RDC Letter:
Special Session Regarding ACMP Extension

Submitted via email

June 27, 2011

The Alaska State Legislature
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801

RE: Special Session Regarding Alaska Coastal Management Program Extension

Dear Members of the Alaska Legislature:

As you embark on today’s special session, RDC would like to express its continued support for the version of HB106 that passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives on April 15. This version of the bill had broad support among different constituencies, balanced competing needs, adhered to the Governor’s four guiding principles for potential changes to the program, and most importantly, went through a robust public process.

Despite significant discussion, we have decided to not take a position on version A.5 of HB106 that has been circulated, though not publicly released, for the forthcoming special session.

RDC’s membership is extremely diverse and has members on every side of this contentious issue, including oil and gas, mining, fishing, and timber companies, Alaska Native Corporations, and local governments such as the North Slope Borough.

RDC’s stated policy position regarding this important issue remains that we will oppose changes to the program that shift decision making authority from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to other entities, add process, duplicate state or federal requirements, or impede or delay progress on resource development. We urge you to keep this position in mind when considering additional changes to the version of HB106 that passed unanimously out of the House.

Thank you for your consideration of our comments.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.