Grassroots Action Items

The Road to Umiat-Under Fire in the Legislature

Right now, the Senate is evaluating Governor Parnell's capital budget which includes $10 million more for the Road to Umiat as part of the "Roads to Resources" program. The Road to Umiat is another one of Governor Parnell's poorly-planned state subsidies intended to benefit the oil and gas industry. It would cost the state of Alaska at least $400 million to build and $3 million a year to maintain, with no investment from the companies it is intended to serve. The opposition includes six resolutions from North Slope communities and organizations that view the proposed road as a threat to caribou migrations and their subsistence way of life. Join them by writing a Letter to the Editor or calling a member of the Senate Finance Committee and tell them that you support the state investing in public transportation, a "fix it first" approach that provides upgrades and improvements to our communities rather than spending public funds to build roads for access to speculative development projects.

Legislation to phase-out class of toxic flame retardants heads to the Senate Floor

The Senate Finance Committee passed SB 27, which outlaws the importation of products containing toxic flame retardants and will now move to the Senate Floor for a vote. This is no small victory for those who have been trying to raise awareness about the impacts toxic chemicals have on our health and our environment. The legislature has the opportunity to protect Alaskans by phasing out the sale of products that contain toxic chemicals. Please contact your senator and ask him or her to support SB 27.

Alaska Coastal Management Program-Coming back thanks to YOU!

House Majority Leader Alan Austerman of Kodiak along with a growing, bipartisan group of sponsors and co-sponsors that would reestablish the Alaska Coastal Management Program HB 325. 

Last month the Alaska Sea Party collected more than enough signatures to get a ballot initiative before the voters for the Primary election in August to reestablish and strengthen the ACMP from its previous model. The Legislature has the opportunity to pass similar legislation or the issue goes before the voters. Passage of the bill would be the fastest route to reestablishing a Coastal Management program for Alaska.

Why a Coastal Management Program is Important:

• Gives Alaskans a meaningful voice in coastal development.
• Balances competing demands on coastal resources and uses.
• Gives Alaska power over federal coastal development decisions.
• Establishes a coordinated permit review process.

Reduces bureaucracy by creating one-stop permitting source.