SJR 15-COAST GUARD ICEBREAKERS & ARCTIC BASE  9:01:57 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that the first order of business would be SJR 15, a resolution which urges the United States Congress to fund all the facilities and vessels necessary for the United States Coast Guard to fulfill its Arctic missions, including icebreakers and an Arctic Coast Guard base. SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt the CS for SJR 15, labeled 27- LS1302\B, as the working document. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI objected for discussion purposes. DAVID SCOTT, staff, Senator Donny Olson, introduced SJR 15 on behalf of the sponsor. He said the resolution accomplishes two things. It asks the United States government to fulfill its Coast Guard mission in the Arctic and forward base the U.S. Coast Guard in the Arctic, and to fund icebreakers and other ice capable vessels. The Northern Waters Task Force was the impetus for this legislation. MR. SCOTT related that there are many maritime operation stories set in the Arctic. A recent one is the Nome oil delivery. There is pending offshore development and production in the Arctic. The Arctic and maritime industry will play a big part in Alaska's future. MR. SCOTT highlighted four changes in version B. The first change on page 4, line 20, changes who the resolution is sent to. The second change is on page 1, line 6, in the second whereas clause, the words "on equal footing" were deleted. The third change is on page 2, line 4, after "tourism", the words "other activities" were added. Finally, on page 4, in lines 25 and 27, one of the "resolve clauses" was changed. 9:06:05 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI commented that the resolution is important and much needed. CAPTAIN ED PAGE, Executive Director, Marine Exchange of Alaska (MEA), and U.S. Coast Guard (Retired), spoke in support of SJR 15. He related that the MEA is a non-profit established in 2001 and supported by the legislature, the Coast Guard and the maritime industry as a vessel tracking system. He shared his 30- year history in the Coast Guard and 10 years in the maritime industry. He noted changes in Coast Guard dealings in the Arctic over the last 10 years. Due to the use of a vessel tracking system, activity in the Arctic can now be followed. He listed the various types of vessels now seen in Arctic waters. The Artic is now open to shipping and so there is a greater need for the Coast Guard to monitor those waters. 9:09:35 AM CAPTAIN PAGE described icebreakers located in the Great Lakes and around New York. He emphasized that it is time for extended Coast Guard presence in Alaska and in the Arctic. 9:11:06 AM SENATOR PASKVAN referred to Russian and Chinese activity in Arctic and asked if it was related to the loss of the Arctic ice cap. CAPTAIN PAGE replied that the fact that they can operate in the Arctic is because it is more accessible and there is a great demand for the resources there. SENATOR PASKVAN questioned the boundary limitations in shipping lanes in the Arctic. CAPTAIN PAGE talked about three zones: territorial seas, contiguous zones, and exclusive economic zones (EEZ). The United States has authority over shipping activity out 200 miles and beyond. The key is to having a presence there. SENATOR PASKVAN asked how far it was from Barrow to the North Pole. CAPTAIN PAGE said it was several hundred miles. He added that the ice is changing, it is becoming more accessible, and it is a different world up there now. SENATOR PASKVAN said he thought last year was the first year that both eastern and western shipping routes were simultaneously opened. CAPTAIN PAGE called it fascinating that one of the access points to the Arctic is in Alaska's back yard. 9:15:26 AM SENATOR GIESSEL requested information about search and rescue collaboration between Canadian and U.S. Coast Guards. CAPTAIN PAGE reported that both countries work together for search and rescue operations and for oil pollution exercises. Kodiak is the closest location to the Arctic with a U.S. Coast Guard station. Canada has a greater presence in the Arctic than the U.S. does, as does Russia. SENATOR MEYER asked for a recommendation where the new Arctic base should be. CAPTAIN PAGE said he had not formed an opinion. He said he thought there could be two bases, one for aircraft and one for ships. 9:18:15 AM JEFFREY GARRETT, retired, U.S. Coast Guard, Seattle, Washington, spoke of his past experience with the polar icebreaker fleet in Alaska. Past polar operations were limited to defense support and science programs. The transformational changes in the Arctic now affect the Coast Guard's statutory responsibilities. He opined that the most critical and effective need now is for polar icebreakers. He detailed the reasons behind his belief and reported on the history of lack of icebreakers. He referred to the icebreaker Healey's successful mission to Nome. He noted that the President's 2013 budget contains funds for icebreaker acquisition. He spoke in favor of restoring the Polar Star and the Polar Sea to full operating capability. He testified in support of SJR 15 and suggested moving forward quickly. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI requested a motion to move SJR 15 from committee. SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report the CS for SJR 15, version B, from committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, CSSJR 15(STA) was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.