Alaska's regulatory agencies: Who makes the rules?

Most Alaskans are familiar with the basic functions of state and local government - passing laws, collecting taxes, maintaining infrastructure. But how much do you really know about the agencies that enforce many of the rules and regulations that impact our daily lives? Everyone knows how to contact law enforcement, but who do you call for other regulatory concerns that aren’t criminal enforcement matters?

Alaska has a number of regulatory agencies dedicated to protecting public health, safety, and the environment through oversight and enforcement of specific areas of law. While they operate behind the scenes, the work of these agencies is crucial for ensuring standards, resolving disputes, and holding bad actors accountable. With a better understanding of who regulates what, you can more effectively participate in the process of shaping policy.

One of the largest regulatory bodies is the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). Formed in 1971, DEC oversees environmental protection in areas like air and water quality, waste management, and oil spill prevention. DEC implements federal environmental laws and develops additional state regulations. It monitors facilities for compliance, responds to complaints, and levies penalties for violations. DEC is on the front lines of issues like climate change, emerging contaminants, and resource development impacts.

Another major player is the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA). As the state's public utilities commission, RCA regulates electric, telephone, gas, and water utilities to ensure safe, adequate, and reliable service at just and reasonable rates. RCA reviews utility requests for rate increases or changes to terms of service. It also resolves disputes between utilities and customers. Any time you have a concern or a complaint related to a regulated utility, this is who to contact. You can also sign up to receive public notices from them when your local utility wants to change the rates you pay. Not all utilities are regulated, but most are.

The Alaska Division of Banking and Securities executes consumer protection. This division licenses and examines state-chartered banks and other financial institutions. It registers securities offerings and brokers/dealers. The division investigates complaints related to predatory lending, financial fraud schemes, and improper business practices. It works to ensure fair treatment in banking, investments, and commercial transactions. Many people mistakenly call the State Ombudsman when Division of Banking and Securities is your best starting point.

On the transportation side, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) oversees not just roads and airports but coastal ferries, public buildings, and state equipment/property. It develops construction standards, conducts safety inspections, and issues permits for activities impacting transportation corridors. Any time you are dealing with a state transportation route or facility that supports state transportation and maintenance, DOT&PF Is who to contact. You can contact them and advocate for what priority your road is after a major snowstorm.

When it comes to safety at your job, the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health program (AKOSH) regulates workplace safety. AKOSH conducts on-site inspections, offers consultation services, and investigates complaints to protect workers from health and safety hazards. It sets standards, provides training, and cites employers for violations to reduce on-the-job injuries. AKOSH works closely with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) develops regulations for hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It monitors fish and game populations, issues permits and licenses, and enforces limits to ensure sustainability. ADF&G also partners with Alaska natives organizations and regional corporations on subsistence resource management. They are not in charge of the management of the forested lands themselves, however – that would be the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

Whether it's the air you breathe, the water you drink, the energy that powers your home, the road that connects your community, your paycheck, the salmon you catch, or the water they swim in - chances are an Alaska regulatory agency plays a role. The next time you have a question or proposal, reach out to the appropriate agency. These agencies were created to serve the public and like anything else related to the government, citizen input is vital for effective oversight.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.