Bill > S3005

This bill, the Alaska Land Use Council Act, establishes the Alaska Land Use Council to improve coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and Alaska Native Corporation and tribal land and resource managers in implementing the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and other relevant laws. The Council will be composed of permanent federal members from agencies like the National Park Service and Forest Service, state members from relevant departments, and Alaska Native members representing regional and village corporations and the Alaska Federation of Natives. It can also include advisory members from other agencies and organizations on an ad hoc basis. The Council will elect a presiding officer annually, meet at least four times a year, and its meetings will be open to the public. Members who are federal employees will not receive additional compensation, while state members will be compensated according to state law, and all members can receive travel expenses. The Council can utilize federal and other agency services and facilities, and the federal government's contribution to the Council's costs, excluding salaries and benefits, is capped at $2 million per fiscal year. The Council's duties include conducting studies, advising various entities on land and resource uses, and making recommendations on regulations, management plans, and coordination efforts to ensure orderly economic development compatible with state and national objectives. It can also recommend cooperative planning zones and enter into agreements for mutual consultation and coordination. Federal and state agencies must respond in writing to the Council's recommendations, explaining any reasons for not accepting them. The Council will maintain public records and submit an annual report to Congress and state officials. A public participation program will be established, potentially including a committee of land use advisors. The Council is set to terminate 15 years after enactment unless extended by Congress, and a report will be submitted prior to termination to assess its accomplishments and recommend future actions. An authorization of $2 million is provided for the Council's operations.