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Anchorage staff say NDAA language could transfer landfill land for waste‑to‑energy project
Summary
Nolan Cloud and mayoral staff told the Legislative Committee that House and Senate NDAA language could convey about 50 acres adjacent to the Anchorage landfill to the municipality to host a waste‑to‑energy facility; staff said offices of Senator Sullivan and Rep. Begich have been engaged and that the House and Senate texts differ.
Nolan Cloud, policy director in the mayor's office, told the Anchorage Legislative Committee that language in both the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act could convey roughly 50 acres adjacent to the municipal landfill to the Municipality of Anchorage for the purpose of a future waste‑to‑energy plant.
Cloud said municipal staff have been working with outside lobbyists and the offices of the congressional delegation to get bill and report language into the NDAA. “We have language in both bills that would convey land at the landfill … to the municipality of Anchorage for the purposes of, ultimately, hosting a waste to energy plant,” Cloud said.
Staff and committee members discussed differences between the chambers. Chief of Staff Suzanne Fleet Green said the House language is more direct about transfer and the Senate language is more study‑oriented; the House had passed its NDAA and the Senate had not, leaving the file to be resolved in conference once the Senate finalizes its bill. Fleet Green said the administration will reengage conferees when the Senate advances.
Member Hamlin asked whether the Senate’s study approach could cause project delays. Fleet Green and Cloud said the nearby military base (referred to in discussion as JBER, Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson) has been supportive of a transfer and staff did not anticipate major delays from the base; final timing will depend on congressional action and the outcome of conference negotiations.
Why it matters: a federal land conveyance inserted into NDAA conference language could remove a federal lease barrier and enable a municipal‑led waste‑to‑energy project on an approximately 50‑acre site. Staff emphasized the need to secure the preferred House language in conference and continue coordination with congressional offices.
The committee did not take formal action; staff said they will continue negotiations with delegation offices as the NDAA moves through Congress.
