HOT TAKES IN A COLD PLACE

#REALTALK WITH THE AKC

Featured image for “2024 Chugach Electric Association Endorsements”

2024 Chugach Electric Association Endorsements

March 8, 2024

At The Alaska Center, we work to elect Alaskans who stand up for our clean air and water, healthy communities, and a strong democracy at every level of public leadership: from the federal government down to local board elections. One of these local elections this spring is so small that many people don’t know they have the right to vote – but this Board holds a key role in transitioning us to a sustainable and independent energy future.  Chugach Electric Association is the largest power provider in Alaska, servicing over 144,000 customers in the Anchorage area. Most of that power currently comes from natural gas – which is rapidly becoming less available in Alaska. As the Board holds elections for two open seats this spring, we must elect leaders who can set realistic goals to achieve energy independence in Alaska quickly.  Director Sam Cason and Director Mark Wiggin will do…
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Spring Into Action: Protecting Democracy in Alaska’s Elections

February 23, 2024

Dear Friend, It’s spring (or at least false spring) here in Alaska, and that means local and state-wide elections are right around the corner. Whether you’re refreshing your browser, waiting for national primary results, or attending cozy coffee shop chats put on by your favorite mayor or state leg candidate, voting is on the mind of many of us – including our state legislators.   We’re one month through the session, and our Representatives have been busy bees when it comes to voting legislation – HB 4 (the repeal of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)) had a hearing on day one of the session, and HB 129 (purging voter rolls), has already moved out of the House and into The Senate State Affairs Committee. Purging might sound like something you’d do to your closet during spring cleaning, but it’s anything but tidy when it comes to voting rights. “Purging” or “cleaning up”…
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Breaking Down the Alphabet Soup: Big Win for Renewable Energy!

February 9, 2024

Navigating the clean energy world can feel like staring at a bowl of alphabet soup. “Did you hear GVEA & CEA voted for an RPS that would fall under RCA and RRC jurisdiction?” For those of us who didn’t totally follow that, we’ll break down what happened during the first few weeks of the legislative session, and what that means for clean energy in Alaska – without using any acronyms.  During the week of January 22, the two largest electric utility providers in Alaska passed resolutions in support of a Renewable Portfolio Standard. A Renewable Portfolio Standard would establish a timeline for utility providers along the railbelt to transition to more renewable energy sources. We believe that this transition is not only critical for addressing our rapidly changing climate, but also for securing stable and reliable opportunities for Alaskans as the clean energy sector jobs continue to expand and oil…
Featured image for “Hot Takes in a Cold Place: Something Smells Fishy in Southcentral Alaska”

Hot Takes in a Cold Place: Something Smells Fishy in Southcentral Alaska

January 26, 2024

Have you ever attended a public comment meeting that didn’t want the public to comment?  I have.  Six, actually.  All in one week! The owners of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project held information–erm, “public comment”–meetings last week in Palmer, Anchorage, and Eagle River.  They were certainly “informational,” to say the least. Charts, numbers, and graphics, oh my. Cherry-picked information to intentionally mislead information could be found throughout, such as: Perhaps the most important thing that the project owners (represented by an out-of-state consulting group…) failed to mention is the century of cultural harm that this dam has inflicted upon the Native Village of Eklutna.  They were, however, eager to mention the negotiation meeting they held with the Native Village of Eklutna in December. The negotiations meeting… from which NVE’s position was not taken into account in the project proposal.  And I forgot to mention; the Native of Eklutna, on whose land…
Featured image for “Hot Takes in a Cold Place: 2024 Session is here, baby!”

Hot Takes in a Cold Place: 2024 Session is here, baby!

January 15, 2024

Discover the 2024 Alaska Legislative Session: Key insights into energy policies, democratic reforms, and their impact on Alaska’s future.…
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It’s Time to Shift the Power in 2024!

December 15, 2023

Can you feel the energy? It’s time for a significant change – a shift in power!Support Our Work – Donate!The concept of shifting power, whether in societal dynamics or energy generation, symbolizes a transformative journey with far-reaching effects. Socially, it means championing inclusivity, equitable decision-making, and elevating diverse voices for a fairer and more balanced society. In terms of electricity, power is the lifeblood of our modern existence. Technological progress has enabled us to harness and distribute energy like never before, but the methods of its generation often compromise our community’s well being and our planet’s future. Together, let’s SHIFT THE POWER. Let’s redirect it towards individuals historically excluded from impactful decisions, and pivot away from energy sources that endanger our planet. Your support is crucial in this mission to Shift the Power! This year at The Alaska Center, we set high goals: advocating for community solar legislation, safeguarding our…
Featured image for “But who is the Regulatory Commission of Alaska anyway?”

But who is the Regulatory Commission of Alaska anyway?

July 27, 2023

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska exists to regulate public utilities in Alaska. What’s with the rate increases?- Hot Takes in a Cold Place…
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Bro, Enough Bycatch

June 30, 2023

But moderation isn’t everyone’s net, and many out-of-state trawling companies are reaping it all and sowing bubkis for us. Take action today.…
Featured image for “Showing Up This Juneteenth”

Showing Up This Juneteenth

June 16, 2023

June marks 2 monumental movements of liberation – LGBTQ Pride Month, and Juneteenth. Without Queer, and Black voices in the fight for equity and justice, there can and will not be justice.…
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That’s All Folks!

May 26, 2023

Tying off the winter session of the 33rd Alaska State Legislature as well as his time with The Alaska Center, Louie says “Be excellent to each other.”…
Featured image for “2024 Chugach Electric Association Endorsements”

2024 Chugach Electric Association Endorsements

At The Alaska Center, we work to elect Alaskans who stand up for our clean air and water, healthy communities,…

March 8, 2024

Featured image for “Spring Into Action: Protecting Democracy in Alaska’s Elections”

Spring Into Action: Protecting Democracy in Alaska’s Elections

Dear Friend, It’s spring (or at least false spring) here in Alaska, and that means local and state-wide elections are…

February 23, 2024

Featured image for “Breaking Down the Alphabet Soup: Big Win for Renewable Energy!”

Breaking Down the Alphabet Soup: Big Win for Renewable Energy!

Navigating the clean energy world can feel like staring at a bowl of alphabet soup. “Did you hear GVEA &…

February 9, 2024

Featured image for “Hot Takes in a Cold Place: Something Smells Fishy in Southcentral Alaska”

Hot Takes in a Cold Place: Something Smells Fishy in Southcentral Alaska

Have you ever attended a public comment meeting that didn’t want the public to comment?  I have.  Six, actually.  All…

January 26, 2024

Featured image for “Hot Takes in a Cold Place: 2024 Session is here, baby!”

Hot Takes in a Cold Place: 2024 Session is here, baby!

Discover the 2024 Alaska Legislative Session: Key insights into energy policies, democratic reforms, and their impact on Alaska’s future.…

January 15, 2024

Featured image for “It’s Time to Shift the Power in 2024!”

It’s Time to Shift the Power in 2024!

Can you feel the energy? It’s time for a significant change – a shift in power!Support Our Work – Donate!The…

December 15, 2023

Featured image for “But who is the Regulatory Commission of Alaska anyway?”

But who is the Regulatory Commission of Alaska anyway?

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska exists to regulate public utilities in Alaska. What’s with the rate increases?- Hot Takes in…

July 27, 2023

Featured image for “Bro, Enough Bycatch”

Bro, Enough Bycatch

But moderation isn’t everyone’s net, and many out-of-state trawling companies are reaping it all and sowing bubkis for us. Take…

June 30, 2023

Featured image for “Showing Up This Juneteenth”

Showing Up This Juneteenth

June marks 2 monumental movements of liberation – LGBTQ Pride Month, and Juneteenth. Without Queer, and Black voices in the…

June 16, 2023

Featured image for “That’s All Folks!”

That’s All Folks!

Tying off the winter session of the 33rd Alaska State Legislature as well as his time with The Alaska Center,…

May 26, 2023