HB 1-STATE ARCTIC POLICY  11:19:33 AM CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the consideration of HB 1. She noted that when she recessed the meeting on February 19, 2015, the committee had adopted version S and was considering Amendment 1. She had objected for discussion purposes. SENATOR BISHOP withdrew Amendment 1 and offered Amendment 2: Page 3, line 13: Insert new subsection: Section 2 AS 44.99.105(1) (G)Continue to prepare all Alaskans for emerging economic activities, by utilizing multiple education and training opportunities and implementing state workforce plans. CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE objected for discussion purposes. SENATOR BISHOP read the amendment. He said he thinks it is an improvement over Amendment 1 and "gets us where we want to go." CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE withdrew her objection. There being no further objection, Amendment 2 was adopted. KARA MORIARTY, President/CEO, Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA), testified in support of HB 1. She related that AOGA is the professional trade association whose mission is to foster the long-term viability of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of all Alaskans. She said AOGA members have been exploring, developing, producing, transporting, and refining Alaska's natural resources in the Arctic for more than 40 years. She said AOGA is proud of its partnership with the people of Alaska providing revenue to the state, economic opportunities, and infrastructure to the Arctic Region. She thanked the 26 members of the Arctic Policy Commission for the substantial amount of work undertaken the past two years. The outcome, both the report and the implementation plan and this bill, are to be commended as a robust and comprehensive views of Alaska's Arctic. Both place the people of the Arctic at the forefront and reiterate Alaska's commitment to vibrant communities through a healthy environment and economic stability. Since statehood, the industry has fueled Alaska's economy by providing jobs and revenues to the state and local funding. Today, the oil and gas industry accounts for more than 92 percent of the state's general unrestricted funds, and 99 percent of the revenue to the North Slope Borough. MS. MORIARTY noted that AOGA was not an official member of the commission, but was actively engaged in the process. AOGA's comments were focused on two main tenants, access and predictability. She concluded that the industry has partnered with the state to uphold and defend multiple use of Arctic public lands for development that would lead to immense potential for supporting Arctic economies, filling the Trans- Alaska Pipeline System, and generating billions of dollars in government revenues. She said, although access to land is itemized in the implementation plan, AOGA appreciates the commission's renewed commitment in its policies. AOGA has long fought for predictability in development. Stable tax, regulatory, and permitting processes encourage investment and drive economically vibrant communities. The oil and gas industry has been commended by the people of the Arctic for outreach efforts and integration of traditional knowledge in industry operations. Many companies have dedicated tribal liaisons who spend considerable time in the communities. She said the bottom line is AOGA members engage with Arctic communities every day and look forward to continuing to do so for years to come. She thanked the Co-chairs and Representative Herron for their leadership. 11:24:46 AM CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE thanked Ms. Moriarty and noted the arrival of Senator Coghill. CO-CHAIR GIESSEL thanked AOGA, the Miners Association, the Support Industry Alliance, and the Resource Development Council for their contributions to the bill and for providing awareness of where economic development and the protection of the environment come from. CO-CHAIR MCGUIRE agreed. CO-CHAIR GIESSEL moved to report SCS CSHB 1, version 29- LS1103\S, as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal notes. There being no objection, SCS CSHB 1(ARC) was reported from the Senate Special Committee on the Arctic.