Alaska's Resource Development Council: developing Alaska through responsible resource development.

• Author: Williams, Colleen M.

Better known as the RDC, the Resource Development Council for Alaska Inc. is a membership-funded statewide association that supports Alaska's basic industries-oil and gas, mining, limber, fishing and tourism. With the support of members from local communities, Native corporations, organized labor and industry support firms, the RDC is an active influence in the regulatory and statutory arenas of local, state and federal government. "Our mission is to grow Alaska's economy through responsible resource development," explains Executive Director Tadd Owens.

FROM OMAR TO RDC

The Organization for the Management of Alaska's Resources was formed in 1975. This group soon became known as the Resource Development Council. The RDC quickly grew and evolved from a single-issue group into a well-respected organization known for its effectiveness and influence on a wide range of public policy and resource development issues. The year 2000 marked the 25th anniversary of the RDC.

Carl Portman, deputy director, Resource Development Council, has worked at RDC for 20 years in a variety of capacities. When asked to comment on how the RDC has grown over the years, Portman responded, "RDC's credibility with local, state and federal policy-makers has steadily grown over the past 20 years to the point where its opinion is frequently solicited on a wide range of issues and proposed actions impacting Alaska industry and business. RDC has defined itself as a reasonable voice for industry, business and local communities in Juneau and Washington."

Portman explained that RDC has pushed continuously in Juneau for consistens and foreseeable policies to make Alaska an attractive place to invest and do business. RDC has exercised numerous long-term efforts to promote resource development. This has consequently led to vital revenue flows to state and local governments, as well as high-paying jobs for Alaskans, according to Portman.

"I am particularly pleased to have helped bring leaders from different industries together to advocate for specific projects and actions. For example, several years ago RDC was instrumental in rallying support from non-oil sectors for the issuance of permits for the Alpine oil field project. The broad support generated for the project left a favorable impression on government decision-makers," Portman commented.

WHO JOINS THE RDC?

Who can join the RDC? Anyone with an interest in the responsible economic growth of Alaska. The RDC is a nonpartisan...