Conservation Watch #3 - 2/2

• Show us a State Energy Plan
• On The Move
• New In Town
• Calendar

"Show us the State Energy Plan..."

That was the collective message to Steve Haagenson, the Governor's Energy Advisor, this week from the Legislature.  Members of the House Energy and Senate Resources Committees had tough questions for Haagenson as he presented his much awaited energy plan, "Alaska Energy: A First Step Toward Energy Independence." Legislators were quick to note that the recently released report was not a plan but more of an inventory.  They also noted that the inventory gives no hints as to how Governor Palin was going to achieve her much-publicized goal of having 50% of Alaska electricity come from renewable energy by 2025.

Steve Haagenson assured the Legislature that "Alaska Energy: A First Step Towards Energy Independence" was in fact a first step. Haggenson assured that more would be done to put Alaska on a path towards the Governor's goal. He said that he wanted to try something different - previous energy planning attempts had failed. His angle for phase one was to focus on isolated "off grid" communities, provide solid energy inventories and options and let the locals take it from there, However, Haagenson's claim that his next step would be to travel to rural communities to present his inventory fell flat with his legislative audience. 

Representative Charisse Millett seemed to sum up the general feeling best when she told Haagenson at the House Energy Committee meeting that she and her constituents were feeling "frustrated" by the lack of recommendations from the Governor and the report.  Representative Millett spoke of her hope that the Legislature could build a real energy plan working with the Governor and Haagenson to create the necessary laws and policies to address the energy crisis in Alaska. 

This suggestion was well received by Haagenson and gives us hope that we will soon see an effort at comprehensive energy planning and policy. 

Senator McGuire, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, also seems to be ready and willing to help lead us to a responsible energy future. Her comments at a recent geothermal energy informational hearing were right on the mark.

We appreciate this strong Legislative support and encourage the Palin Administration to enthusiastically join the Legislature's efforts to pick up the pace.

On The Move

SB 88 Power Cost Equalization - Senate Finance Committee
SB 88 was introduced by the Senate Finance Committee and will have its first hearing on Tuesday, February 3^rd at 9 am in Senate Finance.  The bill repeals "certain provisions related to modifying the factors that apply to calculate the amount of power cost equalization." 

HB 20 Fisheries Loans for Energy Efficiency - Rep. Edgmon (D-Dillingham)
ACV supports HB 20, a bill that provides commercial fishing loans for energy efficiency upgrades.  The bill will be heard on Tuesday, February 3^rd at 10:00 AM in House Fisheries Committee.

HCR 2, HCR 3, HCR 4 and HCR 5 In-State Gas Pipeline - Rep. Ramras (R-Fairbanks) | Rep. Millett (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Johnson (R-Anchorage) | Rep. Chenault (R-Nikiski) | Rep. Hawker (R-Anchorage)
All four of these resolutions will be heard in the House Energy Committee this Tuesday, February 3^rd at 3pm in Barnes 124.  If passed, they will be heard again in House Resources Committee on Wednesday, February 4^th at 1pm in Barnes 124.

SB 4 Coastal Management Program - Sen. Olson (D-Nome)       SB4 is an attempt at correcting problems with Alaska's Coastal Management Program resulting from changes made several years ago by the Murkowski Administration.  This bill has quite a bit of support from coastal districts and local coastal communities.  There will be a hearing in Community and Regional Affairs this Thursday, February 5^th at 3:30pm in Beltz room 211.

New In Town

SB 88 Power Cost Equalization - Sen. Finance Committee
An Act repealing certain provisions relating to modifying the factors that apply to calculate the amount of power cost equalization; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of sec. 3, ch. 2, 4SSLA 2008; and providing for an effective date. It will be heard on Senate Finance on Tuesday at 9am in Senate Finance 532.

HB 79  Gas Royalty & Tax Fund/PCE - Rep. Ramras (R-Fairbanks) | Rep. Millett (R- Anchorage)
An Act establishing a gas royalty and production tax fund, describing its purpose, and authorizing use of fund proceeds to support power cost equalization.

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