About Us

Alaska Conservation Voters is a non-partisan, Alaska-based organization that supports pro-conservation candidates and advocates for conservation policy. Voters provides the means to have a strong lobbying presence in Juneau.  Through work with our sister organization, the Alaska Conservation Alliance, Voters gives Alaska's conservation community the ability to speak in a strong, unified voice.  Voters is supported by more than 1,000 members and 1,500 supporters throughout the state of Alaska and is directed by a board of committed, knowledgeable Alaskans. 

"We as Alaskans accept our moral responsibility to be careful stewards of the spectacular natural environment that provides for our unique way of life.  We believe that a sound economy and a sound environment go hand in hand and that Alaska would be well served to move away from a boom and bust economy and towards a more sustainable future supporting viable communities from Ketchikan to Barrow."

Winning elections for the environment

Each year, Alaska Conservation Voters supports pro-conservation candidates at the state and local level. Our work includes:

• Training and promoting pro-conservation candidates
• Mobilizing conservation voters for key races
• Educating voters about the activities of the legislature

Turning Conservation Values into State Priorities in Juneau

2010 Successes:

• Helped pass Senate Bill 220: Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, an omnibus energy bill containing Voters priorities; Senate Bill 150 and Senate Bill 121.
• Secured another $50 million for Alaska Renewable Energy Fund.
• Secured $60 million for Alaska Class Ferries.
• Testified in support of Senate Bill 152: Regional Transit Authority
  

2009 Successes:

• Voters priority: Helped get Senate Bill 150: Emerging Energy Technology Fund introduced in the first session of the 26th state Legislature, sponsored by Senator Lesil McGuire.
• Voters priority: Helped get Senate Bill 121: Energy Efficiency Retrofits for public buildings introduced.
• Voters priority:  Helped get Senate Bill 152: Regional Transit Authorities introduced. The bill is sponsored by Senators Charlie Huggins, Bettye Davis, Johnny Ellis.
• Secured $25 million for Renewable Energy Fund.
• Overturned governor's veto of $29 million federal stimulus funds for Energy Efficiency.
  

2008 Successes:

• Helped pass HB152 to create the Renewable Energy Fund
• Secured over $300 million for weatherization and efficiency programs
• Returned Habitat  Division to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

During legislative sessions, our full-time advocacy staff in Juneau:

• Educates legislators on conservation issues
• Organizes concerned Alaskans at the grassroots level
  
• Testifies in public hearings
• Builds alliances with other conservation-friendly organizations