic bacteria. The
state milk program inspects farms to ensure animals are healthy
and monitors the transfer of milk to the processing plant; if
the raw milk has a higher bacterial count the milk is not
processed. In addition, the state lab tests for the presence of
adulterants such as antibiotics.
MS. THOMAS corrected her previous testimony that the cost of
milk [from her herd share] is $10 per half gallon.
2:54:57 PM
CO-CHAIR TARR, after ascertaining no one further wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 16. She noted the bill
will create small business opportunities for farms and dairies
and freedom for consumers; her personal experience is that the
[herd share] animals are well cared for.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN observed there were dairies in Anchorage
and Southeast Alaska not so long ago; she expressed her support
for the expansion of the dairy and agricultural industries
whenever possible.
2:59:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO moved to report SSHB 16, Version 31-
LS0215\U, out of committee with individual recommendations and
the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, SSHB
16 was reported from the House Resources Standing Committee.
3:01:50 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 3:01 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 35 Informational Document BOF-BOG History and Process 03.06.19.pdf |
HFSH 3/7/2019 10:00:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Suporting Document SEAFA 03.02.19.pdf |
HFSH 3/7/2019 10:00:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Document UFA 03.06.19.pdf |
HFSH 3/7/2019 10:00:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Emails(18 Combined) 03.25.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB35 Supporting Letter Wallesz 03.25.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter APHA 03.21.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter SEAS 03.22.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter NPFA 03.25.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter KSA 03.26.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter USAG 03.07.19.pdf |
HRES 3/27/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter RHAK 03.11.19.pdf |
HFSH 3/12/2019 11:00:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter ABSC 03.08.19.pdf |
HFSH 3/12/2019 11:00:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Informational Document-ADF&G BOF Ethics Process Overview and Recusals 3.6.19.pdf |
HFSH 3/12/2019 11:00:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 ver U 03.13.19.pdf |
HRES 3/27/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Explanation of Changes ver A to U 03.13.19.pdf |
HRES 3/27/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Fiscal Note-DAS-03.15.19.pdf |
HRES 3/27/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Sponsor Statement 03.05.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Letter CDFU 03.28.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 35 Supporting Document - UFA Response to Opposition 3.28.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |
| HB 16 Supporting Document - Suzy Crosby Testimony Slides.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Letter of Support - Denise Statz.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Supporting Document - ADEC Raw Milk.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Supporting Document - Existing Alaska AAC.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Supporting Document - Herdshare Agreement Sample.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Supporting Document - NCSL Milk Laws.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Supporting Document - Tarr memo re Herdshare Property Rights.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Fiscal Note DEC 3.15.19.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Fiscal Note DHSS 3.15.19.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Version U Sectional 3.20.19.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Version U 3.14.19.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Version U Sponsor Statement 3.20.19.pdf |
HRES 3/22/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB16 Supporting Document - Emails in Support 3.28.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Tanana Chiefs Conference.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Northway Traditional Council.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Map 2 .pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Golden Valley Electrical Association .pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Copper Valley Electrical Association Resolution.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Copper Valley Devlopment Association.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Chitina Electric Inc Resolution.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Chickaloon Village Tradition Council.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Alaska Power Telephone Company .pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Ahtna Inc..pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Project Description.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Map 1.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Resolution Version M.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Article APM.docx.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Alaska Federation of Natives.docx.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Documents Alaska Power Association .pdf |
HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Version U.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Fiscal Note.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting Document Support List.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Presentation Jason Hoke RBIT.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR10 Supporting Document - 2019 Support Exploration of Road Belt Electrical Line 3.28.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting doc Alaska Interie Project Presentation Duhamel.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HJR 10 Supporting doc Alaska Intertie Project Presentation Duhamel.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 10 |
| HB16 Supporting Document - Emails in Support Set Two 3.29.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 16 |
| HB 35 Supporting Emails (21 Combined) 03.29.19.pdf |
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM |
HB 35 |