Sponsor Statement for SSHB 128

"An Act relating to water quality; directing the Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct water quality research; establishing the Water Science Oversight Board; and providing for an effective date."

HB 128 provides a mechanism for DEC to form partnerships with interested parties to seek funding for water quality research for the state of Alaska leading to improved water quality regulations. The bill establishes a temporary Water Science Oversight Board to oversee the research.

The goal of this bill is to the greatest extent possible, substitute science for the emotion and political debate that characterizes consideration of water quality regulations. The Alaska Science and Technology Foundation has expressed interest in funding such research, but will only accept applications from a public agency if it is in partnership with private organizations.

Another potential source of funding would be federal dollars. Without such research to provide scientific backing, the Environmental Protection Agency will not accept changes to Alaska's water quality regulations to reflect Alaska specific conditions.

The Water Science Oversight Board which will oversee this research is to be composed of the department commissioner or a commissioner's designee and four additional members, each of whom has academic credentials and Alaska-based expertise in the field of water quality. The board will expire at the end of the five year research program.

HB 128 will lead to continued protection of Alaska's clean waters while encouraging responsible economic development in the state. I urge the support of the committee on this bill.

Sponsor Statement for HB 128

"An Act relating to water quality; directing the Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct water quality research; establishing the Water Science Oversight Board; and providing for an effective date."

HB 128 provides a mechanism for DEC to form partnerships with interested parties to seek funding for water quality research for the state of Alaska leading to improved water quality regulations. The bill requires interim regulations while the research leading to permanent regulations is being done. HB 128 establishes a temporary Water Science Oversight Board to oversee the research.

The goal of this bill is to the greatest extent possible, substitute science for the emotion and political debate that characterizes consideration of water quality regulations. The Alaska Science and Technology Foundation has expressed interest in funding such research, but will only accept applications from a public agency if it is in partnership with private organizations.

If application to ASTF is not successful, the legislature will need to face the harder choice of general funding for water quality research. Without such research to provide scientific backing, the Environmental Protection Agency will not accept changes to Alaska's water quality regulations.

The Water Science Oversight Board which will oversee this research is to be composed of the department commissioner or a commissioner's designee and four additional members, each of whom has academic credentials and Alaska-based expertise in the field of water quality. The board will expire at the end of the five year research program.

HB 128 will lead to continued protection of Alaska's clean waters while encouraging responsible economic development in the state. I urge the support of the committee on this bill.