Juneau -- Representative Ramona L. Barnes (R-Anchorage), Chair of the House Committee on World Trade and State/Federal Relations, has announced her support for a proposed solution to the current legislative deadlock over environmental impacts of spills from nontank vessels and railroad tank cars.

Representative Gail Phillips (R-Homer), Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, will introduce a resolution establishing a 13-member task force, chaired by either the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

"The task force would be charged with evaluating the requirements of SB 273 to develop contingency plans for dealing with the effects of spills from railroad tank cars and nontank vessels," Phillips said. "The task force would be required to prepare a report in time for the first day of the First Session of the 22nd Alaska Legislature."

"As Senate Bill 273 has progressed rapidly through the legislature, implementation has become increasingly complex and a cause of greater concern," Barnes said. "There is a significant element missing from the overall equation. We need an analysis of the impact on Alaska businesses, on the continued viability of our exports, and of the effects on Alaska's residents and consumers."

Sponsor Statement for HB 273

Attachments:

• Letter from Rep. Barnes to Sen. Pearce

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