HJR 11 - ENDORSING ANWR LEASING Number 0111 CO-CHAIR OGAN announced the first item of business would be House Joint Resolution No. 11, urging the United States Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development, and production. He noted that no one was signed up to testify, then advised members of his intention to hold the resolution over until after the Energy Council meetings in Washington, D.C. Number 0179 REPRESENTATIVE GAIL PHILLIPS, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor, reminded members that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) resolution has been before this body for many years. She said it is imperative that Alaska focus on opening ANWR and keep the message before Congress. Noting that many new Congress members aren't familiar with ANWR, she said seeing this resolution coming from the state of Alaska, and the legislature of Alaska, is critical to eventual success. It is the same as the past resolutions, which have always had overwhelming support from all segments of the state. She encouraged members' support. Number 0260 REPRESENTATIVE JOHN HARRIS asked whether there was any reason to have this pass before Alaskan legislators go to Washington, D.C. REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIPS said no. She pointed out that the last resolution is on file there. Number 0314 REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY MASEK asked what other steps Representative Phillips foresees taking in Washington, D.C. REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIPS replied that Arctic Power, the Alaskan organization that manages the ANWR campaign, has sent invitations to the legislators who are going to the Energy Council, asking them to contribute time while there to meet with some of the new congressional offices; she believes they will do that. She recounted how the one time the ANWR resolution had passed the House of Representatives, she and others spent a whole summer on mission trips, going to various states and meeting with various congressional members, especially the new ones; that will continue. Representative Phillips said one of the best things that the Alaska legislature can do is to meet one-on-one with both new and continuing Congress members, to reaffirm the Alaska State Legislature's commitment and position on ANWR. REPRESENTATIVE MASEK expressed full support for HJR 11 and the mission of getting the message to those in the Lower 48. REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIPS emphasized that this is not just on behalf of Alaska. She noted that 25 percent of daily oil production in the United States comes from the North Slope, and that figure will grow as imports from other nations decline. She said it is critical for the United States to take this into consideration. Number 0545 REPRESENTATIVE REGGIE JOULE commented that he is really glad to see this resolution move forward. One reason for passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was to allow communities to develop resources. He pointed out the irony, stating, "Then we have the same source, on the other hand, saying, 'But you can't do it.'" He emphasized that those people who are most profoundly impacted are very much in support of this resolution. For example, in Kaktovik, where the lands selection are, the community cannot even begin to do anything. There is frustration because they want to become more economically viable, to provide jobs for their shareholders, to enjoy some benefits of enterprise, and to be able to see this develop. However, because of the attitude of the current Administration, it is not going anywhere. Representative Joule said he hopes the message of HJR 11 gets carried to Congress. Number 0718 CO-CHAIR OGAN mentioned lobbying the new Congress members and said he had been working with the director of Arctic Power, as well. He suggested that nine legislators may not be enough to cover all the Congress members, but that they would do their best. REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIPS emphasized that when the current Administration is no longer blocking the opening of ANWR, it will take a concerted effort by all the legislators to get the message across. Number 0776 REPRESENTATIVE RAMONA BARNES asked why Co-Chair Ogan wished to hold the resolution over to the following week. CO-CHAIR OGAN called an at-ease at 1:10 p.m.; the meeting came back to order at 1:12 p.m. Number 0780 REPRESENTATIVE BARNES made a motion to adopt the original version of HJR 11, rather than CSHJR 11(O&G); she asked unanimous consent. There being no objection, the original version was adopted. Number 0823 REPRESENTATIVE BARNES made a motion to move HJR 11 from the committee with the accompanying zero fiscal note and individual recommendations; she asked unanimous consent. There being no objection, HJR 11 moved from the House Resources Standing Committee.