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Priorities and Positions

Positions marked with a double asterisk ** are slated to sunset this year, unless resubmitted for consideration.

Single Capital Position
The Alaska Chamber does not consider positions on specific capital projects. Supporting some projects over others without due diligence jeopardizes the Chamber’s credibility in Juneau, diminishing advocacy success on the many issues upon which Alaska Chamber members are firmly united. Local chambers are best positioned to advocate for regional projects. Not taking positions on capital projects is consistent with the Alaska Chamber’s long-standing principles of “state unity”, “statewide action” and “local controversies” adopted in 1960. The general membership has adopted a broad capital position that states, “The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce supports state capital projects that facilitate resource and economic development in a cost-effective manner.”

2024 State Priorities

Support a comprehensive approach to create a sustainable state budget that includes a meaningful state spending cap

The Alaska Chamber recognizes that to attract and sustain investment in Alaska, the State must create a stable state budget over the long term. The Alaska Chamber supports a comprehensive approach to include measured fiscal reforms and utilization of Permanent Fund earnings tied to a rules-based framework. This budgetary planning should:

  • First, and foremost, include a meaningful state spending cap
  • NOT Exceed the 5% POMV draw
  • NOT diminish state services to a point where Alaskans lack access to core government services
  • NOT require new taxes.

These actions will support a responsible, balanced, and sustainable state budget.

 

2024 Federal Priorities

 

Advocate for a federal regulatory structure that is balanced, predictable and stable.

The Alaska Chamber anticipates that there will be significant federal administrative and legislative actions that will impact Alaska’s businesses and overall investment climate. The Chamber stands ready to engage on multiple fronts in support of our existing federal positions. The ability of Alaska to responsibly develop its wealth of natural resources and support a diverse private economy is paramount. Advocating for a stable and predictable federal regulatory and fiscal environment is a priority of the Alaska Chamber.

 

Support oil and gas exploration and development in Alaska’s federal areas

The Alaska Chamber strongly supports oil and gas exploration and production in Alaska’s federal areas; including the Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, NPRA, Cook Inlet, and the 10-02 area of ANWR. The Chamber encourages Congress to enact revenue sharing for Alaska and local communities. The Chamber also encourages the Alaska Congressional Delegation, the Alaska Legislature and Governor to support and strongly advocate for responsible development of these valuable resources, while the Chamber commits to actively support and participate in the education and advocacy efforts to open these areas.

 

 

 

2024 State and Federal Positions (S) State – (F) Federal – (B) Both

(S) 1. Oppose new targeted taxes

Oppose new industry-specific targeted taxes, including increases on existing targeted taxes, unless self-imposed by the industry. Increases in industry-specific taxes should not fund general services.

 

(S) 2. Reserve the authority to levy metal mining severance taxes to the legislature.

Only the legislature should have the authority to consider severance taxes for metal mines. The potential for municipalities to impose a targeted severance tax creates significant fiscal uncertainty for the metal mining industry and can threaten both the longevity of existing operations and the economic feasibility of projects. Benefits from metal mining should accrue to the entire state and should not be compromised by municipal or borough taxation. This does not impact the local authority to levy normal broad-based taxes such as property tax.

 

(S) 3. Support a reasonable cruise ship passenger fee level and use of those fees consistent with state and federal law

The Alaska Chamber supports reasonable cruise ship passenger fee levels and use of passenger fees which are consistent with state and federal law, the Commerce Clause and Tonnage Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and the comprehensive decision of the federal court in the case of Cruise Lines International Association vs. The City and Borough of Juneau, published at 356 F.Supp 3d 831 (D. Alaska 2018).

 

(S) 4. Support and encourage a positive investment climate that provides certainty and stability for statewide oil and gas activities; oppose efforts to increase oil and gas taxes.

Support and encourage a positive investment climate that provides certainty and stability for statewide oil and gas activities; oppose efforts to increase oil and gas taxes. The Alaska Chamber opposes any proposal that would add to the cost of doing business in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. Constantly changing fiscal policies on the state’s largest economic driver stymies development, decreases opportunities for new production, and negatively impacts the state’s economy. Any proposal brought forward should provide for a positive investment climate that provides certainty and stability for Alaska’s oil and gas industry. Support and encourage a positive investment climate that provides certainty and stability for statewide oil and gas activities; oppose efforts to increase oil and gas taxes. The Alaska Chamber opposes any proposal that would add to the cost of doing business in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. Constantly changing fiscal policies on the state’s largest economic driver stymies development, decreases opportunities for new production, and negatively impacts the state’s economy. Any proposal brought forward should provide for a positive investment climate that provides certainty and stability for Alaska’s oil and gas industry. Support and encourage a positive investment climate that provides certainty and stability for statewide oil and gas activities; oppose efforts to increase oil and gas taxes.  The Alaska Chamber opposes any proposal that would add to the cost of doing business in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. Constantly changing fiscal policies on the state’s largest economic driver stymies development, decreases opportunities for new production, and negatively impacts the state’s economy. Any proposal brought forward should provide for a positive investment climate that provides certainty.

 

(S) 5. Support royalty oil sales

The Alaska Chamber supports state administrative and legislative approval of royalty oil contracts that use the same net back value as if the oil was sold out of state.

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