For the first time, Alaska could have a legislative committee addressing climate change…
…but only with your help.
Photo of the Swan Lake Fire on the Kenai Peninsula, 2019
Anchorage Representative Andy Josephson recently sponsored House Resolution 12 (full text below) to establish a House Special Committee on Climate Change. This special committee, if established, would be the first-ever legislative committee addressing climate change in Alaska.
What is a "special committee" in the Alaska State House?
Photo courtesy of NOAA
A special committee is a committee within the Alaska State House of Representatives established for a two-year term (which can be renewed). Special committees are often investigative in nature, but they also have the authority to draft and report legislation. The Alaska State House of Representatives currently has five special committees. The Special Committee on Climate Change would "ensure advancement in understanding of current climate research and to explore policy options relating to climate change effects, mitigation, resilience, and adaptation in [Alaska]."
What would the Special Committee on Climate Change do, and why is it important?
Climate change is impacting Alaska at 2-3 times the rate of the Lower 48. Increased glacial runoff causes changes in the temperature, salinity, and sediment levels of rivers and streams. It is unknown how these changes affect the anadromous fish populations, including salmon populations, on which Alaska residents rely for commercial and subsistence harvests. An increase in atmospheric and ocean temperatures is leading to an increased prevalence of invasive species in the state, disrupting fragile ecosystems. Sea ice extents in the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Arctic Ocean are at all-time lows, threatening the marine mammal populations that rely on the ice as habitat. Wildfires are intensifying, and temperatures are rising across the state. Alaska is the only Arctic state in the nation, and is thus properly positioned to be an active voice in international discourse relating to climate change and adaptation policies, independent of the federal government.
The Special Committee on Climate Change would, for the first time in Alaska's history:
Enable members of House of Representatives to vet appointed bills through a climate change perspective.
Conduct fact-finding missions on the scope and impacts of climate change in Alaska and invite local voices into legislative actions on this topic.
Provide a forum for legislators in Alaska to address climate change.
What can you do to help?
If this is something you would like to see developed in Alaska, write to your Representative and copy all other Representatives to make your voice known! The House will vote on this resolution at the end of January, and elected officials should be informed of their constituents’ interests. Your emails or letters must be received by January 17th to be read before the vote. Each vote within the House is important - you can make a difference!
Step 1. Read the Resolution (below) to be informed.
Step 2. Email your Representative and CC all Representatives. Tell them who you are, where you live, and why this issue is important to you.
Step 3. Share with your friends and ask them to do the same! Remember, you must submit your comments by January 17th.
Click here to find your Representative
Copy the emails below to CC all Representatives in the House:
Representative.Ben.Carpenter@akleg.gov; Representative.Matt.Claman@akleg.gov; Representative.Harriet.Drummond@akleg.gov; Representative.David.Eastman@akleg.gov; Representative.Bryce.Edgmon@akleg.gov; Representative.Zack.Fields@akleg.gov; Representative.Neal.Foster@akleg.gov; Representative.Mell.Gillis@akleg.gov; Representative.Sara.Hannan@akleg.gov; Representative.Grier.Hopkins@akleg.gov; Representative.Sharon.Jackson@akleg.gov; Representative.Delana.Johnson@akleg.gov; Representative.Jennifer.Johnston@akleg.gov; Representative.Andy.Josephson@akleg.gov; Representative.Gary.Knopp@akleg.gov; Representative.Chuck.Kopp@akleg.gov; Representative..Jonathan.Kreiss-Tomkins@akleg.gov; Representative.Bart.Lebon@akleg.gov; Representative.Gabrielle.Ledoux@akleg.gov; Representative.John.Lincoln@akleg.gov; Representative.Kelly.Merrick@akleg.gov; Representative.Mark.Neuman@akleg.gov; Representative.Dan.Ortiz@akleg.gov; Representative.Lance.Pruitt@akleg.gov; Representative.Sara.Rasmussen@akleg.gov; Representative.George.Rauscher@akleg.gov; Representative.Laddie.Shaw@akleg.gov; Representative.Ivy.Spohnholz@akleg.gov; Representative.Andi.Story@akleg.gov; Representative.Louise.Stutes@akleg.gov; Representative.Colleen.Sullivan-Leonard@akleg.gov; Representative.Dave.Telarico@akleg.gov; Representative.Geran.Tarr@akleg.gov; Representative.Steve.Thompson@akleg.gov; Representative.Cathy.Tilton@akleg.gov; Representative.Chris.Tuck@akleg.gov; Representative.Sarah.Vance@akleg.gov; Representative.Tammie.Wilson@akleg.gov; Representative.Adam.Wool@akleg.gov; Representative.Tiffany.Zulkosky@akleg.gov
