Alaska Native lands bill passes as part of controversial package

Wednesday, June 20, 2012  

The House voted 232 to 188 on Tuesday to pass H.R. 2578, a controversial bill that includes an Alaska Native corporation land selection.

Sealaska, an Alaska Native regional corporation, is entitled to land under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. But the corporation hasn't been able to complete its selection due to land restrictions and other concerns.

H.R.1408, the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act, finalizes the process. The bill was included in H.R. 2578, the Conservation and Economic Growth Act.

“Today is an important day not only for Sealaska’s shareholders, but for all of Southeast Alaska,” Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) said in a press release. “It’s a shame that now, over 40 years since ANCSA became law, Sealaska still does not have its full land allotment."

H.R.1408 has bipartisan support in Alaska. But environmental groups say Sealaska will be allowed to claim sensitive timber areas.

The Senate version of the bill is S.730. It has yet to move out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Get the Story:
House bill transfers 65,000 acres of Tongass to Alaska Native corporation (Alaska Dispatch 6/20)
US House Passes Sealaska Lands Bill (Alaska Public Radio Network 6/19)
Sealaska measure passes US House (KRBG 6/19)

Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act:
S.730 | H.R.1408

Related Stories:
Alaska Native corporation land bill included in omnibus package (6/19)
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Opinion: Sealaska trying to get best timber in national forest (03/05)
KCAW: Sitka Tribe backs land transfer to Sealaska Corporation (08/10)
Clarence Jackson: Fulfill promise to Alaska Native corporation (7/14)
Chris McNeil: Bill fulfills promise to Alaska Native corporation (6/14)
APRN: House hearing for Alaska Native bill stirs passions (5/27)
Opinion: Just say no to Alaska Native corporation land bill (5/27)
APRN: Hearings start on Alaska Native corporation land bill (5/26)
Opinion: Sealaska land bill poses threat to salmon habitat (5/24)
Senate Energy Committee to hold hearing on Sealaska bill (5/23)
Subcommittee schedules hearing on Alaska Native land bill (5/19)