Alaska HB 103 passes through House Finance

Lawmakers only 4 days left to pass any legislation, including the capital budget.

House Bill 103, the bill that deals with giving AEA authority to proceed with the study of the Susitna Hydro project passed out of the House Finance committee Tuesday.  The committee, instead of proceeding further with their version of the bill, accepted the senate version of the bill.  Representative Bill Stoltze’s office said that in an effort to not delay the Susitna hydro project this year, the committee accepted the senate’s version.  Stoltze is head of the house finance committee.

Senate Bill 42, on the senate side, is currently in Senate Finance.

Meanwhile, there is a house joint resolution – H.J.R 23 – that urges the U.S. Congress to classify hydroelectric power as a renewable and alternative energy source.  The sponsor of the resolution is the special house energy committee.

Lawmakers have until Sunday night at midnight to approve bills and the state budget.  Governor Sean Parnell has said there will be no special session.

As always, audio for committee meetings and sessions can be found on the legislature’s website – legis.state.ak.us