Conservation Watch #1 - 1/20

Welcome to the start of the 26th Legislative Session!!!

In This Issue:

Governor's Goal: 50% Renewables by 2025!

26th Legislative Session - Pre-filed Bills

A Dream Coming True: ACV Thanks Governor Palin for Taking another Big Step Towards Making Alaska a Renewable Energy Leader

Alaska Conservation Voters is pleased to announce that this past Friday Governor Palin revealed her goal for the state to receive 50 percent of its energy from renewable resources by the year 2025!  We look forward to working with the Governor to help achieve what is easily the most far-sighted an ambitious renewable energy goal in the nation. 

In her press conference, Governor Palin highlighted the importance of energy efficiency and conservation measures, getting rural communities off high priced diesel fuel and finding local sources of energy.  She also threw her support behind the consolidation of Alaska’s six railbelt utility companies.  A recent study indicates that there are substantial savings to be had by Alaskan energy consumers if the utilities work together.   Click here to read her entire report.

Palin’s energy advisor, Steve Haagenson, was also on hand to unveil his inventory of available energy resources in rural Alaska.  Villages can use this practical new tool to find alternatives to the expensive fuel they currently import by barge and plane. Find out what energy resources are available to your community here.  77 renewable energy projects have already been approved for funding through the Alaska Renewable Energy Fund.           

What You Can Do -
Please send Governor Palin a quick email thanking her for her commitment to renewable energy and Alaska’s future as an Energy State.  Here’s a sample message:

Dear Governor Palin,

Thank you for setting a goal of 50% of Alaska’s energy coming from renewable energy resources by 2025.  This announcement has set Alaska on the path towards becoming an energy leader for the nation.  I look forward to hearing more about your plans of making this goal a reality.

Thank you!

26th Legislative Session Starts Rolling

Pre-filed Bills from January 16th: Here is a quick list of the conservation-related bills filed so far. Expect this list to grow as the session moves forward. Tune in next week for a more in-depth analysis.

SB 4  Coastal Management Program (Sen. Olson)

"An Act relating to the Alaska coastal management program; and establishing the Alaska Coastal Policy Board."

SB 14  Extend Motor Fuel Tax Suspension (Sen. Davis)

"An Act expanding the motor fuel tax suspension period."

SB 22  Plastic Bag Fee; Establish Litter Fund (Sen. Elton)

"An Act establishing a fee for disposable plastic bags distributed by retail sellers of goods or services to purchasers to carry away or protect goods; establishing the Alaska litter and marine debris reduction and recycling fund; and providing for an effective date."

 SB 26  Power Cost Reduction/Energy Council (Sen. Wagoner)

"An Act relating to the power cost reduction program and to the Alaska Energy Council; and providing for an effective date."

SB 31  Geothermal Elec. Prod. Tax Credit (Sen. McGuire)

"An Act relating to a geothermal electricity production tax credit under the Alaska Net Income Tax Act."

SB 34  Compressed Natural Gas for State Vehicles (Sen. Dyson)

"An Act directing the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to prepare a report on the feasibility of using compressed natural gas to power vehicles in the state, including vehicles owned or operated by the state, and including in that study, if warranted, a pilot program proposal for powering some vehicles owned or operated by the state with compressed natural gas."

SB 53  Approp.: Bridges, Service Roads, Trails (Sen. Therriault)

"An Act making special appropriations for bridge repairs and construction and road construction; and providing for an effective date."
 

HB 11 Interpretation of Oil & Gas Lease (Reps. Gruenberg, Seaton and Cissna)

"An Act requiring state oil and gas leases to be construed in favor of the state and against the interpretation offered by the person challenging the state's interpretation of the lease."

HB 12  Alaska Council on Invasive Species (Rep. Johnson)

"An Act establishing the Alaska Council on Invasive Species in the Department of Fish and Game."

HB 20  Fisheries Loans for Energy Efficiency (Rep. Edgmon)

"An Act relating to commercial fishing loans for energy efficiency upgrades."

HB 31  Net Energy Metering (Rep. Olson)

"An Act relating to net energy metering for retail electricity suppliers and customers; and providing for an effective date."

HB 40  Mining Prod. & License Taxes/Royalties (Rep. Seaton)

"An Act relating to mining licenses, to the mining license tax, and to production royalties on minerals and rents for property involved in mining; and providing for an effective date."

 HB 43  Geoduck Aquatic Farming/Seed Transfer (Rep. Seaton)

"An Act relating to aquatic farm permitting involving geoducks and to geoduck seed transfers between certified hatcheries and aquatic farms."

HB 44  Energy Bonds/Investments (Rep. Chenault)

"An Act relating to investments applicable to energy; authorizing the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to make in-state energy project investments; and authorizing certain public corporations to issue bonds for energy projects."

HB 46  Mixing Zones/Sewage Systems (Rep. Seaton)

"An Act requiring the Department of EnvironmentalConservation to collect and make available to the public certain informationrelating to water pollution; prohibiting certain mixing zones in freshwater spawning waters; and requiring a public comment period for certain sewage system or treatment works modifications."

 HB 49  Eminent Domain: Recreational Structures (Rep. Johnson)

"An Act relating to the prohibition of the exercise of the power of eminent domain against a recreational structure for the purposes of developing a recreational facility or project."

HB 66  Net Energy Metering (Reps. Seaton, Austerman, Gatto, Ramras, Munoz)

"An Act relating to net energy metering for retail electricity suppliers and customers."

HB 70  Alaska Grown Agricultural Products (Rep. Gatto)

"An Act establishing the farm-to-school program in the Department of Natural Resources, the Alaska grown fresh fruit and vegetable grant program in the Department of Education and Early Development, the farmers' market technology improvement pilot program in the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the farmers to food banks pilot program in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development."

HB 74  Coastal Management Program (Rep. Joule)

"An Act relating to the Alaska coastal management program; and establishing the Alaska Coastal Policy Board."