RDC NEWS DIGEST

APOC files additional complaints
against Ballot Measure 4 proponents

A recently-released staff report from the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) has supported 17 of 18 complaints by RDC and the Pebble Partnership against proponents of Ballot Measure 4, the so-called “Clean Water” ballot initiative, which failed by an overwhelming margin last August. In addition, in the course of its investigation, the APOC staff found other violations and plans to issue new and additional complaints based on its own investigation.

The APOC report is recommending maximum fines and suggests the commission consider sending the case to the Attorney General’s Office for criminal investigation.

The RDC and Pebble Partnership complaints were filed against the Renewable Resources Coalition, Alaskans for Clean Water, Americans for Job Security, and Robert Gillam for violation of Alaska’s campaign disclosure laws.

“APOC Staff has conducted as thorough an investigation as time allowed, and concludes that the majority of alleged violations are supported by a preponderance of the evidence.,” the June report stated. “Additionally, in the course of the investigation, APOC staff found several other violations,” APOC noted.

The APOC report is available at www.akrdc.org.

Governor lauds Secretary Salazar’s decision

Governor Sarah Palin called a decision by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to not change the existing Section 4(d) rule regulations concerning the protection of polar bears under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as a “clear victory for Alaska.”

The decision, however, will provide for continued monitoring and strong protections for polar bears under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and international treaties.

Governor Palin and the Alaska congressional delegation argued strongly for retention of the polar bear rule.

The Department of the Interior also announced the continuation of a policy disallowing a link between climate change and decisions made under the ESA. The governor and delegation argued against such a linkage as an inappropriate use of the act.

“I want to thank the Secretary for his careful review of the science and the administrative record that led to this decision,” Palin said.

EPA to limit gases

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this spring formally declared carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants that endanger public health and welfare, initiating a process that will lead to the regulation of the gases for the first time in the U.S.

Although not unexpected, the ruling was a significant development in the debate on climate change. Many in Congress and a number of industries warned that regulation of carbon dioxide emissions will sharply raise energy costs and potentially eliminate jobs.

The ruling follows President Obama’s call for a low-carbon economy and strong action by Congress on renewable energy and climate legislation. After a comment period and rule making, new requirements for energy efficiency in vehicles, power plants and manufacturing can be expected.

Opponents warn that regulation of the gases would be expensive and cumbersome and will do more to endanger American workers, factories and businesses with new energy taxes and lost jobs than it does to protect the environment.

While the EPA begins its process of regulating the gases, Congress is working toward wide ranging climate legislation that would alter, combine with or override the actions taken by the
agency.

Alyeska wins Distinguished Operator Award

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company recently earned the 2008 American Petroleum Institute Distinguished Operator Award. The award is among the oil industry’s top honors and reserved for pipeline operators demonstrating excellence in safety, environment, and integrity.

“This is a clear indication that Alyeska Pipeline Service Company remains committed to excellence, and we congratulate them on receiving this award,” Governor Palin said in a written statement.“Alyeska’s responsible efforts are what can prove to the rest of America that Alaska is willing and able to responsibly develop resources for the security of Alaska and the nation.”

The Distinguished Operator Award is API’s highest safety and environmental performance award for pipeline operators. It recognizes Alyeska’s record in community outreach, public safety, environmental and safety performance, integrity management, and use of technology. Only one large operator may win the award each year.

“This award reflects the pride and teamwork of TAPS employees who are committed to safety, the environment, and the integrity of the pipeline,” said Alyeska President Kevin Hostler.

In addition to the Distinguished Operator honor, API also awarded Alyeska with the Environmental Performance Award.

Shell planning 2010 exploration

Shell is planning to file a new exploration plan for 2010, one that reflects the company’s current drilling plans for Camden Bay in the Beaufort Sea, while also addressing the concerns about the pace of offshore Arctic drilling, as expressed by North Slope stakeholders.

The new plan, reduced in scope from the one recently withdrawn, will include a one-year drilling program, rather than two, and the drilling of two wells rather than four.

“It is my hope this new program will further prove to North Slope stakeholders that Shell values their feedback and respects their ideas and concerns,” said Peter Slaiby, Shell’s General Manager in Alaska. “Our new plan of exploration makes every effort to address North Slope concerns and we are looking for support on this approach.”

Shell recently withdrew its 2007-2009 plan of exploration for its Beaufort Sea leases after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled against Minerals Management Service’s approval of the plan.

 

AMEREF events update

One person will win two round trip tickets on Alaska Airlines in a drawing at the 17th Annual Coal Classic Golf Tournament in support of AMEREF June 17. For a list of sponsors and to view team photos, please visit www.ameref.org.

 

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