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Session: State Capitol, Room 416 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Toll Free: (877) 465-3719 Phone: (907) 465-3719 Fax: (907) 465-3258 Send E-Mail Interim: 119 N Cushman Street, Suite 211 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: (907) 456-5081 Fax: (907) 456-8245 |
HCR 2 Would Take Dispute to U.S. Supreme Court
For Immediate Release: March 17, 1999
Contact: Representative John Coghill at (907) 465-3719
Juneau -- House Concurrent Resolution 2 sponsored by Representative John Coghill of North Pole was moved out of the House Special Committee on World Trade and State and Federal Affairs on Tuesday. The committee heard testimony from around the state that the Alaska State Legislature and Governor Knowles need to take the issue of Title VIII of ANILCA to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the federal government's intrusion on the State's sovereignty.
House Concurrent Resolution 2 calls for U.S. Supreme Court action and restates the historical events that gave the State of Alaska the responsibility for the management of Alaska's fish and wildlife resources. It also challenges the Department of Interior to agree to allow the United States Supreme Court to decide who will manage Alaska's resources.
Lynn Levengood, an attorney from Fairbanks praised Coghill's resolution saying it was an "excellent outline of U.S. Supreme Court law." He said any legislation dealing with a solution to ANILCA should provide for abundance of Alaska's fish and wildlife, preservation of state sovereignty, treating all Alaskans equally, and result in finality.
Ralph Seekins, spokesman for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Association said that Governor Knowles did the State of Alaska a great disservice when he asked for dismissal of the Babbit case with prejudice. Seekins said the U.S. Supreme Court must answer the question "is ANILCA right of wrong."
Dave Kellyhouse, testifying for the Alaska Outdoor Council, said the Council has given its "whole hearted and unreserved support" to HCR 2.
During testimony on Tuesday before the House Committee, Coghill said "we need some degree of resolution; Alaska needs to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court as a final arbitration." He further stated that he feels Alaska will prevail in restoring equity to the management and use of our fish and game resources.
Coghill said that in the interest of the unity of all Alaskans a Court decision is needed as soon as possible. Representative Masek of Willow agreed stating that all Alaskans "have to come together" on this issue.
The resolution was moved to the House Special Committee on Fisheries for further hearings.