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Natural Resources Committee
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GENERAL INFORMATION

Meeting Time:  1st & 3rd Wednesday's; 7:30am @ Chamber Office

Mission Statement:   The Natural Resources Committee advocates for the development and use of Alaskan's natural resources and strives to have a working knowledge of technical, financial, and political aspects surrounding development.

Meeting Minutes:
If you would like to receive a copy of archived minutes, please contact the Committee Coordinator at (907) 374.6705.

Committee Members:

Tom Bundtzen (Chair)
Pacific Rim Consulting

Bud Fate
Fate Enterprises   

Brian Netwon
GVEA

Bill Brophy
Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.

Roger Burggraf
Alaska Miner's Association / Greatland R.T.

Clark Milne
ADOT & PF

Joni Scharfenburg
Fairbanks Soil & Water Conservation District

Cassie Pinkel
Fairbanks Economic Development Corp.

John Ringstad   
BP   

Paul Metz  
School of Engineering and Mines - UAF

Cal Skaugstad   
Individual  

Gale Skaugstad
Skaugstad Environmental Services

David McDowell
Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

Dana Novak
Alaska Miner's Association

Paul Costello
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Jim Mery
Doyon, Limited
Marc Lee
Division of Forestry
Rhonda Boyles
Alaska's Future
Rod Combellick
Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Richard Hughes
R.A. Hughes & Associates

2010 PROGRAM OF WORK

Goals for the Year

  • Overall Natural Resource Development Planning: Presentation by Department of Natural Resources, Department of Community and Economic Development, Division of Forestry and/or FEDC and obtain an overview of resources from Federal legislative perspective
  • Natural Gas Development: Invite Producers/ AOGA to give update on industry and exploration activities, Doyon limited to present status report on 2009 Nenana gas drill program and Yukon Flats gas exploration for 2010 (if possible), and Enstar, Fairbanks Natural Gas or other Alaska use entities for update on supply acquisitions and contracts. Also invite Bob Swenson to provide an update on the challenges of securing gas for instate and out of state uses. Update on AGIA process from ADNR, organize Forum to address Natural Gas issues, and work to see Natural Gas elevated as a Board priority
  • Focus on Other Energy Issues that affect the Fairbanks business economy: Invite speaker to discuss diverse energy strategy to satisfy future energy requirements in Interior Alaska and the Railbelt, have an update on PM2.5 issue, and status of research into issue. Invite NRC presentation to update the GFCC on the use of coal in Alaska, and have an update from Aurora Energy about their plans. Have an update on wind power project at Delta Junction is a priority, and the status of refineries by both Petrostar and Flint Hills
  • Non Fuel, Mineral Resource Development: Invite speakers to present an overview of Alaska’s Mineral industry, with an emphasis on Interior Alaska, and have an update for the committee on the activities and outlook of the Pogo Gold Mine. Obtain an update on Fort Knox mine, secure update on Livengood project, and track local, state and federal regulations, including FNSB zoning and taxation climate that is relative to the mineral industry
  • Wildlife Management: Monitor the status of Fairbanks fish hatchery project through contacts in ADF&G and other sources, take another look at wood bison transplant program, and monitor proposed Board of Game regulations and harvest objective plans conducted by DNR on Fish and Game and Habitat Division
  • Agriculture: Invite representatives from the local agriculture industry to update the NRC on the status of local agriculture, with a summary on what took place in 2009
  • Focus on other resource issues: Invite Citizens Advisory Committee on Federal Lands presentation, work with UAF to identify the need for facilities and identify educational and research issues/projects regarding Natural Resource development
  • Work closely and collaborate with the Chamber’s Governmental Relations and Transportation Committees whenever applicable
  • Provide 2 – 3 GML program recommendations

RESOLUTIONS & LETTERS

Reserves Tax Resolution
- September 25, 2006
Mineral Management Services Proposal - November 6, 2006
Resolution Supporting Agriculture Funding - February 5, 2007
Natural Gas Tax Parity Resolution (1) - October 29, 2007
Natural Gas Tax Parity Resolution (2) - November 5, 2007
House Bill No. 156 - March 25, 2008
Land Exchange Letter of Support - March 18, 2008
Susitna Letter of Support - March 18, 2008
BIOS Letter of Support - April 7, 2008
Senate Bill No. 229 Resolution - April 7, 2008
Anti-Mining Ballot Initiatives Resolution - April 28, 2008
Port MacKenzie Rail Extension - December 1, 2009
UAF Statewide Digital Mapping - April 6, 2009
Oil & Gas Lease Sales in the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf - July 13, 2009

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