March 21, 2013 — The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee held the first hearing on MSA reauthorization March 13. That meeting was chaired in part by Rep. Don Young, and brought together a variety of stakeholders to discuss current issues in federal fisheries.
While the action so far is on the east coast, Alaska’s Congressional delegation said that providing opportunity for Alaskans to participate will be crucial.
“Over the next few months I expect there will be a number of oversight hearings in the House Natural Resources Committee related to the Magnuson Stevens Act reauthorization. In addition, once a bill is drafted it will be publicly available for comment. Alaskans are also encouraged to email our office with any suggestions, as the Congressman is always interested to hear their ideas and concerns,” Young’s office wrote in a statement emailed to the Journal.
Sen. Mark Begich, who chairs the Senate’s Committee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, told the Journal earlier this year that he would ensure there were opportunities for Alaskans to weigh in on the process.
His staff reiterated that in a statement emailed to the Journal March 18.
“Alaskans will be able to submit written comments. There will be a series of public hearings around the country, including Alaska, sometime in the future,” his office wrote.
But as for the specifics of what might get wrapped up in the reauthorization is still up in the air.
Read the full story at the Alaska Journal of Commerce