Lisa Murkowski

I would suggest that, at least with these groups that we have before us today, the scrutiny has clearly been there, based on what I have seen.

So if these two situations don't qualify as an overriding reason to bypass, what would?

I think we do recognize that the process is too slow, it is too cumbersome to recognize that you would have three decades, perhaps more, working to seek recognition.

When it is not working within the agency, sometimes there must be a redress through the legislative process.

We still continue to hear from so many that the current administrative recognition process is insufficient, and we recognize this.

I will work with all of you. We will work with all of you.

All right. We'll work with you because we need to figure out a way to get there without impacting the fisheries resource there.

Are you saying that we could tap the brains there at Sandia and Los Alamos and say, help us figure out a way that we can have the energy resource without impacting the fishery resource?

I think in order for these programs to have success, we've got to put our money where we've said there was a priority there.

Well, thank you. I appreciate your involvement in not only the energy issues, but from the perspective of the Interior and your focus on some of our challenges that we face here in the state.

I think you've heard from the previous two panels that there is no issue that is more paramount in the minds and in the lives of those out in the region, whether it's individuals or whether it's from the health care, education perspective…

Good. Hopefully that will make a difference.

The solutions coming from the ground up are very important so I appreciate your leadership on that.

So not only are you seeing increased costs to your budget, but you're seeing patients coming in that are probably higher risk than they would have been?

I want to applaud AVCP and Calista and those that are part of the regional plan here for really taking that initiative and setting forth proposals.

Thank you for your leadership on the issue of contract support costs.

I think the leadership of this nation must take action right now to make, no matter where you live, that you make everything sustainable into the future.

I think we also recognize as Alaskans, that it is not just the oil companies that are standing to benefit from the high prices of oil.

But I think part of the frustration is, is that everyone thinks that we have to have a big energy plan in place before we can start implementing things.

Well, and I think that is something that we can do whether it's AFN or First Alaskans or, I know, AEA, the tribal councils, we've got our own communication networks.

Well, isn't Alaska Marketplace looking at specifically giving grants to renewable energy ideas throughout Alaska?

But it's important as we move forward that these processes are in place.

What kind of technical assistance, you know, can you offer?

I was out in Dillingham earlier this year and I was there the week after the spring barge had arrived.

Thank you, Mr. Andersen, I appreciate, not only your testimony but your leadership.