Murkowski Morning Meeting For Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Note to readers: Alaska and Hawaii have a special relationship as the 49^th and 50^th – and non-contiguous – states. They each enjoy vibrant cultures, and share pride in the military’s work in their state, facing similar challenges when it comes to infrastructure and maritime concerns. Last night, Senator Murkowski hosted the entire Alaska and Hawaii Congressional Delegations at her house for some comfort food and conversation.

What DC is Reading

• Washington Post: Federal Officials Plan to Crack Down on IUU Fishing
• Christian Science Monitor: Putin Launches Military Drills in Arctic
• The Hill: Obama Budget Projected to Add $6 Trillion to Debt

U.S. Senate Events

A Reliable and Affordable Electric Grid

Alaskan Impact: Communities throughout Alaska, such as in Kodiak, are developing local renewable energy resources to reduce their costly alliance on diesel. Today’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing looked at the opportunities and challenges of integrating new technologies into local power systems without compromising reliability or affordability—something that is vital to Alaska’s more remote villages. In today’s hearing, Senator Murkowski highlighted the pioneering innovation happening with microgrids in small communities all across Alaska.

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “The State of Technological Innovation Related to the Electric Grid”

Witnesses:

• Lisa Barton, Executive Vice President, American Electric Power-Transmission
• Lisa Edgar, Commissioner, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
• Dr. Michael Howard, President and CEO, Electric Power Research Institute
• Dr. Peter Littlewood, Director, Argonne National Laboratory

(Click image to watch video.)

Senator Murkowski: “No other electricity network on earth provides as much power to as many people as reliably and affordably as our American grid. It really is a modern marvel.”

(Click image to watch video.)

Senator Murkowski questions Dr. Peter Littlewood (Director, Argonne National Laboratory) on the importance of microgrids.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Alaska’s Military Potential

Alaskan Impact: With proposed Alaska Army cuts on the table, it’s welcoming news that multiple military construction projects in our state are included in the White House’s FY2016 budget—including a physical readiness training facility at Fort Greely and an F-35 flight simulator at Eielson Air Force Base. Senator Murkowski has worked hard to educate others of Alaska’s strategic military location and the importance of investing in the military for our nation’s security given a surge in activity from Russia and North Korea. Today Senator Murkowski will question Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps officials what their budget requests mean for Alaska and our nation.

10:30a.m. AKDT

Senate Appropriations Committee, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Hearing

Topic: Hearing to Review the Fiscal Year 2016 Military Construction and Family Housing Budget Requests for the Military Departments

Witnesses:

• Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson, Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management and Commander, U.S. Army Installation Management Command
• Erin Kern, Director of the Shore Readiness Division and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet readiness and Logistics
• David Clifton, Deputy Assistant Deputy Commandant for Facilities, Installations and Logistics and Deputy Commander of the Marine Corps Installations Command
• Brig. Gen. Timothy Green, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support and Air Force Director Of Civil Engineers

U.S. House Events

Impacts of Waters of the U.S.

Alaskan Impact: Called by some as “the biggest land grab in the history of the world”, the EPA last year requested jurisdiction over all public and private streams in America. Senator Murkowski described this action as “regulatory onslaught” and a “potential show-stopper” for development in Alaska—jeopardizing the affordability and reliability of the state’s energy supply. Today the House Agriculture Committee is reviewing the EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” proposal and how it will effect rural America—including much of Alaska.

10:00a.m. AKDT

House Agriculture Committee, Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee Hearing

Topic: To Review the Definition of “Waters of the United States” Proposed Rule and Its Impact on Rural America

Witnesses:

• Jeff M. Witte, Director/Secretary, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, on behalf of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
• Robert ‘Pete’ Smeltz, Clinton County Commissioner, on behalf of the National Association of Counties
• Joseph S. Fox, Arkansas Forestry Commission, on behalf of the National Association of State Foresters
• Martha Clark Mettler, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Water Quality, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, on behalf of the Association of Clean Water Administrators
• Ellen Steen, General Counsel and Secretary, American Farm Bureau Federation
• Jonathan Gledhill, President, Policy Navigation Group, on behalf of the Waters Advocacy Coalition
• Russ Biggica, Director of Government, Legislative and Economic Development, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.