AK HB173

Establishes the Alaska Climate Change Response Commission in the Office of the Governor with 15 members, including five state commissioners, one division director, and nine mayors or municipal council members appointed by the governor from nine geographic regions of Alaska.

Appointed members serve staggered three-year terms at the governor's pleasure and may be reappointed; vacancies must be filled within 30 days with a replacement meeting the same regional requirements.

Commission shall meet at least quarterly with a quorum of four appointed members and three designated state officials; elects two co-chairs (one from each membership category) and may employ an executive director.

Commissions powers include accepting grants and federal funds for climate adaptation and renewable energy, providing grant writing assistance to rural governments and tribal organizations, developing climate change response strategies, and monitoring climate effects on infrastructure and communities.

Commission shall submit annual reports by February 1 to the governor and legislature with recommendations for legislative and administrative action regarding climate change response, and shall coordinate with state agencies and the University of Alaska on climate change initiatives.