Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
02/05/2015 11:15 AM Senate SPECIAL CMTE ON THE ARCTIC
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Overview: Alaska Arctic Policy Commission Final Report and Implementation Plan | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE ARCTIC
February 5, 2015
11:32 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Cathy Giessel, Co-Chair
Senator Lesil McGuire, Co-Chair
Senator Donald Olson
Senator Click Bishop
Senator John Coghill
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Gary Stevens
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW: ALASKA ARCTIC POLICY COMMISSION FINAL REPORT AND
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
- HEARD
ACTION NARRATIVE
11:32:46 AM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE called the Senate Special Committee on the
Arctic meeting to order at 11:32 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Olson, Bishop, Coghill, Co-Chair Giessel,
and Co-Chair McGuire. Co-Chair McGuire noted that Senator
Stevens was excused.
^OVERVIEW: ALASKA ARCTIC POLICY COMMISSION FINAL REPORT AND
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
11:33:14 AM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the presentation of the Alaska Arctic
Policy Commission Final Report. She held up copies of the final
report, the implementation plan, and the executive summary,
noting that they can be found at www.akartic.com. She noted that
she and Representative Bob Herron, representing the commission,
have been making presentations throughout the nation. She
stressed the importance of representatives from the federal
government at a recent Seattle presentation in light of the
proposed ANWR bill. She said they stressed the importance of the
people in the Arctic.
11:36:11 AM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE offered the PowerPoint to all Senate members,
staff, and the public to share with the residents of Alaska and
to all public members.
She began with the fact that Alaskans are at the forefront of
emerging opportunities in the Arctic. She described the makeup
of the 26-member commission and showed a picture of the group in
Kotzebue. She showed where the commission convened public
meetings around the state.
She said the commission's vision for the Arctic is based on
economic and resource development, a healthy environment, secure
and safe communities, and transparent decision making. The
Arctic is an integral part of Alaska's identity, is home to many
Alaskans and is an important part of Alaska's history, culture
and future. The Arctic presents multitudes of opportunities that
are being realized due to increased accessibility. She related
that in 2007 the Northwest Passage opened in both lanes. This
opportunity is of strategic importance to Alaskans who are
building on years of vision, hard work, and experience living
and working in the region.
She related that in April 2012 the legislature established an
Alaska Arctic Policy Commission to develop an Arctic policy for
the state and produce a strategy for the implementation of an
Arctic policy. The commission was made up of ten lawmakers and
sixteen subject matter experts who conducted a baseline review
of the Arctic by evaluating strengths, deficiencies, and
opportunities. It incorporated a preliminary report published
last January, and a final report produced January 30 of this
year. The commission operated under the conviction that the
state is an active, willing leader and a partner in Arctic
decision-making. The commission has remained committed to
producing a policy for Alaska's Arctic that reflect the values
of Alaskans to provide options that capitalize on the
opportunities that safeguard against the risks, and a policy
that will withstand the test of time. The commission hopes that
the policy will act as a living document.
11:41:27 AM
She stated that through the process the commission has
investigated and relied upon coordination among jurisdictions,
cooperation at all levels of government - international,
national, state, local and tribal - and sought to balance
multiple values to protect, promote, and enhance the well-being
of the Alaskan Arctic, including the people, flora, fauna, land,
water and other resources.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL shared the four vision statements:
1. Uphold the state's commitment to economically vibrant
communities sustained by development activities consistent
with the state's responsibility for a healthy environment.
2. Collaborate with all levels of government, tribes, industry
and nongovernmental organizations to achieve transparent
and inclusive Arctic decision-making resulting in more
informed, sustainable and beneficial outcomes.
3. Enhance the security of the state through a safe and secure
Arctic for individuals and communities.
4. Value and strengthen the resilience of communities and
respect and integrate the culture and knowledge of Arctic
peoples.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE added that the value statements are the
overarching view of the commission.
She highlighted a map that shows the definition of Arctic from
the Arctic Research and Policy Act from 1984. The commission
adopted that definition; however, Alaskan policy makers tend to
view all of Alaska as the Arctic. For example, the Port of
Seward is a partner.
SENATOR COGHILL noted that the largest ice field in North
American is south of the line defining the Arctic.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL explained more about policy statement 1,
related to economically vibrant communities and natural resource
development. The vision would ensure that Arctic residents and
communities benefit from economic and resource development
activities in the region. She stressed that one of the
commission's "big pieces" was to emphasize people during policy
considerations. This policy statement speaks to destiny control
for individuals; the ability to have a good-paying job. She
said, "It's hands working, rather than hands out."
She recalled when the commission attended a community meeting in
Barrow, Edward Itta said he would like to see Alaska "stick a
straw in ANWR and suck it dry." He knew on-shore development
could be done safely and he has seen the change that jobs have
made in the state. She stressed that is the driving force behind
this policy statement. It also implies workforce development
regardless of where they live.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE highlighted policy statement 2, collaboration
between all levels of governments and stakeholders. She pointed
out that the picture shows collaborative decision makers from
the Northwest Circle, which reflects the commission's philosophy
as they met with communities in the Arctic. She said the
commission hopes the federal government will visit Alaska.
Alaska will be Chair of the Arctic Council and 15 meetings will
be held in Alaska.
She related that the hope of the policy is to strengthen and
expand cross-border relationships and international cooperation,
especially bilateral engagements with Canada and Russia. She
expressed gratitude that the governor has chosen to rejoin the
Northern Forum. The legislature hopes to renew relationships
with the Dumas in Russia. She stressed the importance of
maintaining healthy relations in the Arctic. Other goals are to
sustain and enhance state participation in the Arctic Council,
to pursue opportunities to participate as a partner in the
development of federal and international Arctic policies, and to
strengthen communication with Arctic Council permanent
participants, the state's indigenous peoples. She pointed out
that Craig Fleener has been appointed by the governor to serve
as a special Artic representative. She concluded that the policy
also reiterates the state's long-term support for ratification
of the Law of the Sea Treaty, noting concerns about sovereignty.
11:50:41 AM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL highlighted policy statement 3 - to enhance the
security of the state through a safe and secure Arctic. She said
it includes efforts to enhance disaster and emergency prevention
and response, and search and rescue capabilities, such as
increased Coast Guard presence. She noted that companies and
workforces contribute to these capabilities. There also was
discussion of increasing broadband capabilities and roads, as
well as energy interties and other resource-related
infrastructure.
SENATOR COGHILL stressed the importance of the increase in
traffic in the Bering Strait and the need for Alaska's advocacy
role in promoting safety and security.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE talked about the importance of the Coast Guard.
She noted Jamie Robinson from the Coast Guard attended all
meetings. Admiral Ostebo attended, as well.
SENATOR COGHILL recalled that Alaska has five times the coastal
region as the contiguous U.S. and should play a large role in
protecting the Pacific Northwest.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE pointed out that Alaska still doesn't have a
deep water port in the Arctic. The commission highlighted the
lack of preparedness and contingency plans.
11:54:30 AM
At ease
11:55:04 AM
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE continued with policy statement 4 - to value
and strengthen the resilience of communities by recognizing
Arctic indigenous people's cultures and unique relationship to
the environment, including traditional reliance on a subsistence
way of life for food security, which provides a spiritual
connection to the land and the sea. It includes efforts to build
capacity to conduct science and research and advance innovation
and technology in part by providing support to the University of
Alaska for Arctic research consistent with state priorities. To
employ integrated, strategic planning that considers scientific,
local and traditional knowledge. To safeguard the fish, wildlife
and environment of the Arctic for the benefit of residents of
the state, and to encourage more effective integration of local
and traditional knowledge into conventional science, research
and resource management decision making.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL turned attention to pictures of the final
report.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE discussed the implementation plan, which is
designated around four lines of effort. The first is to promote
economic and resource development. With careful consideration
and state investment, the Arctic region will continue to produce
returns to the state and communities that ensure community
health and vitality. The second is to address response capacity,
which will require strong partnership and communication to
prepare for incidents, to respond and develop best practices.
She related that the third line of effort is to support healthy
communities. The quality of life can be improved for the whole
Arctic region without compromising the economic security and
well-being of other communities or the state as a whole. The
final line of effort is to strengthen science and research.
Alaska should pursue strategies to broaden and strengthen the
influence of its agencies, its academic experts and its local
governments and associations. Alaska should play a leading role
in directing scientific research.
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL summarized the commission's work. It focused on
mobilizing the state's human, natural, and financial resources
to address current needs. It also recognized that adequate
resources should be available for future generations. It
understands that all of these might come in new and different
forms as technology and demands shift over time.
CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE concluded that the final slide lists all
commission members. She praised the members and their staff for
their hard work. She noted that all members also served on
subcommittees where they addressed important issues to the
state. The resulting policy bill will be heard in this committee
next week.
She opined that the issue of the Arctic is Alaska's next
lifeline. It has been described as the next thing that will fill
the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. She noted challenges, such as
global warming, but also opportunities for Alaskans. She stated
that she is proud that Alaska put itself in the driver's seat;
not the federal government. Alaska policies are being cited by
others and Alaska is being recognized for the work it has done.
The commission's work is a placeholder for future generations to
use. There is a balance between healthy communities and
environment and economic development. The focus of the
commission's work is on the people, whereas, the federal
government's policy was devoid of people.
12:03:59 PM
There being nothing further to come before the committee, Co-
Chair McGuire adjourned the Senate Special Committee on the
Arctic at 12:03 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| AAPC_final_report.pdf |
SARC 2/5/2015 11:15:00 AM |
|
| AAPC_ImplementationPlan.pdf |
SARC 2/5/2015 11:15:00 AM |
|
| AAPC_Exec_Summary.pdf |
SARC 2/5/2015 11:15:00 AM |
|
| AAPC Final Report Overview.pptx |
SARC 2/5/2015 11:15:00 AM |