Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
01/27/2025 01:30 PM House RESOURCES
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| Start | |
| Overview(s): Department of Natural Resources | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
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| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
January 27, 2025
1:37 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Robyn Niayuq Burke, Co-Chair
Representative Maxine Dibert, Co-Chair
Representative Carolyn Hall
Representative Donna Mears
Representative Zack Fields
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Julie Coulombe
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Bill Elam
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW(S): DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented an overview regarding the
Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
JOHN BOYLE, Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented an overview regarding the
Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
JOHN CROWTHER, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented an overview regarding the
Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:37:01 PM
CO-CHAIR ROBYN NIAYUQ BURKE called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:37 p.m. Representatives
Coulombe, Fields, Rauscher, Saddler, Hall, Mears, Dibert, and
Burke were present at the call to order.
^OVERVIEW(S): Department of Natural Resources
OVERVIEW(S): Department of Natural Resources
1:37:46 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that the only order of business would
be the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
1:38:12 PM
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural
Resources, co-presented a PowerPoint overview regarding the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) [hard copy included in the
committee file]. He prefaced his presentation by commenting on
Executive Order 136 submitted by Governor Dunleavy to the
legislature requesting that committee members hold their
questions regarding Executive Order 136 until the House
Resources Standing Committee hearing on HSCR 1. He stated that
a significant need and priority for the state of Alaska is to
improve food security by getting more land into agricultural
production, increasing access to affordable loans, improving
infrastructure, leveraging USDA agricultural production
programs, and continuing support of market access for
agricultural producers. He showed Slide 7, titled "Division of
Agriculture," which highlighted accomplishments in Fiscal Year
2024 (FY 24) and read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Mission: To promote and encourage development of an
agriculture industry in the State
FY2024 Accomplishments:
• Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund provided over $6
million in loans supporting new or expanded
agricultural and mariculture operations
• United States Department of Agriculture Grants
administered over $10 million in grants including
Microgrants for Food Security, Specialty Crop Block
Grants and Local Food Purchase Program
• Inspections ensured over $100 million of
agricultural products met domestic and international
buyer requirements
Future Farmers of America 17 schools and over 450
enrollees
• Partnerships hosted international trade activities
with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association
and the Washington and Hawaii State Departments of
Agriculture
MR. GOODRUM moved to slide 8, which continued the division's
overview of FY 24 accomplishments and presented FY25 priorities.
The slide read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
FY2024 Accomplishments:
• Feed Grain Reserve 4 producers are currently under
contract
• Plant Materials Center cleaned about 50,000 pounds
of native seed and over 96,000 pounds of cereal grains
for commercial growers
• Plant Materials Center provided over 40 varieties
of foundation, disease-free seed potatoes (totaling
over 1,000 pounds) for Alaska commercial potato
producers
FY2025 Priorities:
• Administer the $2.2 million Regional Food Systems
Infrastructure Grant
• Support getting more agricultural land into
production
• Plant Materials Center infrastructure projects to
increase seed cleaning capacity and efficiency
MR. GOODRUM moved to slide 9, titled "Division of Forestry &
Fire Protection," which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
The division's two core functions are fire protection
to keep Alaskans and their investments safe, and
forest management to drive economic activity.
Alaska's Forest Resources Program
Mission: Develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska's
forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest
resources for Alaskans
Alaska's Fire Management Program
Mission: Safely manage wildland fires that pose a
threat to life, property, and critical infrastructure
on 150 million acres of land throughout the State of
Alaska
MR. GOODRUM described the department as "both bullish and
determined" to further expand and grow the forest economic
sector in Alaska. He moved to slide 10, which continued the
overview of the division's forestry and fire protection and read
as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Timber Management:
• Sold 33.6 million board feet in new timber sales
appraised at $2.9 million
Harvested 25.2 million board feet and generated $1.7
million in timber receipts
• Maintained 128 miles of forest road with a mix of
division staff and contractors
Growing the Forestry Economic Sector in Alaska:
• Increasing sustainable timber supply, expanding
state forests, increasing road access, long-term
timber sales, reforestation
• Timber industry contributes approximately 1,200 jobs
and $58 million to Alaska's economy
Alaska Lumber Grading:
• 109 individuals trained in 7 different communities
throughout Alaska, covering each region of the state
• Adding a wood-drying workshop in 2025
1:47:12 PM
JOHN BOYLE, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, co-
presented the overview regarding DNR. He responded to a
question from Representative Fields regarding profits from
timber sales, explaining that the biggest expense of timber
harvesting is building roads. When an operator builds roads in
an area, the state allows them to deduct the cost of building
roads from timber receipts. The value for Alaskans is not
always reflected in the baseline number because the roads allow
public access for recreation, hunting, and fishing.
1:49:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER spoke in favor of maintaining funding
for the timber industry and said he was one of the 109 people
certified in the timber grading program described by Mr.
Goodrum. He summarized previous legislation and pointed out its
applicability to the information and data DNR presented in the
PowerPoint.
1:50:20 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question by Representative
Saddler concerning logging roads opening up in remote areas by
describing his experiences visiting Alaska's small timber
operators and how impressed he was with the log cabin kits,
furniture, and other entrepreneurial ideas from the logging
industry in Alaska. He explained that the industry is
sustainable and creates economic opportunities for loggers,
sawyers, truck drivers, and millers to name a few. Although it
doesn't "have the big flashy numbers that oil and gas post," it
is an important economic driver. If forests are managed well,
the timber industry is sustainable; there is greater forest
health; wildfire risks are reduced; and it adds to economic
diversification. He explained that Scandinavian countries such
as Sweden are at a similar latitude as Alaska with a comparable
mix of boreal forests, but they have a multi-billion-dollar
timber industry. He pointed out that Alaska has that same
potential. The challenge is that the trees have an 80-to-100-
year maturity cycle, so investments in the forests would not be
seen for many years. He stated that the forest industry
"continues to be an excellent diversified sector of Alaska's
economy and one that, if well-managed, is sustainable in
perpetuity."
1:53:37 PM
MR. GOODRUM continued with slide 11, titled "Division of
Forestry & Fire Protection," a continuation of the division's
overview. The slide read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Preparedness:
• Trained 224 new firefighters during 5 wildland fire
academies
• 158 Emergency Firefighters (EFF) performed statewide
non-emergency hazardous fuels work
o Stable employment for rural Alaskans and
rebuilding responsive village fire crews through
training, fuels reduction work and fire
deployments
• $10.2 received in federal funding to support
firefighter training, enhanced technologies, and
volunteer fire departments
• Division is the state's Community Wildfire Defense
Grant manager 3 Alaskan applicants were awarded $3.1
million to develop fire preparedness adaptations
Prevention:
• 104 outreach events and over 1,500 announcements
delivered with a focus on public education, outreach
and fire awareness
MR. GOODRUM described the types of training firefighters
received at the wildland fire academies as well as non-emergency
hazardous fuels work. He discussed the grants received and how
they were applied to create resilient landscapes, increase
public safety, protect resources, and conserve natural
resources. He pointed out the human cost of fires and that
fire-adapted communities reduce fire costs.
MR. GOODRUM moved to slide 12, titled "Division of Forestry &
Fire Protection," a continuation of the division's overview.
The slide read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Mitigation:
• Implemented 12 active hazardous fuel projects
combining private sector contractors, Alaskan fire
crews and local government agreements
• Created resilient landscapes (hazardous fuels
treatments) around Alaskan communities to increase
public safety, protect of critical infrastructure and
conserve natural resources
• Fire-adapted communities reduce suppression costs
Suppression:
• 2024 was an average season with 379 fires on just
under 700,000 acres
• Division aircraft flew 1,445 hours on fire missions
and dropped 250,000 gallons of retardant in
suppression efforts
• Values protected: Trans-Alaska Pipeline System,
mining infrastructure and highway corridors. Fires
responses in populated areas of the Matanuska-Susitna,
Fairbanks North Star and Kenai Peninsula boroughs
resulted in the protection of over 500 primary
residences and over 100 remote recreational cabins
MR. GOODRUM explained that resilient landscape work was
completed in McGrath, Dillingham, Houston, Meadow Lakes,
Caswell, Sterling, McCarty, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, and Tok.
He pointed out that during 2024 the division's forestry
firefighters helped clear roads after the winter storm in
Fairbanks; assisted in Kotzebue after the winter sea storms and
subsequent flooding; provided support to North Carolina and
Florida during the Hurricane Helene response; and mobilized
personnel to provide wildland fire response to the devastating
wildfires in California.
1:59:12 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question from Representative
Rauscher regarding wildfires on federal lands by explaining that
the responsibility for fire response is basically divided
equally. The state handles wildfire response south of the Yukon
River and southern Alaska with the state being the primary
responder even on federal lands. The federal government will
take responsibility for fires in the northern part of Alaska,
including fires that start on state land. The Alaska wildfire
response teams have had a good working relationship with the
federal government's fire service.
COMMISSIONER BOYLE, in response to a question from
Representative Fields regarding catastrophic fires, explained
that the division works in concert with other entities such as
communities and federal land management services.
2:01:52 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 2:02 to 2:03 p.m.
2:03:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS explained the importance of dealing with
wildland fires and said she looked forward to addressing these
issues at a future time.
REPRESENTATIVE DIBERT described the fire danger in the Fairbanks
area and said she looked forward to a presentation by Norm
McDonald [Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection] when
the committee can take a deeper look at this topic.
2:05:17 PM
JOHN CROWTHER, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural
Resources, co-presented the overview regarding DNR. He
specifically focused on DNR's Division of Geological &
Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) and described it as an "unsung
division." He explained that the DGGS is a complex division
with diverse subject matters. He described it as an "in-house
geoscience team" that dealt with subjects ranging from
hydrology, mineral resources, resource development, and
cryosphere hazards such as the permafrost. He showed slides 13
through 17, which were titled "Division of Geological &
Geophysical Surveys." Slide 13 provided the DGGS mission
statement and an example of a geologic map. The slide read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Mission: To determine the potential of Alaska land for
production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal
resources; the locations and supplies of groundwater
and construction material; and the potential geologic
hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other
installations
Mineral Resources:
• Completed 380 person-days (over 3,500 square miles)
of geologic mapping of Interior Alaska's mineral-rich
Yukon Tanana Upland
• Completed year 2 of 3 on major geophysical survey of
Kuskokwim Mineral Beltincluding Donlin, Nixon Fork,
and Illinois Creek deposit areas
• Published survey of Seward Peninsula's prospective
areas for graphitea critical mineral for batteries
• Published new data used by mineral-exploration
companies, scientific researchers, and land managers
MR. CROWTHER showed the final slide regarding the DGGS, titled
"FY2025 Priorities," which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Resource Development:
• Continue to advance multi-year airborne geophysical
surveying in Southwest Alaska: Collect Donlin Gold
area data, publish 2024 Illinois Creek area survey
• Continue bedrock geologic mapping in the mineral-
rich Yukon-Tanana Upland (Interior Alaska) and publish
new map of the Mount Harper-Richardson area
• Conduct field work on North Slope and Cook Inlet
petroleum systems to attract new exploration
investment and characterize carbon sequestration
potential
Hazards and Public Safety:
• Complete landslide mapping and assessment for
Wrangell and Ketchikan
• Publish flooding assessments for at-risk western
Alaska communities
• Continue to monitor 35 of Alaska's hazardous
volcanoes & provide accessible data
• Complete an ice-penetrating radar survey of the
Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau to assist in glacial
lake outburst flood research
2:09:18 PM
MR. CROWTHER moved to slide 14, which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Energy Resources:
• Initiated a new Applied Geothermal Energy Program
• Conducted 30 days of helicopter-supported geologic
studies of the North Slope
• Collected 2 bedrock cores in collaboration with the
U.S. Geological Survey that provide insight into
Nanushuk reservoirs and oil source rocks
• Participated in Department of Energy Carbon Ore Rare
Earth - Critical Minerals project to assess the
potential of Alaska coals as an unconventional source
of Rare Earth Elements and critical minerals
• Began work on the Alaska Railbelt Carbon Capture and
Storage project in collaboration with University of
Alaska Fairbanks and private sector partners
MR. CROWTHER responded to questions from Representative Fields
concerning the proposed Usibelli carbon sequestration project.
He explained that the state has been working with the University
of Alaska work group to study the regulatory framework a
geologic information concerning carbon sequestration potential
in the state. The work group has been looking at reservoir
locations for carbon storage. Regarding the time frame, the
regulations associated with that program are being finalized, so
licensing for state land will be available this year. Next, he
moved to slide 15, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Geologic Hazards:
• Responded to over 330 requests for assessment of
geologic hazards, including responses by DGGS to state
and federally declared natural disaster events
• Collected 366 square miles of new lidar, near-shore
bathymetry, and other elevation data
Evaluated nearly 14,000 square miles for geologic
hazards
• Published 30 hazards-related reports and datasets
Hydrology and Surficial Geology:
• Collected field data near Anaktuvuk Pass and in
Northwestern National Petroleum Reserve Alaska to
support Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources
(ASTAR) construction materials and hydrology work
• Conducted geologic mapping to evaluate construction
materials, geologic hazards, and energy resources,
including part of the proposed West Susitna Access
Corridor
2:12:54 PM
MR. CROWTHER, in response to a question from Representative
Coulombe, explained that the employees who respond to the
geologic hazards also are in the "preparation and information
distribution business" regarding potential hazards as well as
being available for responding to events. In addition, they
work on Federal Emergency Management Act paperwork, compile
specific data sets, publish hazards-related reports, and provide
relevant information to communities.
2:14:28 PM
MR. CROWTHER continued with slides 16 and 17 regarding DNR
geologic information, geologic materials, volcanology, and the
Alaska geospatial office. The slides read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Geologic Information Center:
• Prepared, published, and distributed 78 new geologic
publications to the public
• Leveraged state-of-the-art data facility to
economically serve over 36 terabytes of digital
geologic data and information from the division
website and geoportals
• Increased the accessibility and value of over 70
geologic maps by converting them into a common digital
data standard
• Supported more than 20 field projects and emergency
response activities with data, hardware, software, and
safety equipment Geologic Materials Center:
• Hosted a 2-week Santos core workshop focusing on
Nanushuk oil (including senior international
executives), a legislative tour, and a Sen. Murkowski
staff tour
• Received $345,000 federal match grant to offset
costs for hyperspectral core-scanning project
Volcanology:
• Alaska Volcano Observatory staff visited 122
stations across 17 volcanoes and participated in 4
geologic studies
• Issued 543 volcanic-activity notices, responding to
eruptions at 4 volcanoes and unrest at 5 others
• Carefully watching unrest at Mount Spurr volcano, ~
80 miles from Anchorage: increased seismicity, uplift,
summit heatingnew magma likely emplaced beneath the
volcano
Alaska Geospatial Office:
• Coordinated 30,000 square miles of lidar collection
and contracting across state and federal partners
• Contracted $4.4 million to support coastal mapping
goals under the Alaska Mapping Executive Committee
• Serves on the National Geospatial Advisory Committee
representing states' interests in federal mapping
programs
2:18:17 PM
MR. CROWTHER responded to a question from Representative Hall
regarding a federal program for volcano monitoring by explaining
that DGGS works with the United States Department of Geologic
Surveys to upgrade the active or known historically active
volcanos. This question was followed by slide 17 regarding the
DGGS, titled "FY2025 Priorities," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
Resource Development:
• Continue to advance multi-year airborne geophysical
surveying in Southwest Alaska: Collect Donlin Gold
area data, publish 2024 Illinois Creek area survey
• Continue bedrock geologic mapping in the mineral-
rich Yukon-Tanana Upland (Interior Alaska) and publish
new map of the Mount Harper-Richardson area
• Conduct field work on North Slope and Cook Inlet
petroleum systems to attract new exploration
investment and characterize carbon sequestration
potential
Hazards and Public Safety:
• Complete landslide mapping and assessment for
Wrangell and Ketchikan
• Publish flooding assessments for at-risk western
Alaska communities
• Continue to monitor 35 of Alaska's hazardous
volcanoes & provide accessible data
Complete an ice-penetrating radar survey of the
Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau to assist in glacial
lake outburst flood research
2:20:05 PM
MR. CROWTHER responded to a question by Representative Saddler
regarding evaluating the state's rare earth elements and
strategic minerals by describing the status of that project. On
a related subject, he pointed out that the division is
continuing its assessment of Alaska's geothermal resources.
2:21:24 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question by Representative
Dibert by discussing the geologic hydrogen workshop presented at
the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. He explained that the
state has mafic and ultramafic rocks which are conducive to
creating geologic hydrogen and discussed what type of geologic
systems are necessary to produce and trap hydrogen. This
potential is currently being evaluated, but using hydrogen as an
energy source is "early science." This is an area that could
have a bright future in the state.
2:23:31 PM
MR. GOODRUM continued the presentation, with slides 18 and 19,
titled "Division of Mining, Land & Water" pointing out that
thousands of Alaska jobs and tens of millions of dollars in
state revenues depend on the active management of state land and
water. The slides read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
FY2024 Accomplishments:
• Generated $37.9 in revenue for FY2024, an 8.7%
increase from FY2023
• Eliminated patent issuance backlog, allowing for
immediate issuance to the purchaser once due diligence
is complete. Previous timeline was 9 months
• Completed planning efforts for the Matanuska Valley
Moose Range and Jonesville Public Use Area
• Conveyed a total of 733 acres to three different
municipalities
• Generated $5.9 million in revenue for the Land
Disposal Income Fund, a 9.1% increase from FY2023
• Sold 165 parcels of land to the public totaling
approximately 1,177 acres
• Issued 75 permits to appropriate water and 187
certificates of appropriation
FY2025 Priorities:
• Continue to responsibly authorize permits, leases
and easements to develop the state's resources and
help diversify the state economy
• Focused acquisition of 4.8 million acres in
remaining statehood entitlement lands through
legislation and acquisition requests
• Finalize a decision for the Ambler Road easement
authorization to the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export
Authority (AIDEA)
• Maintain our efforts to implement the Governor's
"Unlocking Alaska" initiative
2:26:49 PM
MR. GOODRUM responded to a question from Co-Chair Burke
concerning employee retention and its relationship to permitting
by explaining that the Division of Mining, Land, and Water has
improved recruitment and retention rates.
2:27:58 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question from Representative
Saddler regarding resolving questions of navigable waters. He
expressed optimism that the state would be able to establish
rightful ownership of the disputed submerged lands.
2:29:19 PM
MR. CROWTHER continued the presentation with slides 21, 22, and
23, titled "Division of Oil & Gas." Slide 21 described the
division's mission statement and read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Mission: Manage lands for oil, gas and geothermal
exploration and development in a fair, transparent
manner to maximize prudent use of resources for the
greatest benefit of all Alaskans; facilitate safe,
environmentally conscious operation and maintenance of
common carrier pipelines
The Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G) conducts lease
sales, collects royalties, authorizes oil and gas
activities, and regulates common-carrier pipelines on
state land.
DO&G provides commercial analysis, economic modeling,
financial risk assessments, audits, and other
professional services to ensure the state receives
maximum value for its oil and gas resources.
MR. CROWTHER proceeded to slides 22 and 23, which summarized the
division's FY 24 accomplishments and read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
FY2024 Accomplishments:
• Verified and receipted $1.8 billion in royalty, net
profit share lease revenues, rents, bonus bids, unit
actions and federal payments
• Oversaw activities on 36 oil and gas units and four
lease operations
• Conducted 5 areawide lease sales and managed over
1,600 lease actions
o Area-wide lease sales resulted in $5.4 million
in bonus bids and more than 159,972 acres leased
o Collected $364,250 in leasing application fees
and $15.6 million in lease rent payments
• Royalty audits recovered $4.4 million in royalty and
Net Profit Share Lease revenue including interest
• Continued releasing seismic and well datasets for
oil and gas exploration projects that received tax
credits under Alaska Statutes 43.55.023 and .025
through the Alaska Geologic Materials Center in
coordination with the Division of Geological &
Geophysical Surveys
FY2024 Accomplishments (continued):
• Reviewed comprehensive interpretation and analysis
of geological, geophysical, and engineering data
leading to the formation of four new units
encompassing over 305,166 acres of State of Alaska oil
and gas leases
• Received five new pipeline right-of-way lease
applications
• Issued 51 lease, land, water, and material actions
and 151 oversight activities including inspections,
reports, reviews, and surveillances, and provided
other right-of-way (ROW) lease support for
transportation pipeline systems and pipeline work on
state lands
• Performed 202 ROW lease compliance and oversight
monitoring actions
• Delivered oil production forecasts to the Department
of Revenue to generate the state's oil revenue
forecast
• Continued to assess and actively manage Cook Inlet
natural gas resources
2:33:45 PM
MR. CROWTHER proceeded with an overview of the Office of Project
Management and Permitting (OPMP). He showed slide 25, which
described the mission statement and read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Mission: To coordinate state multi-agency regulatory
reviews and authorizations while collaboratively
engaging federal agencies on land use planning and
policy initiatives to maintain and enhance the state's
economy and quality of life, and to maximize the value
of Alaska's vast natural resources
The Office of Project Management & Permitting (OPMP)
supports private industry, regulatory agencies, and
the Alaskan public by implementing a multi-agency
permit coordination program to ensure consistent,
defensible, transparent, and timely permit decisions.
MR. CROWTHER showed slide 26, which listed FY 24 accomplishments
including large projects, mining and energy projects, and
associated transportation corridors. He then moved to slide 27,
titled "Federal Plans & Activities," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
OPMP monitors federal actions and facilitates state
and federal coordination, consultation, review, and
consolidation of state comments asserting the state's
legal rights and interests.
• National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) Integrated
Activity Plan and Rule
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Advisory
Council
• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain Oil &
Gas Leasing Program Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement (SEIS)
• Ambler Access Road SEIS
• Outer Continental Shelf planning, lease sales, and
renewable energy working groups
• Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
(ANILCA) reviews
• BLM Conservation and Landscape Health Rule (Public
Lands Rule)
• Central Yukon Resource Management Plan (RMP)
• Izembek Land Exchange
• Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) 17(d)(1)
SEIS
• Proposed Changes to National Environmental Policy
Act (of 1969)(NEPA)
• Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental
Health (BIDEH) Rule
• U.S. Forest Service National Old Growth Amendment
MR. CROWTHER completed his overview of the OPMP with slide 28,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]]:
Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR):
• Partners with Department of Transportation & Public
Facilities and the North Slope Borough (NSB); OPMP to
identify and advance community and regional
infrastructure and resources needs that offer the most
cumulative benefit to the region. OPMP initiated and
coordinated environmental analysis for the Triangle
Community Road and initial design work for test road
in the Arctic using more localized materials.
Carbon Offset Projects:
• OPMP was authorized in FY2023 to administer the
Carbon Offset Program. The program allows DNR to
develop carbon management projects on state lands and
generate state revenue by selling carbon offset
credits. The Carbon Offset Program manager finalized
regulations and contracted with an Alaska-based carbon
project developer and forestry consultant for
assessment and development of forest carbon projects
on state lands.
2:38:35 PM
MR. GOODRUM continued the presentation with slides 29 and 30,
titled "Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation," which described
the mission of the department and summarized the FY 24
accomplishments. These slides read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
FY2024 Accomplishments for Alaska State Parks:
• Self-funded at a rate of 51 percent via fees,
electronic fee stations, public use cabins, and
admissions
• 90 electronic fee stations installed, with 23
pending installation, will increase efficiency and
revenue
• Record visitation that continues to climb from 2021,
primarily from Alaska resident use
• Issued 678 commercial use permits, 307 special use
permits, via new online permitting portal
• Park Rangers responded to over 46 search and rescue
missions
FY2024 Accomplishments for Outdoor Recreation:
Office of Grants:
• 108 active and pending outdoor recreation grants
Office of Boating Safety:
• Held 351 classes, 54 pool sessions, total reach of
10,115 participants Office of History & Archaeology:
• State Historic Preservation Office reviewed 1,738
projects, signed nine major agreements, amended eight
other major agreements
• Alaska Historical Commission designated as Alaska's
America250 commemoration coordinator Office of Design
& Construction:
• Awarded $10.6 million in FY2024
• Completed 9 construction and construction-related
projects in CY2024
MR. GOODRUM moved to slide 31, titled "Support Services
Division," which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Mission: Provide client-focused, efficient and cost-
effective financial, budget, procurement, human
resource, information technology and recording
services to the Department of Natural Resources and
the public
FY2024 Accomplishments:
• DNR Future Leaders Summit facilitation, mentorship
and coordination
• Fiscal section expanded use of ticketing system
improving visibility, efficiency, and establishment of
metrics which drive further improvement.
• Information technology staff supported the
implementation of Starlink to several outlying offices
resulting in improved internet response time.
Recorder's Office:
• Improved access and efficiency by expanding
eRecording, enhanced search functions, and streamlined
workflows
2:41:58 PM
MR. CROWTHER continued the presentation with slide 32, titled
"Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office." He pointed out that
the Alaska Mental Health Trust manages the lands and programs
for those who experience behavioral health disorders and
developmental disabilities. The revenue pays for its own
operations and is distributed to its beneficiaries. The slide
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Mission: Protect and enhance the value of Alaska
Mental Health Trust Lands, including minerals, coal,
oil and gas, timber and real estate, while maximizing
revenue from those lands over time to support mental
health services
FY2024 Accomplishments:
• Generated more than $17 million to fund programs for
Alaska Mental Health Trust beneficiaries who
experience behavioral health disorders and
developmental disabilities
• Timber sales generated over $1.9 million in revenue
and supported roughly 150 jobs. The Trust Land Office
(TLO) has 4 active timber sales ranging from 4 to 8
years remaining under contract and an estimated total
of 47.5 million board feet of timber to be harvested.
• Financed land contracts and outright land purchases
are projected to earn the TLO more than $10.5 million
over the lifetime of the contracts, not including
interest, for FY2024.
• 7 subdivision projects were completed across 3
different communities. The TLO currently has 10
subdivision development projects in various phases of
active development in 5 different communities across
the state. Along with the work on projects in active
development, initial feasibility work began on 11
additional subdivision projects in FY2024.
2:43:33 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE completed the presentation by showing slide
33, titled "Office of the Commissioner," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
FY2024 Accomplishments:
• Actively promoted Alaska resources to global
investors
• Continued to advance statehood defense issues while
working with senior federal agency leadership
• Provided consistent and timely guidance to division
leadership teams and communicated DNR activities to
the public, stakeholders, and state agencies
• Developed Alaska's natural resources through
effective, thorough and streamlined permitting
processes
COMMISSIONER BOYLE explained that in the course of promoting and
marketing Alaska to global investors, he found many people don't
consider investing in Alaska. He pointed out that Alaska has 49
of the 50 identified rare earths and critical minerals which are
necessary components to produce more energy, to meet the needs
of data centers, to power Artificial Intelligence, and to meet
the needs of the new global economy. The underpinning of all
these systems from electrical distribution, generation, chips,
and energy demands revolves around access to these rare earths
and minerals. Alaska, "being blessed with such a rich endowment
of these important resources" can become a great place to invest
and do business. Alaska has a tremendous foundation with great
rocks, forests, and lands, with a world class park system and
outdoor recreational economy.
2:49:44 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question by Representative
Hall concerning outside investment in Alaska by explaining
investors are still learning about the state's potential. He
stated that in addition to Alaska's rich endowment, the state
also has better environmental stewardship than many other states
and countries.
2:54:06 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE, in response to a question by Representative
Saddler concerning the workforce, explained that Alaska saw a
drawdown of resource development and subsequent decline in
workforce during the Covid 19 pandemic. He explained that
employment is rebounding. For example, close to $18 billion of
investment is going to North Slope development, and "it is
humming." In actuality, there are too few people and there is
not enough equipment to meet the needs of the projects and the
exploration work. That is driving an influx of construction
jobs. A similar situation is occurring regarding mining.
Minerals such as antimony and germanium are in demand on a
global scale, and Alaska is working to meet some of the demand.
The result is a relatively robust employment situation.
2:57:52 PM
MR. CROWTHER added that the department is emphasizing
development of new projects that will create long term future
employment opportunities for a new generation of year-round
workers.
2:58:30 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE highlighted the importance of education to meet
the needs of the industry.
2:59:23 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 2:59 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 01 27 DNR HFINSC Department Overview -Final.pdf |
HRES 1/27/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Overview: Department of Natural Resources |