(Anchorage) - Senate President Ben Stevens and House Speaker John Harris announce the appointments of members to the Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission. This commission was established by passage of House Concurrent Resolution 30 by Representative Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue.

The Commission consists of eleven members; four legislators and seven unpaid citizens. Together, they represent a wide variety of relevant professional expertise and personal experience. Commissioners will work on developing a comprehensive overview of the likely impacts of climate change affecting Alaska, and steps we can take to mitigate that impact. The Commission's work should provide information which will protect public health, resource development, fish and game resources, protect public facilities and infrastructure, identify financial implications of climate change, and help our local communities with planning activities.

Appointees are: Senators Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) and Donald Olson (D-Golovin); Representatives Ralph Samuels (R-Anchorage) and Reggie Joule (D-Kotzebue); and public members Cpt. Bob Pawlowski (Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation), Mr. Lance Miller (Juneau Economic Development Council), Ms. Stephanie Madsen (North Pacific Fishery Mgt. Council), Mr. Dennis Nottingham (PND Engineers, Inc.), Mr. Caleb Pungowiyi (Maniilaq Assn.), Mr. Michael Hurley (Conoco-Phillips AK), and Mr. John Shively (Holland-America Line).

The Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission will perform its duties through 2007, and make a final report to the legislature on January 10, 2008. It will soon initiate a series of public hearings.

Contact: Tim Benintendi, Commission Staff / 269-0241 / tim_benintendi ''at'' legis.state.ak.us

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