March 21, 2014

Dear Neighbors,

Governor’s LNG Proposal: What’s in it for Fairbanks?

On Tuesday evening, the Senate voted 15-5 to advance SB138, the Governor’s Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) proposal. The House will now have a mere 30 days to analyze the details of SB138, weigh the pros and cons, hear from the public, offer amendments and consider the impact to the state. This hurried pace once again has me concerned with the lack of due diligence that has become far too common this legislative session.

Keep in mind that this proposed LNG project would be the largest financial commitment ever made by the state of Alaska. Upwards of $40-$60 billion would be needed to complete this project. My main goal is to understand the risks and rewards for everyday Alaskans. The Governor, Exxon, British Petroleum, Conoco-Philips and Trans-Canada state the goal of the project is to take massive amounts of OUR gas to LNG markets in Asia. I am more deeply concerned that we have not heard what benefits would be conferred to our residents in Fairbanks. As the only member from the Interior on the House Resources Committee, before I sign on to any bill that would put the state at risk, possibly for decades, I want to know what we are getting for what we are giving up. Homeowners should understand how much gas is going to be available right here at home and at what cost before we start sending our gas to homes overseas.

Wednesday we started hearing SB138 in House Resources and I look forward to working hard over the next few weeks to learn more about the pertinent details of the bill. I hope the committee will give SB138 the healthy dialogue and vetting process that it deserves. We need to better understand if this project is really in the best interest of Alaska.

Ready to Plant a Garden? It’s a Good Time to Think About GMOs

After a long winter, there is nothing more enjoyable than to start your spring garden. We take pride in not only growing our own food when possible, but also in purchasing products that are healthy for our families. Because of that, I am proud to be a sponsor of two bills aimed at protecting Alaskans from the dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), HB215 and HB249.

HB 215 would require all foods that are produced with GMO ingredients to be labeled accordingly. I believe Alaskans should have the right to choose whether they want to consume genetically modified food products. HB 249 goes a step further and would prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds or plants to grow any agricultural products in Alaska. Since there are no current GMO crops in the state, we could be the first state to market Non-GMO to the world! Both bills are currently in the House Resources committee awaiting a hearing. If you would like to see either of these bills get a public hearing this session I encourage you to write to the Resource co-chairs Rep Saddler or Rep Feige and ask them to hear the bills.

Flint Hills Update

The Flint Hills closure is still front and center in the legislature and in Fairbanks. It's important to make sure the residents of our town have water that is safe to drink and make sure that whoever is responsible is held accountable to the families in the affected area. I, along with Senator Mark Begich and others support Governor Parnell's lawsuit to do just that in a speedy and simple method. It will be an important issue for Fairbanks and our energy future. The loss of 80 good paying jobs will hurt our economy and too many locals have already been negatively impacted by the Koch Industries’ lack of care for Fairbanks' families.

Save the Date: Constituent Meetings March 29 – 30

Next weekend, March 29-30, I will be in Fairbanks to give an update on the legislative session, answer questions and hear your feedback. Come out, enjoy some pizza and share your concerns for the interior and the state. Stay tuned for more specifics on locations and times that I will be available to meet. I hope to see you next weekend.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
District 4 - Fairbanks