Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: HB 80: Rolling Back a Citizen’s Initiative on Cruise Ship Wastewater Requirements
February 7, 2013
This week a major piece of legislation that will have widespread impacts on the state of Alaska passed quickly through the House of Representatives without much public input. HB80 and SB29 were introduced by Governor Parnell to roll back the citizens’ 2006 initiative. The public initiative held the cruise ship industry accountable for the ship discharge in Alaska waters by setting standards for discharge. The industry had from 2006 to 2015 to implement the upgrades to the ships to meet the outflow standard goals.
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Rep. Geran Tarr’s Newsletter: Fighting Frankenfish in Alaska
February 6, 2013
NO FRANKENFISH!
I introduced a resolution this week that would urge congress and the federal government to ban the sale of GMO salmon, you can read about it or read the resolution. If you want to show your support, send us an email and we’ll share it with the Fisheries Committee. Meanwhile, Sen. Begich is fighting against the sale of genetically modified salmon too. Contact him and let him know that you support his efforts. The comment period is closing in a couple of weeks, and we hope that you’ll voice your opinion. Your voice can be the difference that protects our Alaskan livelihood against frankenfish.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: UAA, Salmon, and the PFD
February 6, 2013
Things are in full swing at home and in the Legislature. For effective government we need to hear from you. I am always interested in your questions and suggestions.
University Construction Projects-
Last week I spoke with University of Alaska President Pat Gamble about the construction of the new UAA engineering building, and the proposal for a parking garage
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Note from Rep. Gara: Peeling the Onion: Major School Cuts Don’t Jibe With “Record” School Funding Claims
February 5, 2013
Last week I mentioned that I and many of my colleagues had filed legislation to stop a third year of damaging school staff cuts, and to make up for prior cuts so our students can have the courses and teachers they need to succeed and become vital parts of a strong economy.
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Rep. Kerttula’s Newsletter: Alaskan Waters Threatened by Initiative Roll-Back
February 5, 2013
My first session in the Legislature, I introduced legislation to protect our Alaskan waters from harmful and toxic cruise ship waste. Although it was not my legislation that eventually passed, I am proud to have been part of the effort to establish ground-breaking standards for cruise ship discharge.
Keeping Alaskan waters pristine is essential to protecting the thriving industries that rely on our oceans, including fisheries and tourism, and our Alaskan way of life.
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