Alan L. Mintz
VNF Policy Updates
Alaska Energy and Environmental Policy Update - July 30, 2009
Rick Agnew, Alan Mintz, Jon Simon, Andrew VanderJackJuly 30, 2009
In July, Senator Begich drafted federal legislation to create an RCAC for Alaska’s North Slope; Senator Murkowski introduced revenue-sharing legislation for offshore oil and gas development that would also require that oil produced from the Arctic outer continental shelf be transported by pipeline, and not by tanker; activity on proposed federal energy legislation slowed, with the focus in Congress shifting to health care and appropriations; a Senate subcommittee on contracting oversight held a hearing on the participation by Alaska Native Corporations in the Small Business Act section 8(a) contracting program; the Supreme Court reversed a decision of the Ninth Circuit that had invalidated a permit issued by the Army Corps of Engineers for the discharge of mine slurry from the Kensington gold mine, while the Environmental Protection Agency suggested that the discharge permit might be rescinded to require that Kensington place its tailings elsewhere.
Alaska Energy & Environmental Policy Update - February 4, 2009
Rick Agnew, Tom Roberts, Jon Simon, Andrew VanderJackFebruary 4, 2009
Congress moved forward on an $800 - $900 billion stimulus package, confirmed key federal Department and agency nominations, and promised major shifts in federal energy, environmental, and natural resource policies. This spring, Congress is expected to consider major energy legislation that could encompass a federal renewable electricity standard and address energy production on public lands. Expanded development on the Outer Continental Shelf also is likely to be addressed in the energy legislation. In a positive development for Alaska’s congressional representation, Senator Murkowski was recently seated on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Alaska Energy & Environmental Policy Update - January 9, 2009
Alan Mintz, Rick Agnew, John Iani, Jon Simon, Andrew VanderjackJanuary 9, 2009
This first edition focuses on the 111th Congress. As Alaska’s new junior Senator Mark Begich takes his seat, what issues will this Congress tackle first? How is the political landscape different in the absence of Senator Stevens? What are the ramifications for Alaska of the White House and the Congress both being controlled by Democrats?