2012 STATEWIDE PRIORITIES
· ENERGY
We believe the legislature must aggressively facilitate energy efficiency and affordable energy for all Alaskans through:
1. The support of oil and gas, as it remains the primary source of energy for most of Alaska;
2. The encouragement of connectivity between communities, as well as incentives for energy project funding and energy efficiency;
3. An actual time certain process that selects and prioritizes projects;
4. Full funding of the PCE (Power Cost Equalization) Endowment fund through joint congressional and state appropriations;
5. The clarification of RCA’s role and authority, as well as direction for RCA to adhere to their structured purpose;
6. Adequate funding for residential and small businesses.
· PERS
The League supports a sustainable salary base to pay off the PERS unfunded obligations. AS 39.35.625, and any other similar statutes or regulations that require termination studies, should be repealed. Simply following AS 39.35.255(a)(2) will provide a more efficient, cost effective and equitable method of ensuring that the required PERS salary base is maintained.
· REVENUE SHARING
The League supports the passage of SB 97 by the Legislature during the 2012 Legislative Session.
· UNFUNDED MANDATES
The League supports prohibition of state unfunded mandates in any form. This includes “optional” exemptions handed down to local governments that will diminish the local tax base.
· TRANSPORTATION
1. The dedication of funds for the Alaska Transportation Infrastructure Fund;
2. A matching grant component for acquiring federal funds and to help local governments to develop otherwise financially difficult projects;
3. A local government seat at the table during allocation considerations of the Transportation Infrastructure Fund.
2012 FEDERAL PRIORITIES
· PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES
The League supports full funding of the PILT program, to the authorized levels of P.L. 103-379 (over $300 million nationwide).
· SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SELF-DETERMINATION ACT (SRS/TIMBER RECEIPTS)
The League supports the reauthorization and enhancement of the Secure Rural Schools program (P.L. 110-343). Reauthorization should maintain coupling between payments to boroughs and active natural resource management; and the connection between sustainable natural resource management and the stability and well-being of forest municipalities.
· CLEAN WATER ACT
While supporting Clean Water Act provisions that protect wetland habitats and rivers and streams of Alaska, we do NOT support federal efforts to change the definition of the Clean Water Act from “navigable” waters to “waters of the United States,” and also oppose federal efforts to further expand the authority and responsibilities of the federal agencies in regard to these waters.
· ARCTIC ISSUES
The League supports ratification of the United Nation’s Convention on the Law of the Sea. Until that ratification takes place, the U.S. cannot participate in deliberations which affect the national security; environmental concerns relating to the use of the seas; and to economic development for Alaska’s coastal communities.
· LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
We oppose decisions on land use designations that are not completely reviewed through the proper Congressional system, already in place.
· ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS
The League supports full funding of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program to state and local governments.
· DENALI COMMISSION
The League supports reauthorization and appropriation of the Denali Commission to further construct and improve much-needed infrastructure throughout the State, especially in rural areas.
Download/Print: 2012 Priorities.pdf