Conservation Watch #2 - 1/26

In This Issue

• ACV's 2009 Legislative Priorities
• On The Move
• New In Town
• Calendar

ACV's 2009 Legislative Priorities

This year it’s all about energy. Alaska’s conservation community has chosen promoting emerging clean energy technology, an Energy Savings Center and more public transportation as our top three priorities for this legislative session.  Our wish list is long but these three big needs rose to the top during our annual meeting this Fall.

Emerging Energy Technology Development Fund
The creation of the Renewable Energy Grant Fund in 2008 was a critical first step in the process of promoting a secure, clean energy future for Alaska.  However, the Renewable Energy Fund is only one component of a renewable energy program and was not designed to fund developing technologies that are not yet fully commercialized liketidal, geothermal or battery storage. Because of Alaska’s unique remote communities and abundant renewable energy resources, our state has an excellent opportunity to pioneer off-grid hybrid systems.  Unlike any other place in the nation, Alaska can demonstrate new technology and save consumers money at the same time because energy prices in rural communities are already so high. In order for Alaska to be part of what many are calling the next industrial revolution in energy innovation, Alaska needs to create its own “Emerging Energy Technology Development Fund.” Establishing an Emerging Technology Fund is also necessary to help grow our cutting edge University programs and create a highly valued workforce.

With the Governor’s recent announcement that the goal of the State of Alaska shall be to obtain 50% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2025, the state has set an important target.  Establishing an emerging energy technology development fund is a necessary and timely component of reaching that goal, stabilizing energy costs and diversifying Alaska’s economy. It could also favorably position Alaska to receive a larger portion of the upcoming $700 billion economic stimulus package.  A significant portion of the federal money will fund energy infrastructure, including renewable energy projects, new transmission lines, and research and development of emerging energy technologies and those states with existing emerging technology development programs will be first in line for federal grant money.

Energy Savings Centerpiggybank
A 2008 energy efficiency report to the Cold Climate Housing Research Center noted that Alaska’s energy efficiency programs were spread through seven different state affiliatedentities.   In response to this uncoordinated approach to energy efficiency and conservation, ACV is pursuing the creation of the Alaska Energy Savings Center (AESC), a one-stop-shopping center that consolidates and enhances state energy conservation and efficiency efforts. Services could include a comprehensive listing of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation programs for Alaska’s residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

New offerings that AESC could provide include, but are not limited to:

• Education, outreach, workshopsand events for residential, commercial and industrial users
• Residential and commercial electrical audits
• CFL recycling, LED lightstring exchanges
• Energy efficiency storefront and online education center.

Public Transportation
Alaska’s conservation community supports increased state funding for public transportation in Alaska to decrease the cost of travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate congestion.  One key project is a $5 million capital appropriation to the Regional Transit Authority created in June 2008 by Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and Mat-Su Borough Mayor Curt Menard.  This appropriation includes money for 50 new vans to supply immediate relief to commuters between Anchorage and Mat-Su and for upgrades to existing vans - an extremely cost-effective means of transport - plus money for staff, consultants, surveys, and studies to develop the optimal public transportation strategy for this populated region of Alaska.

On The Move

SR1  Senate Special Committee on Energy (Rules)

This Senate Resolution was introduced and passed on the very first day of the session.  It established a Senate Special Committee on Energy and was passed 17 to 0 with the 3 non-voting Senators excused for the day. Senator McGuire was appointed Chair of the committee.  Other committee members include Senators Hoffman, Kookesh, Stedman and Wielechowski.

New In Town

SB 71  Alternative Energy For Public Works (Sen. Therriault)

Sponsored by Senator Therriault, SB71 would encourage new public works facilities to use alternative (defined as non fossil fuel) energy as primary or secondary heat or electricity sources whenever the cost is comparative to fossil fuels.  It was referred to Senate Energy, Resource and Finance Committees.

HJR 7  Endorsing ANWR Leasing (Reps. Millett, Lynn, Dahlstrom, Johnson)

Another session, another resolution on leasing ANWR. This bad penny once again urges the United States Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration, development, and production.  It has been referred to House Resources Committee.

HCR2 In-State Gas Pipeline (Reps. Ramras, Millett, Johnson, Chenault, Hawker)

Requesting the governor to provide energy security for all Alaskans by pursuing development of a natural gas bullet pipeline from the North Slope to the Cook Inlet region; and requesting the governor to identify and negotiate with one or more persons capable of producing natural gas from the Gubik area, and other areas on the North Slope if necessary, in sufficient quantities to support a bullet pipeline project. It will be heard on February 3rd at 3:00PM in Barnes room 124.

HCR3 In-State Gas Pipeline (Reps. Ramras, Millett, Johnson, Chenault, Hawker)

Requesting the governor to provide energy security for all Alaskans by taking and encouraging all action that would support a natural gas bullet pipeline from the North Slope to the Cook Inlet region, including initiating any necessary negotiations to reopen the Agrium plant in Kenai. It will be heard on February 3rd at 3:00PM in Barnes room 124.

HCR4 In-State Gas Pipeline (Reps. Ramras, Millett, Johnson, Chenault, Hawker)

Requesting the governor to provide energy security for Alaskans by taking and encouraging all action to support development of a natural gas bullet pipeline from the North Slope to the Cook Inlet region including advocating an increase in the amount of natural gas that may be exported under authority granted by the United States Department of Energy. It will be heard on February 3rd at 3:00PM in Barnes room 124.

HCR5 In-State Gas Pipeline (Reps. Ramras, Millett, Johnson, Chenault, Hawker)

Requesting the governor to provide energy security for all Alaskans by working on significant elements and components to support the timely construction of a natural gas bullet pipeline from the North Slope to the Cook Inlet region and to take necessary action to assist and facilitate the process for a private entity to make a final investment decision to commit to the pipeline before November 1, 2010. It will be heard on February 3rd at 3:00PM in Barnes room 124.

Calendar