February 29, 2012

Public Testimony on Oil Tax Debate

TODAY AND TOMORROW

What:
Senate Resources Committee members will be hearing public testimony for Senate Bill 192, relating to oil and gas production tax. This is the Senate’s counteroffer to HB 110, The Governor’s tax breaks for big oil corporations.

When:

Tuesday, February 28 at 6:00pm (Senate Finance Room 532, State Capitol)

Wednesday, February 29 at 6:00pm (Butrovich Room, State Capitol)

Where:

Public testimony will be accepted statewide and outside of Juneau, and will be taken via teleconference at your local Legislative Information Office. If you are unable to make it to your LIO, you may call in and testify as well. The teleconference number is 1(855) 463-5009.

Why:

The Senate Resources Committee has been diligent in their work on the industry proposal for tax breaks for big oil companies on the North Slope. To date, there is no proof that any changes will produce the desired outcome of more oil production. The only thing that is clear is that the oil industry would receive $2 billion dollars more a year, without any guarantees that those dollars will be reinvested in the state.

State projects like Susitna Dam, a small-diameter pipeline, roads, rails and port, college scholarships, revenue sharing to lower property taxes, and police and fire protection would all be sacrificed. The Legislature and the public deserve a long, hard look at the current system to understand the situation. I expect our Legislature to be tough negotiators and good stewards to our state resources for future generations.

Oil companies and groups that stand to make billions have flooded the airwaves with misinformation and half-truths. It is now your chance to weigh in on the matter.

Your voice is needed to encourage lawmakers to take a long, hard look at the current oil system and keep oil companies accountable to the people of Alaska.

Sending a letter to your Legislator is always a good way to communicate your stance on an issue. Find your Legislator and contact their office.

How:

You will only have a few minutes to communicate with the Senate Resources Committee. It's best to choose your focus. Here are a few ideas:

1. North Slope Action: Reports from the state and independent sources indicate that the North Slope is at the highest level of employment in decades; there are more new explorers, and more spending every year for the last several years since the tax system was changed.

2. State Rights: ‘Anecdotal evidence’ and ‘industry input’ should not be the measure for any changes. Instead, Alaska should demand accountability and get guarantees that oil producers will do more for the billions of dollars that they stand to gain.

3. Employment: Half of all new hires on the slope are not Alaskan residents. Accountability measures should ensure that companies hire from local businesses and families instead of non-Alaskan workers.