Senator Gary Stevens July 2009 Interim Report

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Senator Gary Stevens Special Session Report for July 2009
by
Senator Gary Stevens

Hello again. The busy pace of legislative work continued into June for many of us in the Senate and House. One major issue occupying our attention was the announcement that Exxon Mobile has joined with TransCanada, which holds the state license to build a North Slope natural gas pipeline. On June 23, we met with executives of both companies to discuss the new partnership. There is still a long way to go before gas starts moving through the pipeline, but the entry of this major producer is essential as Exxon Mobile controls nearly half of the gas on the North Slope.

New Alaska Attorney General

In June, we also learned that the governor had appointed Daniel S. Sullivan to the position of Attorney General. Mr. Sullivan comes to the job with a wealth of experience at the state and federal level, including service as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs. Mr. Sullivan’s confirmation hearing will take place during the 2010 legislative session.

Senate Energy/Resources Committee Site Visits Coming Up

Throughout the legislative interim, myself and other members of the Senate Energy and Resources Committees will be holding field hearings around the state as we work toward creating a state energy policy. The next field hearing will be in Kenai on August 8th. The committees are also looking at holding field hearings in Seward and Kodiak to give them a firsthand look at alternative energy projects going on in both communities.

For more information on these field hearings, please contact Senator Bill Wielechowski’s office at 907-269-0120 or Senator Lesil McGuire’s office at 907-269-0250.

Senate Housekeeping

In early June, I met with the members of the Senate Committee on Committees, which assigns members of the body to committees. At issue was a need to fill vacancies created by the departure of former Senator Kim Elton of Juneau, who resigned to take a position representing Alaska in the U.S. Department of the Interior. During the meeting, Senator Dennis Egan, Elton’s replacement, was appointed to the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees. Also, Senators Kevin Meyer of Anchorage and Joe Thomas of Fairbanks were added to the Education Committee and named co-chairs of the committee, and Senator Johnny Ellis of Anchorage was appointed to the Senate Rules Committee.

Stimulus Clearing House Website

There are still many questions about the federal stimulus funds. In an effort to help get communities and nonprofit organizations get the answers they need, the legislature and the Denali Commission are still operating the Alaska Clearinghouse in Anchorage. The Alaska Clearinghouse can be reached toll-free at 1-888-480-4321. You can also check out their website at: www.akclearinghouse.com.

District R Residents Making News

Congratulations to Ed Dersham of Anchor Point, who was recently approved by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke for reappointment to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which oversees management of the nation’s marine fisheries. A past member and chair of the Alaska Board of Fisheries, Mr. Dersham has served on the federal panel since 2008.

Congratulations also to Kodiak City Councilmember Tom Walters, whom the governor recently reappointed to the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation Board of Directors. The 11 member board oversees the corporation, which owns and operates a rocket launch complex at Narrow Cape in Kodiak.

Throughout the year, there are vacancies on the various state boards and commissions. You can find out more about these positions on the Internet at http://gov.state.ak.us/boards, or contact the governor’s office at (907) 465-3500.

Help on State Issues

Please don’t hesitate to contact me or my legislative staff if we can be of assistance to you in issues involving state government.

My Homer office can be reached at 235-0690. The fax number is: 235-4008.

The phone number for my Kodiak office is 486-4925. The fax number is: 486-5264.

My Capitol building office can be reached toll free at 1-800-821-4925. The fax number is 465-3517.

You can reach me by mail any time at: senator_gary_stevens@legis.state.ak.us.

Help on Federal Issues

The three members of Alaska’s Congressional delegation have in-state offices and staff that are available to assist you with matters related to the federal government.

Senator Lisa Murkowski’s Anchorage office can by reached at 907-271-3735, or toll free at 1-877-829-6030.

Senator Mark Begich’s Anchorage office can be reached by calling 907-271-5915.

The phone number for Congressman Don Young’s Anchorage office is 907-271-5978, or toll free at 1-866-990-5979.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Interim Report. If you would like to receive this news column via e-mail, please contact my Kodiak office, or e-mail me.