ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE  March 20, 2023 3:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Click Bishop, Co-Chair Senator Cathy Giessel, Co-Chair Senator Bill Wielechowski, Vice Chair Senator Scott Kawasaki Senator James Kaufman Senator Forrest Dunbar Senator Matt Claman MEMBERS ABSENT  All members present COMMITTEE CALENDAR  CONSIDERATION OF GOVERNOR APPOINTEES Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources John Boyle - Anchorage - CONFIRMATION ADVANCED Alaska Oil and Gas Commission Brett Huber - Anchorage Gregg Wilson - Eagle River - CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED Regulatory Commission of Alaska Robert Doyle - Wasilla - CONFIRMATION ADVANCED SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Disapproving the proposed rule by the National Park Service limiting non-subsistence hunting methods; and urging the National Park Service to withdraw the rule. - HEARD AND HELD HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 Disapproving the proposed rule by the National Park Service limiting non-subsistence hunting methods; and urging the National Park Service to withdraw the rule. - PENDING REFERRAL PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  BILL: SJR 8 SHORT TITLE: NAT'L PARK SERVICE; HUNTING IN PRESERVES SPONSOR(s): RESOURCES 03/01/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 03/01/23 (S) RES 03/20/23 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205 WITNESS REGISTER JOHN BOYLE, Commissioner-Designee Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as Commissioner-Designee for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). BRETT HUBER, Appointee Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. ROBIN O'DONOGHUE, Policy and Communications Manager Alaska Public Interest Research Group Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment of Brett Huber. GREGORY WILSON, Appointee Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Eagle River, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. ROBERT DOYLE, Appointee Regulatory Commission of Alaska Wasilla, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. JULIA O'CONNOR, Staff Senator Cathy Giessel Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SJR 8 on behalf of the Senate Resources Committee. THOR STACEY, Director of Government Affairs Professional Hunters Association Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. JIM LISTER, Outside Counsel Alaska Professional Hunters Association Washington, DC POSITION STATEMENT: Provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. KAREN LINNELL, Executive Director Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission Glennallen, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. JOHN STURGEON, President Safari Club International Alaska Chapter Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. ACTION NARRATIVE 3:30:49 PM CO-CHAIR CLICK BISHOP called the Senate Resources Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to order were Senators Kawasaki, Kaufman, Dunbar, Wielechowski (via teleconference), Claman (via teleconference), Co-Chair Giessel, and Co-Chair Bishop. ^CONSIDERATION OF GOVERNOR APPOINTEES CONSIDERATION OF GOVERNOR APPOINTEES  3:31:59 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced the consideration of governor appointees for boards and commissions. He invited John Boyle, Commissioner-Designee for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to testify. 3:32:33 PM JOHN BOYLE, Commissioner-Designee, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Anchorage, Alaska, introduced himself and explained that he accepted the designation because of his children. He reflected on the promise offered to people arriving in Alaska generations ago. He shared his wish for the same bright hope that the early pioneers held. He opined that Alaskans are accepting a slow decline. He hoped to reinvigorate the sense of a bright future for his children and grandchildren. He spoke about the beauty of the Alaskan environment and his belief that state resources play a pivotal role for the country in terms of national and energy security. He planned to drive policies that create new job opportunities. He remarked that new policies and job opportunities will entice young people to move to Alaska. 3:39:17 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP queried the top three goals Mr. Boyle hoped to accomplish during his tenure as commissioner. COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE BOYLE replied that his top three goals are energy, energy and energy. He shared the co-chair's vision and opined that the state opportunity hinges on the development of energy sources. He sought energy sources that provide reliable and affordable springboards for additional opportunities. He remarked that the path to sustainability involved reliable energy options for Alaska. He spoke about challenges in Cook Inlet and encouraged a laser-like focus on abundant and affordable energy resources. Alaskan resources provide the foundation for a stronger economy. 3:40:59 PM SENATOR KAWASAKI discussed the recent report from the United Nations governmental panel on climate change. He queried Commissioner-Designee Boyle's opinion about anthropogenic climate change. COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE BOYLE responded that he was unable to vouch for the conclusions in the report. He acknowledged that climate change was occurring, and that humans and industrial activities may play some part in exacerbating the rate of climate change. He shared his focus on the levers within humanity's control. He reported his support of the carbon bills moving through the legislature this session. He stressed his priority for appropriate regulatory and permitting practices that provide ecological responsibility. He opined that the state would benefit from assessing all energy sources to determine optimal solutions. He prioritized environmental and ecological responsibility. 3:43:10 PM SENATOR KAUFMAN complimented Commissioner-Designee Boyle on his impressive resume. He pointed out the federal, state, municipal and mining experience. He wondered how his past professional history would enable his realization of goals in the role of commissioner. COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE BOYLE replied that the commissioner designation was humbling. He acknowledged the magnitude of responsibility and expectations for the commissioner of DNR. He stressed that he enjoyed collaborating with people and complimented the team of professionals in the department. He remarked on the expertise, education and passion he sees in his team. He disclosed his strength in seeing multiple perspectives and keeping an open mind. 3:46:30 PM SENATOR CLAMAN discussed the shift in Alaska from an oil economy to a more diverse natural resources economy. He queried his ten- year prediction for a diversified economy in Alaska. He referred to delays in the expected revenue from the Willow project. COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE BOYLE expressed his optimism about the promise of oil and gas extraction, including methane hydrates. He expressed cautious optimism about Alaska Liquified Natural Gas (AKLNG). He hoped that Alaska could become a hydrogen and ammonia hub, which would further diversify the economy. He spoke about the incredible potential in minerals, agriculture, timber and carbon offset that will improve Interior forest management. He expressed optimism about carbon and monetizing the state's empty core space while utilizing the CO resource for industrial 2 use. He spoke about the value of biological mining applications enabling further mineral extraction from old mining tailings. He stressed that energy solutions prepare Alaska for the future. He stated his strong support for geothermal, wind, solar, and tidal opportunities. He expressed his goal to build expertise within DNR to best identify development opportunities. 3:55:14 PM SENATOR DUNBAR acknowledged the gravity and depth of the department's scope. He wondered about Commissioner-Designee Boyle's interest in the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. He mentioned other states diversifying their economies with a focus on the outdoors. He mentioned the recent separation within the Department of Health and Social Services and asked about support for an independent State Parks Department. COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE BOYLE said he appreciates the interest in the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, which he termed the crown jewel of the state. He shared that he lives adjacent to Chugach State Park and valued his time in nature. He deferred the question about the separation of the department to the administration. He remarked on the overlap in management of parks and other state resources. He supported efforts to increase access to parks, particularly in Anchorage. He apologized for neglecting to include the division when he identified options for economic diversification. 3:58:56 PM At ease 3:59:07 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP reconvened the meeting and opened public testimony on Commissioner-Designee John Boyle; finding none, Co- Chair Bishop closed public testimony. 3:59:45 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP invited Brett Huber, Appointee to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC), to testify. 3:59:58 PM BRETT HUBER, Appointee, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Anchorage, Alaska introduced himself. He relayed his personal and professional background, including time working on the North Slope and Kenai Peninsula designing and installing geomembranes. He revealed that he gleaned the majority of oil and gas experience working in the Capitol as a legislative staffer. He spoke about his position serving as Governor Dunleavy's senior policy advisor. He expressed his interest in and history with the AOGCC. He stated his assessment that the AOGCC had a long history of public service with full funding from the regulated agency. He pointed out the clear statutory underpinning of AOGCC's mission. He acknowledged that he has much to learn but believes he is a quick study. 4:05:54 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL discussed the AOGCC statutes. She stated that AOGCC is an independent quasi-judicial agency in Alaska composed of three commissioners who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature. In making appointments to the commission, the governor shall consider and give preference to a person who demonstrates experience with oil and gas operations in Alaska. Commissioner qualifications are as follows: one member should be a petroleum engineer, the second member should be a professional geologist with a minimum of ten years of professional experience, and the third member shall have training or experience that provides a fundamental understanding of the oil and gas industry in the state. She remarked that the third position encompassed a newer addition to the statute because the legislature wished to ensure that the public member was knowledgeable and experienced. 4:07:42 PM SENATOR DUNBAR asked when the statutory change went into effect. CO-CHAIR GIESSEL replied that the statute was revised in 2006. SENATOR DUNBAR expressed curiosity about the history of the legislative intent. He asked about the gap in Mr. Huber's resume between 2005 and 2012. MR. HUBER replied that his work history included past employment relevant to oil and gas in Alaska. The gap between 2005 and 2012 was spent on Maui working as a dive boat captain and dive instructor. He characterized the time as an installment on retirement. 4:09:54 PM SENATOR KAWASAKI pointed to Mr. Huber's resume, which highlighted an employment history with the state between January 2012 and May 2022. He asked Mr. Huber if he was in state service without lapses during that period. MR. HUBER replied that there might have been lapses as a portion of that time period was spent in legislative service migrating between legislative offices. He clarified that he exited state service in April of 2022 and returned with the current appointment on January 9, 2023. SENATOR KAWASAKI asked about two Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) complaints in 2020 and 2022. He asked for more information about the 2022 cycle. 4:11:47 PM MR. HUBER replied that he began working as consultant with a group known as The Stronger Alaska in May of 2022 supporting Governor Dunleavy's campaign. He stated that he was added as the deputy treasurer the preceding October. He specified that he covered a dinner, following all of the rules, and asked to be added as the deputy treasurer. Following the dinner, he asked to be removed from the deputy treasurer position. Testimony at the APOC hearing stated a clerical error occurred leading him to remain documented as the deputy treasurer despite his request to be removed. He stated that on May 1, 2022 he was listed as both a deputy treasurer at APOC while under contract with another group. The complaint led to an expedited hearing where he answered questions for two hours. He reported satisfying all of APOC's inquiries. The commission found no additional evidence of coordination, but ongoing hearings are in progress. He stated that he was dismissed from additional activity with APOC and has not followed the issue further. SENATOR KAWASAKI referenced an earlier complaint in the 2020 cycle regarding Ballot Measure 2. He queried whether Mr. Huber was employed by the state at the time of the initiative. 4:14:13 PM MR. HUBER said he was not working for the state while he worked on the campaign opposing Ballot Measure 2. He added that it was possible to work for the state and be involved in political functions, but it is difficult. He stated his belief that working on the initiative as a state employee displays a perception of conflict. CO-CHAIR GIESSEL referenced the statute AS 31.05.009 related to qualifications. It states that one member shall have training or experience that gives a person a fundamental understanding of the oil and gas industry in Alaska. She referenced Mr. Huber's resume and acknowledged his managerial, communication and analytic skills, but she wondered about his fundamental understanding of the oil and gas industry in the state. MR. HUBER replied that he spent four years working for Senator Rick Halford as staff to the Senate Resources Committee. He stated that oil and gas issues were at the forefront then, which provided abundant exposure to the oil industry and policy making. He remarked that he attended various conferences and technical sessions related to oil and gas. He reflected on his time serving as chief of staff for Senator Lesil McGuire. He stated that he moved to Alaska in 1984 and has many friends and acquaintances that work for the oil and gas industry. He acknowledged that he has limited time in the field but argued that his policy-related experience provides the fundamental understanding required to be an AOGCC commissioner. 4:17:32 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP opened public testimony on appointee, Mr. Huber. 4:18:03 PM ROBIN O'DONOGHUE, Policy and Communications Manager, Alaska Public Interest Research Group, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in opposition to the appointment of Brett Huber to AOGCC. He opined that Mr. Huber had not conducted himself in a manner suitable for the chair of AOGCC. He stated that the commission explicitly requires the protection of the public interest. He stressed that AOGCC members must rise above politics to uphold the constitution. He opined that the state needs a leader to represent the public while displaying civility and trustworthiness. He stated that Mr. Huber's resume does not accurately reflect his employment history. He offered to follow up with written testimony for the committee to review. 4:19:49 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP closed public testimony. CO-CHAIR BISHOP recognized Gregory Wilson, appointee for AOGCC. 4:20:12 PM GREGORY WILSON, Appointee, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Eagle River, Alaska, testified for reappointment to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. He complimented the AOGCC staff for their dedication and experience. He stated that he had a PhD in geology from the University of Wisconsin and over 31 years' experience working as a petroleum geologist with ARCO Alaska Inc., Phillips, and Conoco Phillips in Alaska. He asserted his interest in public service despite the majority of his career spent working with private industry. He spoke about further professional accomplishments and distinctions. MR. WILSON spoke about his intention to retire early when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alaska Oil and Gas Association in 2021. He stated that the attention he received from the award led to requests for him to serve on AOGCC following Dan Seamount's retirement. He spoke about his experience working with a small ARCO team bidding on leases for much of the Conoco Phillips development. He reported identifying and drilling the Willow prospect in 2002. He expressed familiarity with every field on the North Slope. He mentioned his management of the acquisition of the first compressive seismic imaging in Alaska. He noted that the seismic projects received awards for innovation, safety and environmental stewardship. He cited interactions with DNR, AOGCC, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the United States Fish and Wildlife and the North Slope Borough. He expected and welcomed the challenges he will face at AOGCC as many aspects of operators, technology and carbon capture are evolving. He opined that emerging projects would provide a bridge to the future. 4:26:38 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP remarked that Mr. Wilson's resume is impeccable. 4:26:56 PM SENATOR KAWASAKI asked about the Alpine gas leak in March 2022. He suspected that Mr. Wilson was serving on AOGCC at that time. MR. WILSON replied no, he was not yet serving AOGCC at the time of the leak. He began his time with AOGCC on September 19, 2022. He stated that the Alpine gas leak hearing is forthcoming. He remarked that he sought the opinion of the attorney general and recused himself from the hearing. SENATOR KAWASAKI queried future involvement in hearings. He wondered if a producer encounters a future leak, would Mr. Wilson recuse himself. MR. WILSON replied that the qualifications for the AOGCC position is a minimum of ten years' experience in the field of petroleum geology. He stated that several professionals have prior experience with Alaskan industry, which does not disqualify a person from participating in such hearings. He shared that he was not divested of ConocoPhillips stock, which could be perceived as a conflict of interest, so the wise course was to recuse himself. 4:30:03 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP opened public testimony on appointee, Gregg Wilson; finding none, he closed public testimony. CO-CHAIR BISHOP recognized Robert Doyle as an appointee to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. 4:30:40 PM ROBERT DOYLE, Appointee, Regulatory Commission of Alaska, Wasilla, Alaska, testified as appointee to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA). He reviewed the qualifications for the job including his personal and work history. He stated that under AS 42.05, the RCA is authorized to offer just, fair and reasonable rates for public utilities. He expressed that the RCA reviews utilities for justice, fairness and reasonableness by evaluating the revenue requirement. He noted that the revenue requirement was proposed to cover utilities, expenses, annual depreciation, and a fair return on investment. He reported moving to Alaska in 1968 and graduating from East Anchorage High School. He served 31 years in Alaska's public schools. He reported serving as president of the Matanuska Electric Association Board. He expressed pride in his time with the board, specifically the integration with the independent power producers. MR. DOYLE expressed his priority to provide energy security for all and he believed that the RCA must work hard to protect rate payors. He added that rate payors pay for utilities, litigation, and delays in decision making. He intended to shorten time lines by reducing litigation expenses and collaborating with parties about stipulations in an effort to reduce energy costs. He stated that he accepted the opportunity and left retirement to contribute his expertise and serve the Alaskan community. 4:34:56 PM SENATOR KAWASAKI asked Mr. Doyle if he currently served on the Matanuska Electric Association Board. MR. DOYLE replied no, he recused himself from participation on the board for the last eight months. SENATOR KAWASAKI reviewed the Boards and Commission's filing for Mr. Doyle. He referenced the bachelor's and master's degrees Mr. Doyle holds. He stated that RCA commissioner qualifications require an appointee to be member in good standing with the Alaska Bar Association or have a degree with a major in engineering, finance, economics, accounting, business administration, or public administration. He wondered if either of Mr. Doyle's degrees fit the requirement. MR. DOYLE replied yes, he achieved a Public School of Administration master's degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He added that he worked as a human resource director for the school district and the assistant superintendent of finance. 4:36:42 PM SENATOR DUNBAR spoke about the restoration of the Eklutna River and the Native village of Eklutna. He wondered about Mr. Doyle's familiarity with the issue as the board president of Matanuska Electric Association Board. He further wondered about anticipated complications with restoring the Eklutna River. MR. DOYLE announced his familiarity with the issue, which is a required federal study. He stated that multiple utility parties participated in the study in an effort to resolve the issue. 4:38:30 PM SENATOR CLAMAN discussed the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) and the length of review in the RCA. He wondered how to accelerate the process with the RCA so that critical organizations can improve electrical infrastructure. MR. DOYLE stated that the RCA regulations exceed 100 pages. He suggested streamlining regulations, processes, and timelines. He agreed that the RCA requires a robust practice to provide necessary utilities. He stated his support of the ERO. He stressed his belief in shortening allowable timeframes and reducing litigation costs. He remarked on the RCA's approval of an early budget and the stipulation to establish future budgets. SENATOR CLAMAN expressed concerns about getting the ERO up and running to provide alternative energy options in Alaska. 4:41:41 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP opened public testimony on appointee, Mr. Doyle; finding none, he closed public testimony. 4:42:05 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL stated that the Senate Resources Committee reviewed the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources John Boyle - Anchorage Alaska Oil and Gas Commission Brett Huber - Anchorage Gregg Wilson - Eagle River Regulatory Commission of Alaska Robert Doyle - Wasilla Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection. CO-CHAIR BISHOP stated that the names would be forwarded to the full body for consideration. 4:42:56 PM At ease SJR 8-NAT'L PARK SERVICE; HUNTING IN PRESERVES  4:44:18 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Disapproving the proposed rule by the National Park Service limiting non- subsistence hunting methods; and urging the National Park Service to withdraw the rule. 4:44:49 PM JULIA O'CONNOR, Staff, Senator Cathy Giessel, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced SJR 8 on behalf of the Senate Resources Committee. 1. The proposed rule by the National Park Service would limit certain hunting practices and close all predator hunts in national preserves. This ruling is contrary to ANILCA (Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act) and the Alaska Statehood Act and should be withdrawn. 2. The proposed rule will not ban any of the "sport hunting" practices, such as bear baiting, bear denning, and hunting swimming caribou, but will only close those hunts to non-federally qualified hunters, even if those non-federally qualified hunters have cultural ties to those methods and means. 3. The proposed rule nullifies wildlife management and will cause a cascade of effects that will ultimately threaten food security in communities that rely on wildlife National Preserves for subsistence. 4. All Alaskan hunting methods are approved by the Alaska Board of Game and require a robust public process with significant input from biologists, residents, and other stakeholders. The Board of Game must consider customary traditional harvests and hunting practices, crucial to continuing Alaska's cultural heritage. The rule overreached Alaska's public process by closing customary and traditional Alaskan harvests. 5. Alaska has successfully managed wildlife on both state and federal land since the United States Department of the Interior transferred to the state management authority in 1959. The proposed rule by the National Park Service works counter to the Alaska statehood act. 6. Senate Joint Resolution 8 urges the National Park Service to withdraw the proposed rule and work collaboratively with Alaska to find a solution that is based on sound science and to recognize Alaska's authority to manage its wildlife populations. CO-CHAIR GIESSEL turned to invited testimony. 4:47:16 PM THOR STACEY, Director of Government Affairs, Professional Hunters Association, Juneau, Alaska, provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. He revealed that he is a registered lobbyist for the Alaska Professional Hunters Association (APHA). He stated that APHA supports SJR 8. He stressed that support for the resolution does not indicate support for bear baiting, bear denning or hunting swimming caribou. He added that opposition to the resolution does not indicate opposition to those methods and means. He stated that passage of the resolution would continue to allow the methods and means for federally qualified users of National Parks and Preserves. MR. STACEY continued that the resolution addressed a broad preemption of state wildlife management authority. He stated that the general preemption incorporated in the rule will disallow all sustainable predator hunts on National Park Service Preserves in Alaska. He added that the general preemption removes longstanding sustainable predator hunts on national preserves. Predators and prey are naturally intact in Alaska and disallowing the harvest of either predator or prey nullifies wildlife management. He stated that the proposed rule has the effect of closing state predator hunts while leaving in place all hunts for food animals (caribou, moose and deer). MR. STACEY revealed the second substantive effect of the specific preemptions: bear baiting, bear denning and taking of swimming caribou. He pointed out the legislative directive for the Board of Game to prioritize and consider customary and traditional uses. The rule addresses the National Park Service (NPS) overlook of the basic closure process established by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) program. The rule was proposed and forwarded without consultation with the state. He stated that the National Park Service advanced the rule without engaging with its own entities such as the rural advisory committees and the subsistence resource commissions. He added that the entities were created by congress in ANILCA for the specific purpose of reviewing similar proposals. He commented on the lack of hearings in affected areas. He recognized that the NPS lacks closure authority in Alaska as envisioned by ANILCA. MR. STACEY summarized the big picture issue and stated that the resolution's intent is to support the legislature. He stated that the Board of Game has the legislature's constitutional authority and is commanded to regulate within statutory constructs. The Board of Game is tasked to value conservation and manage wildlife for human use, including wildlife viewing. He added that the Board of Game must prioritize subsistence use and they are commanded to consider and promote customary and traditional uses as prescribed by the legislature. He noted that the resolution is in opposition to other ideas or options where the state seeks additional authority in spheres allowed by federal law. The resolution provides support for the status quo against federal overreach. 4:52:39 PM JIM LISTER, Outside Counsel, Alaska Professional Hunters Association, Washington, DC, provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. He reported that the current rule in effect for the NPS will be replaced with SJR 8. He stated that the current rule was adopted by NPS in 2020 to restore state management of hunting on Alaska National Preserves. The rule cancels prior preemptions from 2015 and allows the state Board of Game to determine the hunting rules including the rules governing hunts for predator animals. He stated that in January 2023, NPS proposed a new rule that would eliminate the 2020 rule, preempting the state Board of Game allowable hunting areas. The current rule survived litigation challenges, which is why the resolution before the committee makes sense. He remarked that following the action by NPS in 2020, Alaska Wildlands Alliance sued to overturn the rule, which went to litigation in September. He noted that the Alaska Professional Hunters Association and its partner Sportsman's Alliance along with the state attorney general's office and Safari Club defended the rule. He added that NPS did not participate. He stated that the 2020 rule remains in place, which is what SJR 8 is attempting to maintain. 4:55:50 PM KAREN LINNELL, Executive Director, Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission, Glennallen, Alaska, provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. She stated her belief that the proposed rule bypasses the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). She expressed that ANILCA, Section 101(b) protects the resources related to subsistence needs. She added that ANILCA's mission is to protect and preserve historic and archeological sites, to preserve wilderness value and related recreational opportunities including but not limited to hiking, canoeing, fishing, and sport hunting. She noted that the NPS definition of sport hunters includes any person that does not live within a resident zone. 5:07:20 PM JOHN STURGEON, President, Safari Club International, Alaska Chapter, Anchorage, Alaska, provided invited testimony in support of SJR 8. He stated the Safari Club International's (SCI) goal to preserve and improve the hunting heritage. He expressed concern with the proposed 2023 NPS ruling. He agreed with the Alaska Professional Hunters Association's analysis of the 2015, 2020 and 2023 rule. He opined that the federal government was illegally assuming authority in Alaska. He added that wildlife know no boundaries and can migrate great distances so managing wildlife with political restrictions is ineffective. He spoke about the Alaska Department of Fish and Game that manages wildlife in the state on a scientific and perpetual basis. He supported the state authority for wildlife management across all political boundaries. He asked the committee to support Alaska's right to manage its wildlife without federal government interference. 5:11:02 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL held SJR 8 in committee. 5:11:26 PM There being no further business to come before the committee, Co-Chair Giessel adjourned the Senate Resources Standing Committee meeting at 5:11 p.m.