Don Young RSS Articles

Alaska Delegation Questions Air Force Over Eielson Decision

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Following a meeting with U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz today, the Alaska Congressional Delegation released a set of unified statements.

The meeting was requested by the Alaska Congressional Delegation to question as well as hear the reasoning behind the Air Force’s recently announced plan to relocate the 18^th Aggressor F-16 Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Congressman Don Young:

“Overall, I was pleased with the candidness of today’s meeting and am hopeful that the Air Force will act on the concerns I raised in the meeting. General Schwartz reaffirmed what I, and most Alaskans already know – Eielson Air Force base is crucially important to this country’s national security, especially as our focus shifts towards possible threats in the Asia-Pacific theatre. The Air Force has indicated that this decision was made to make Eielson more efficient, and while that may be true, I would rather not move a squadron but instead work towards lowering energy costs and making it cheaper to operate the base. I think that it is critically important that General Schwartz hear from the Alaskans on the ground who will be affected the most by this decision – that is why I requested that he not only set foot in Alaska, but visit Fairbanks and speak to the people there as soon as he can. I look forward to working with the Air Force, the rest of the Alaska Delegation, and the Governor in lowering energy costs in the Interior to improve efficiency and make Eielson an attractive location for future Air Force assets.”

Senator Lisa Murkowski:

“It was good to hear General Schwartz say he believes America still needs Eielson Air Force Base, and that it should play a significant role as America’s military shifts its future focus to the Pacific Rim. But I still feel like Alaskans and I have seen this movie before – and we saw how it ended in 2005. Seven years ago, the Pentagon projected dramatically unrealistic savings at Eielson as they mapped out their BRAC attempt but after we stepped up and showed them the numbers and the reality on the ground, the commission decided against taking that action. I cannot see how the math has changed in less than a decade.”

Senator Mark Begich:

“At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today in response to my questioning the Pacific Command Commander nominee, Admiral Samuel Locklear, spoke to the strategic importance of Alaska’s location. He said Alaska is critical to our ability to rapidly respond to missions around the globe and critical to preparing our forces for those missions. I was pleased to hear the Air Force Chief of Staff, General Norton Schwartz, echo Admiral Locklear’s recognition of the training opportunities in Alaska and affirmation Red Flag Alaska exercises at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex are as strong as ever and won’t be going away. Yet I remain opposed to the relocation of the F-16s from Eielson Air Force Base. As Admiral Locklear acknowledged, bases in Alaska are critical to our national security. That includes Eielson Air Force Base. I made one thing clear to General Schwartz, the Alaska Delegation is not backing down. I look forward to the General's upcoming trip and hope Alaskans will take the opportunity to share their thoughts with him in 10 days."

Chairman Young Holds Hearing on American Indian Empowerment Act

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, chaired by Alaskan Congressman Don Young, held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3532, the American Indian Empowerment Act of 2011. This bill, introduced by Rep. Young, would increase tribal authority over their own lands – something tribes have wanted for years. Specifically, this bill would allow a tribe to request that the title to its tribal land be taken out of trust and conveyed to the tribe while also ensuring such lands retain their “Indian Country” status, meaning lands would remain inalienable.

“Today’s hearing was a major step in the direction of getting the Federal government out of the way of America’s tribes,” said Rep. Young. “Some may say my bill is too radical; I say to them that is exactly what is needed. America’s tribes are the ones feeling the worst brunt of the Federal government’s outdated and overreaching regulations. We can do better! That is why I am committed to exploring new ideas and crafting a federal Indian policy that works with our tribes, not against them.”

To read Rep. Young’s opening statement in its entirety, click here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing:

Panel I

Donald “Del” Laverdure

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

U.S. Department of the Interior

Washington, DC

Panel II

The Honorable Robert Porter

President

Seneca Nation of Indians

Salamanca, NY

The Honorable W. Ron Allen

Tribal Chairman, CEO

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Sequim, WA

The Honorable Walter Dasheno

Governor

Santa Clara Pueblo

Espanola, NM

Robert T. Coulter

Executive Director

Indian Law Resource Center

Helena, MT

Rep. Young Votes to Pass Long-term FAA Reauthorization

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

With Alaskan Congressman Don Young’s support, the House of Representatives passed a long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill today. After 23 short-term extensions, H.R. 658 will set policies for America’s aviation system, authorize infrastructure projects and provide much needed long-term stability for the FAA. This bill passed the House with a vote of 248-169 and will extend the current FAA authorization for four years.

“While this bill is long overdue, I am pleased that we were able to finally pass a long-term extension today,” said Rep. Young. “Whether it’s for transportation purposes, search and rescue missions or connecting us with the lower 48 - aviation plays an essential role in the lives of all Alaskans. I am especially proud of the fact that Essential Air Service in Alaska will continue to be fully funded and I want to thank Chairman Mica for working with me on this crucial issue.”

Key provisions in this bill beneficial to Alaska:

Fought to ensure that Essential Air Service (EAS) is maintained in Alaska, because EAS is a vital lifeline that connects 44 Alaskan communities.
Successfully included language to ensure that all Alaskan communities have the ability to receive compressed oxygen for use in medical clinics and construction. The compressed oxygen regulations that went into effect in 2009 failed to take into account the inability to reach our remote communities by ground transportation. The one-size-fits-all approach to this new regulation was threatening the livelihoods and health of Alaskans without taking into account the unique make-up of our state.
Airport Improvement Program is funded at $3.35 billion per year, potentially creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for airport improvements projects.
Authorizes continued funding for the Alaska Aviation Safety Project to aid in their mission to reduce aircraft related fatalities in Alaska. The authorization directs the FAA to provide such sums as may be necessary for the completion of the Alaska Aviation Safety Project with respect to the 3-dimensional mapping of Alaska's main aviation corridors. This project helps to increase general aviation safety by enhancing pilot situational awareness through the incorporation of advanced remote sensing and aviation technologies.
Funds the national deployment of NextGen, the satellite air traffic control system based off the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology pioneered in Alaska by the Capstone program.
Directs the FAA to implement a system to improve volcanic ash avoidance options for aircraft, including warning and notification systems.
Directs the development of a plan for expanded use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Arctic for research and commercial purposes

Rep. Young Comments on Air Force Decision to Move F-16 Squadron, Retire C-130s

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today in response to the Air Force’s announcement to move all F-16 fighter aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base to Elmendorf Air Force Base:

“Today’s announcement by the Air Force concerns me greatly. We should not be moving personnel and equipment - especially C-130s that are crucial to search and rescue missions throughout Alaska - farther from the Arctic when we’re on the verge of finally realizing the potential of what the Arctic has to offer. I believe Fairbanks has a vital role in America’s military future and quite frankly serves as the northern anchor of the Pacific Rim and this country’s gateway to the Arctic.

"That is why I have made a request that the Air Force come in and brief me on how they plan to meet the President’s new strategic objectives in the Pacific. I want to know why this decision has been made especially after Fairbanks fought – and won – this relocation battle in 2005. I look forward to hearing what they say as well as working with the Governor and the rest of the Alaska delegation to resolve this.”

House Resources Committee Passes Bill to Open ANWR

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Led by Alaskan Congressman Don Young and Chairman Doc Hastings, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 3407, the Alaskan Energy for American Jobs Act. This critical piece of legislation would authorize oil and gas development in less than 3 percent of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

“I want to applaud my colleagues on the committee for passing this bill today,” said Rep. Young. “It’s important to note something that is crucially important - we passed this bill today with bipartisan support. The North Slope of ANWR was set aside for one reason – to develop its oil and gas resources. This committee reaffirmed what the majority of Alaskans already know – it’s time to harness those resources for the betterment of not only Alaska but the country as a whole. Congress does far too much talking and not enough doing when it comes to creating jobs and lowering energy costs. Open ANWR for development and we’ll see lower prices at the pump, less dependence on foreign oil and new high-paying American jobs!”

“Throughout his entire career Don Young has been a tireless advocate of the Alaska Natives’ right to benefit from their own resources located in ANWR and across the great state of Alaska. Without his constant work to educate his colleagues on the importance of energy production in ANWR we would not have been able to pass this bill out of Committee,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04). “Energy production in ANWR will create tens of thousands of jobs for Alaskans and improve the quality of life across the state, while increasing America’s energy security and I commend Don Young for his years of efforts on this issue.”

Rep. Young to Senate: “1000 Days is Long Enough!”

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In light of today being the 1000th day since Senate Democrats have produced a budget, Alaskan Congressman Don Young will be joining his Republican colleagues at tonight’s State of the Union Address in wearing a button symbolizing the 1000 days.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why Congress has such high disapproval ratings,” said Rep. Young. “When the Democrat-controlled United States Senate, led by Harry Reid, cannot produce a budget in over two and half years, the American people have a right to be livid. Democrats in the Senate should follow the lead of the many Alaskans who know how important setting a budget and living within your means is.

“President Obama has a chance tonight in his State of the Union Address to show real leadership; I hope he seizes the moment by encouraging the Senate to follow the House’s lead and start acting responsibly by finally passing a budget. We can't wait any longer - 1000 days Is long enough!”

Rep. Young Comments on the State of the Union

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement tonight in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“I appreciate the President’s acknowledgment that our economy needs to be built on American manufacturing and American energy. It’s about time! Unfortunately, it’s the Obama Administration as well as Washington’s addiction to regulation that has crippled American manufacturing and stifled American energy development. Jobs aren’t being sent overseas due to a lack of willing American workers or the quality of the American worker; we’re losing jobs because we have a Federal government that is simply too big and is preoccupied with regulating people’s lives and taxing them to death.

“This Administration’s energy policy is simple – ‘smoke and mirrors.’ The President can talk as much as he wants about how his Administration has increased domestic oil production, but it is simply not true. Much of the oil being drilled in this nation today is on private land or is in large part due to the policies and hard work of previous Administrations. The state of Alaska is all too familiar with the Obama Administration’s attack on domestic energy production. Whenever we try and develop our resources, the Federal government – whether it’s the EPA or another agency – says ‘no way, no how.’

“If the President is serious about creating high-paying jobs and getting this economy moving again, he will focus his efforts on cutting the burdensome regulations that are hampering our economy and stopping energy production and domestic manufacturing throughout America and put Americans to work.”

Rep. Young Pleased With CD-5 Approval

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today in response to the Army Corps of Engineers issuing a permit to Conoco Phillips for the CD-5 Alpine Satellite Development Project in the Colville River Delta:

“While I certainly welcome today’s announcement by the Army Corps of Engineers, the truth is that approval of the CD-5 project is long overdue and frankly should have been green lighted the first time. Nevertheless, this is a project that will allow Conoco to start developing their leases in the NPR-A and help put oil in the pipeline – both of which will help grow Alaska’s economy and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.”

Rep. Young Votes for Year-end Appropriations Bill

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

– With Alaska Congressman Don Young’s support, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2055, the year-end omnibus appropriations bill. H.R. 2055 completes the Appropriations process and includes nine-bills totaling $915 billion in regular security and non-security discretionary funding. Adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Budget Control Act, this legislation (combined with the “Mini-bus” passed last month) holds overall regular (base) discretionary spending at $1.043 trillion.

“Alaska did well in this bill,” said Rep. Young. “Whether it’s the Yukon Charley provision that I fought hard for or the provision that shifts air permitting authority in the Beaufort and Chukchi Sea to the Department of the Interior – Alaskans will benefit from this legislation.”

Provisions in H.R. 2055 beneficial to Alaska:

The bill switches air permitting authority on the Arctic OCS from the EPA to the Department of the Interior. The Interior Department routinely issues these permits for the Gulf of Mexico in a matter of months. To read more about this provision, click here.
Rep. Young’s provision that would prohibit the National Parks Service (NPS) from enforcement on the Yukon River within the boundaries of the Yukon Charley Preserve. To read more about this provision, click here.
$10 million has been allocated to State Drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for AK.
Includes $2.57 million for Alaska Native Subsistence.
Includes $29.1 million for the Alaska Conveyance Program, $12 million higher than Presidents request.
Includes $62,184,000 to complete the Barrow Hospital.
Includes a provision that will fix the ANILCA Local Hire Program, which will resume the hiring of local Alaska residents, without having to meet federal competitive hiring requirements and allows seasonal employees to convert to permanent employment status.
Funds the Alaska Native Education Equity Program at $33.25 million and the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions at $12.883 million.
Includes a provision prohibiting the implementation or enforcement of the “Wild Lands” Secretarial Order, which would allow the Department of Interior to unilaterally declare Wilderness type land designations.

Statement from Rep. Young on BOEM's Conditional Approval of Chukchi Leases

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today in response to The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issuing conditional approval of Shell’s revised Exploration Plan to drill leases in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area in 2012:

“While today’s news that BOEM has issued conditional approval for Shell’s Chukchi leases might seem welcoming at first glance, the devil is in the details. What Alaskans and the companies who have invested billions of dollars are looking for is certainty and progress, and unfortunately this ‘conditional’ approval won’t bring much of either. The fact of the matter is that Alaskans know how to do this in a safe and responsible way, and to ignore the progress that has been made to increase safety and technology is short-sighted.

"Going forward, it’s my hope that a workable solution can be reached, which will result in activity in the Chukchi Sea that puts Alaskans to work providing energy to America.”