Sen. Begich Pushes New Legislation for Tongass and Law of the Sea, Remains Committed to Arctic Oil Development

He explains how the 'roadless rule' hurts southeast Alaska's economy, addresses the need to reinstitute the Coastal Zone Management Program and views the Arctic as another "new frontier."

By Sean Doogan
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Story Created: Jun 23, 2011 at 2:32 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 27, 2011 at 3:57 PM AKDT

Tongass/Chugach 'Roadless Rule'

  • 'Roadless rule' damaging to Alaska economy; hurts southeast Alaska's capacity for timber, visitor activity, fishing.
  • Looking at legislation to exempt Alaska from 'roadless rule.'

Begich references hydro projects in southeast Alaska: "Power had gone out, had to convert back to diesel."

  • 'Roadless rule' impacts the ability to provide low-cost renewable energy to the community.
  • We're different than the rest of the community, we're going to "aggressively make our case" to the Obama administration that they are wrong on this.
  • "At the end of the day we have to solve this or ruin economic opportunities for Southeast."

Shipping in the Arctic/ International Law of the Sea

  • Begich believes shipping in the Arctic is a competitive opportunity for Alaska.
  • Wants to move forward on ratification of Law of the Sea Treaty.
  • The Arctic is another "new frontier."
  • Begich says Alaska can "take advantage of economic opportunities" in the Arctic in an environmentally safe way.
  • Law of the Sea Treaty has wide support from military, environmentalists, local communities. No support from Libya, Iran, North Korea.

Coast Guard

  • How do we recapitalize?
  • Begich discusses traditionally funded ships versus privately funded ships.
  • Deep-water port
  • Alaska needs to reinstitute the Coastal Zone Management Program.
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