An Update on Alaska’s Efforts to Reform The Endangered Species Act
Sponsored by
the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development

In conjunction with the 32nd Annual Alaska Resources Conference

Tuesday, November 15th (1:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center

This session is open to all conference attendees and RDC members at no cost. The State of Alaska is pursuing several studies to review features of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Over time, use of the ESA has had widespread impacts and consequences on business activity and development. Merits behind agency findings that bring ESA designations are dubious in some instances. Indicators point to the need for regulatory reform. The state is proposing reform and will present its ESA impact findings with the end goal of reforming the Act. A panel format with resource management, science, economic, and legal expertise will present and solicit feedback and collaboration from RDC members.

View a pdf of the agenda

Agenda

Please note: Due to technical difficulties, some videos are disrupted.

1:00 p.m. Introduction

1:15 ESA Primer - Overview of the ESA
Jeff Leppo, Partner, Stoel Rives, LLP, Attorneys at Law presentation video

1:45 Panel Discussion
Moderator: Glenn Haight, Development Manager, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development presentation video
Brad Meyen, Assistant Attorney General, Alaska Department of Law video
Jeff Leppo, Partner, Stoel Rives, LLP, Attorneys at Law presentation
Doug Vincent-Lang, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish & Game video1 video 2
Dr. Matt Cronin, Research Associate Professor of Animal Genetics, University of Alaska Fairbanks presentation video

3:00 Break

3:15 Deliberation and Discussion
Panel members will lead the audience is a discussion about recommendations on disseminating information to wildlife advocates and interest groups, and methods and policy strategies to increase support for regulatory reform.