By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
After hearing impassioned appeals from proponents of a “climate emergency” resolution, and a number of statements against, the Assembly voted 4-3 Tuesday night against adopting the measure.
Some 60 members of the public attended the regular Assembly meeting, about 25 of whom testified, the great majority in favor of the resolution.
When it came time for the Assembly to vote, four members voted no, citing concerns ranging from doubts about climate science and the burden compliance would place on city staff to their desire to put the issue before the voters in an election.
Kevin Knox and Thor Christianson, co-sponsors of the resolution, were joined by Deputy Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz voting in favor. Valorie Nelson, Kevin Mosher, Richard Wein and Mayor Gary Paxton voted against.
“It’s too big of an issue for seven members to decide on,” Mosher said, in supporting a community vote. While stating his belief that the cause of global warming is not settled science, he said he is not opposed to making decisions that are environmentally friendly. But he added that he didn’t want to add to the tax burden of citizens.
The resolution recognizes the harmful effects of climate change in general, and on Alaska in particular. Noting Alaskans’ reliance on the natural world, it mentions “alarming changes in our marine and coastal environments including fisheries, marine mammal migrations, extreme weather events, glacial melt and snow pack changes.” The changes are having negative impacts not only on the economy but traditional and subsistence practices, the resolution says.
The “Resolved” section of the measure calls upon the city administrator to work with various departments and commissions of the city government, and return in a year with plans for reducing greenhouse gases and “co-pollutant emissions.”
“They come with a cost,” Nelson said of the “resolved” sections of the resolution. “I prefer to see it go to a vote of the people. It’s tasking our new administrator with these new things.”
Sitkans listen to public testimony during Tuesday’s Assembly meeting at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The Assembly was considering a resolution to recognize a “climate emergency.” (Sentinel Photo)
The new administrator, John Leach, was in the audience, but did not speak. He will take office on Saturday, replacing interim administrator Hugh Bevan.
Some of those opposed to the resolution said they would support one like the one adopted by the Alaska Federation of Natives, which calls for a task force on climate change, but without a stated goal.
The points in “whereas” sections of the resolution were supported in the comments by fishermen, conservationists and a number of high school students who cited information from their studies, published statistics and their own observations.
John Martin and Eric Jordan, who are on the Sitka Fish and Game Advisory Committee, said the 17-member committee reached a consensus on the need to take “effective action” to address the “existential threat” represented by climate change.
“We are diverse and we have found common ground in recognizing this,” Jordan said, reporting that the committee voted unanimously in favor of the climate emergency resolution.
“We all share a common thread,” agreed Martin, a biology professor, lodge owner and fishing and game guide. He pointed to Sitka’s dependence on natural resources and recent declines in salmon and other species.
Some who testified for the resolution noted that Alaska is at the forefront of the changes caused by a warming planet. They said that Sitka could be a leader in taking steps toward making a difference.
“Historically local governments have been the spark for progress, from fighting for a minimum wage to civil rights,” said Esther Burdick, speaking for Youth for Sustainable Futures and from the Sitka chapter of Alaskan Youth for Environmental Action. “Local action can inspire other communities to follow and build a mandate for much needed national action.”
“It’s time to lead,” commented Sam Skaggs. He said the resolution is simply a “lens” for evaluating decisions and considering “what kind of effects does this have on climate change to protect our future.”
“It will help our community to move forward,” he said.
On the Assembly, Christianson agreed that Sitka could be a leader in taking steps toward stemming the effects of climate change, and added that it could actually result in saving the city money by increasing use of environmentally friendly hydroelectric power.
Besides simply “doing our part,” he said, “there’s some low-hanging fruit” of savings. “If we reduce carbon emissions we will be more efficient,” he said. “It means we are saving money.”
Students from Mt. Edgecumbe and Sitka high schools argued that they will be the ones who will see the worst effects of climate change and asked the Assembly to take action.
Kate Zaczkowski, a four-year Mt. Edgecumbe High School senior from Tok, said Sitka could be an example for “voiceless” communities.
“There are people who are feeling these effects but have no voice,” she said. “Our future generations may have to grow up with climate change like I did but they certainly don’t need to deal with the fear like I and many others do.”
Sitka High students Fiona Ferguson and Tava Guillory cited statistics of a warming planet, rising sea levels and the increase in ocean acidification.
“I would also like to note that the Sitka High School student council stands in unanimous support of the resolution we are proposing,” Ferguson said.
“It’s an existential threat to our young people,” said Blake LaPerriere, 18.
“I feel as if I’m being prepared for a future that doesn’t exist, at least won’t exist in the ways we’ve been prepared for,” said Darby Osborne, a Sitka High sophomore. “I want to have a say in my future, I want to have a role in creating the world that I’m going to live in and above all that I want you to help me achieve that.”
Sitka Conservation Society executive director Andrew Thom said it is of “utmost urgency” for the city to advocate on the national level, in particular for Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s energy bill. He said the Assembly should make sure the bill benefits Sitka, with such help as financial support for Sitka’s hydro infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Some longtime Sitkans spoke against the resolution.
Fisherman Mike Svenson expressed concerns about actions that he said would result in putting people out of business or adding to their operating costs.
“Is somebody going to actually tell a guy with a fishing boat or a yacht that he has to throw in the garbage $100,000 worth of engines and put up a sail, solar panels or something electric?” he asked. He said many places in Alaska had record runs of fish, and are looking for workers.
Connor Nelson said there are other solutions to global warming, and Gary Oines and Shirley Robards said the decision should be made by the community.
Other Business
In other business at the meeting the Assembly:
– approved a liquor license renewal for Dove Island Lodge.
– appointed Justin Mullenix and Joel Hanson to the Local Emergency Planning Commission.
– took action on an ordinance on “tiny houses” (see accompanying story).
– made adjustments to the fiscal year 2020 budget, through two ordinances. One of the ordinances would reduce transfers out of the general fund by $720,000.
- voted 7-0 on a resolution to increase cruise ship tender fees from $1,145.87 to $1,265.16 per day; increase quarterly float plane moorage fees from $150 to $250; and implement a $500 per day charge for security for cruise ships.
– agreed to take $1.5 million from other projects in the electric fund for use on Phase I of the Green Lake hydro rehabilitation project. In another vote, the Assembly approved applying for a low interest $3 million USDA loan for the same project. It will come back to the Assembly for final approval. The estimated cost of Phase I is $5 million.
– voted 6-1 on a contract with Halibut Point Marine, using CPET funds for bus transportation between the cruise ship dock and town. Wein voted against, saying the funds could be spent on other improvements. Others cited the benefits of the service.
– briefly discussed but took no action on Larry Edwards’ complaint about Mayor Gary Paxton’s actions in forwarding the Assembly resolution in support of the “no action” alternative on the roadless rule to the Alaska Congressional delegation.
Paxton asked for the discussion to be held in public, commenting that he made a mistake when he included Sitka Conservation Society correspondence on multiuse of the forest, along with the resolution.
“I have no desire to diminish the resolution,” the mayor said.
Eisenbeisz said he had a chance to meet with Sen. Murkowski on her visit last week, and handed fresh copies of the resolution to the senator and a staff member, with a clarifying comment that it is the “official position” of the Assembly.
“In my estimation, the default has been cured,” Eisenbeisz said. He said a fresh copy will also be sent to the city’s lobbyist.
