News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540
http://www.akrepublicans.org

For Immediate Release: February 25, 1997 Contact: Senator Bert Sharp 907/465-3004

Bill Thwarts Power of Federal Government To Enforce Fish and Game Management

Juneau -- In an effort to maintain our state’s rights and impede aggressive federal actions to assume management of fish and game in Alaska, the Alaska State Senate Monday passed legislation by a vote of 15 to 4 sponsored by Senator Bert Sharp (R-Fairbanks).

Senator Sharp noted that SB 19 repeals a mandate on the books that requires the Department of Fish and Game to enforce Federal statutes and regulations regarding game management.

"We feel the federal intrusion into our game management is not only onerous -- it is a direct violation of our state constitution," said Sharp. "This legislation inserts language into current law that will prohibit state employees and officials from enforcing federal statutes or regulations that are in conflict with regulations approved by our legitimate Board of Game."

"By passing this legislation, we are upholding our "Commitment to Alaska" to protect Alaska’s State’s rights against federal encroachment," said Sharp.

"Everywhere we turn, Alaska’s constitutional rights are threatened by federal intrusion," Sharp said. "This trend must be stopped -- especially when bureaucrats 5,000 miles away are meddling with decisions that are best left to Alaskans."

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