Tag Archive for: alaska

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

/in , , , ,

Dear friends,

It’s that time of the year again – almost time for the illustrious Alaska legislative session to kick off!

Legislators are going back to Juneau by ferry and plane and settling back in for another 90 (or likely 120) days. In those days they’ll have to pass a budget (which means deciding on the ever-present PFD question), and everything else is up in the air–and there’s quite a lot of “everything else”. All the bills from last session that didn’t pass are still alive, with their previous committee referrals/etc, plus any new bills that come out this session (including today’s second tranche of pre-filed bills).

Luckily, like in previous sessions, we’ll be tracking what’s going on as it pertains to creating a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska (read: we care a lot about energy and climate legislation, protecting our waters, and creating the most engaged electorate in the nation).

This session is starting with a buzz in the air about energy: as Rep. Fields said in a recent op-ed, “2024 presents unprecedented opportunities for energy development in Alaska.” We agree. Between the clearly-state Senate Majority Caucus focus on energy, steeply declining Cook Inlet gas shortage (and the potential for astronomically-priced Outside LNG import contracts), federal investment opportunities from the Biden administration – there is a clear focus on where Alaskans get energy and how to make that more affordable. We’ll be pushing for some great energy bills (or the ideas within them) to pass this session, including:

  • Senator Wielechowski’s Community Energy Bill, which would enable Alaskans to own a share of a solar installation not located on their property, thus making solar more affordable and accessible to Alaskans including renters, folks who can’t afford a full installation, and more.
  • Senator Gale-Tobin and Representative Sumner’s Renewable Portfolio Standard bill, which would set required milestones for renewable energy development along the railbelt to help meet the needs of the current gas crisis
  • Governor Dunleavy’s Energy Independence Fund, which would create a Green Bank vehicle underneath Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, spurring more investment in renewable energy
  • A funding match to the federally-awarded GRIP Funding, which would provide for Transmission upgrades along the railbelt that make it possible to add large-scale renewables and balance our energy better. This is a match–meaning Alaska needs to put $206.5 million in to get $206.5 from the feds.

We’ll also be focusing on some crucial democracy issues, because how Alaskans can use our voices affects everything. You might have been tracking the proposed ballot measure (rife with campaign ethics violations) to repeal Ranked-Choice Voting and Open Primaries–we can expect to see this play out in the session again. You can bet we’ll work to make sure that goes nowhere this session, as well as any other changes that make it harder for Alaskans to vote. In fact, after years of the legislature considering great voting reforms, we’d love to see some pass, including:

  • Striking the witness signature requirement 
  • Creating a ballot curing process, which would allow Alaskans to fix any error on their ballot that would make their vote not get counted
  • Allowing for permanent absentee voting, meaning you could choose to vote absentee forever, rather than filing to vote absentee for every single election
  • Establishing same-day registration and early registration
  • And a whole lot more. 

And, of course, we’ll always be watching for any threats to our clean air and water. There will likely be many, like in previous sessions. Threats like Alaska taking over 404-Primacy might come up again–and we’ll let you know when and if they do, and how you can stand up against these threats to our state. As much as we want to pass the good this session, seizing on critical opportunities of time and place, it’s crucial that we are prepared to stop the worst threats.

We look forward to working with you this session to stand up for our clean air and water, healthy communities, and a strong democracy. Stay tuned for more updates–and, always, get involved! We hope to make it easy for you to stand up for the values that you care about–so don’t be a stranger, and reach out.

All the best,

Jenny-Marie Stryker

Political Director

The Alaska Center

It’s Time to Shift the Power in 2024!

/in , , , ,

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”4″ ][cs_element_text _id=”5″ ][cs_content_seo]Can you feel the energy? It’s time for a significant change – a shift in power!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_gap _id=”6″ ][cs_element_button _id=”7″ ][cs_content_seo]Support Our Work – Donate!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_gap _id=”8″ ][cs_element_text _id=”9″ ][cs_content_seo]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 cherished salmon, and protecting our democracy. Thanks to our generous donors, we achieved these goals and more. In collaboration with partners, we advanced climate policy initiatives, introduced community solar legislation, progressed in restoring salmon to the Eklutna River, and supported successful local candidates statewide.
In the Anchorage Assembly races, every candidate we endorsed won. In Fairbanks, we secured six essential seats in the Borough Assembly and School Board. Plus, our efforts in utility cooperatives resulted in electing two clean energy advocates to the Chugach Electric Association board.
Looking towards 2024, we’re energized and ready to harness this momentum. To Shift the Power, we need your continued support.
Your contribution will help us create a just, thriving, and sustainable Alaska. It will empower Alaskans who share our values to take meaningful action. With your help, we can make a significant impact in 2024!
It’s Time to Shift the Power – Support Us Today!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_gap _id=”10″ ][cs_element_button _id=”11″ ][cs_content_seo]Contribute Today & Power Our Work!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_gap _id=”12″ ][cs_element_text _id=”13″ ][cs_content_seo]Thank you for being a part of this journey,Alison Lum, Development DirectorThe Alaska Center\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

But who is the Regulatory Commission of Alaska anyway?

/in , ,

If you pay an electric bill in Alaska, you may have noticed that our rates here are pretty high. In fact, they are the second highest in the country, coming in close behind Hawaii. Our high electric rates have a lot to do with the fact that we can’t share power in the same ways that states in the lower 48 can, but they also have a lot to do with our expensive fuel sources.

We have been living this way for years. Still, just a few weeks ago, Chugach Electric, our state’s largest electric utility, sent a proposal to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to raise their consumer rates by 6%. After the Municipal Light and Power acquisition in 2018, Chugach was required to file a rate case to ensure they were charging both districts equally. The case has already been filed, so unfortunately, we cannot stop the rates from increasing. But how can we ensure that our rates don’t continue to increase in the future?
You may have noticed in energy headlines that we here in Alaska are heading nose-first into a gas crisis. The natural gas in the Cook Inlet is becoming too expensive to drill, and the solution put forward by many utilities is to import Liquid Natural Gas. Importing would, without a doubt, result in another rate increase. We must ensure that we are creating systems that conserve what cheap natural gas we have left and promote a fast transition to renewable energy. These systems can and should be part of this iteration of rate design at Chugach. We could introduce rates encouraging commercial and large-scale consumers to take energy efficiency measures or adopt renewable energy solutions. We could create incentive programs for rooftop solar that conserve our natural gas supply and bring us closer to a renewable energy transition. This is now out of Chugach’s hands and into the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, but who is the Regulatory Commission of Alaska anyway?

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska exists to regulate public utilities in Alaska. They are supposed to make sure our rates stay manageable, and our electricity is produced safely. They approved the rate increase that Aniak saw earlier this year and the BP-Hillcorp deal. When hearing new rate designs, they ensure that our rates adequately promote the conservation of resources used in electricity generation. These proposed rates have a way to go on that front, so we want them to hear about it.
The comment period for Chugach’s rate filing is open until August 4th. We need the Regulatory Commission to hear from Chugach ratepayers like you so they know we care about where our energy comes from. We care about creating rates that promote renewable energy, and we care about conserving resources to keep costs low for as long as possible. If you want to comment, you can follow this link and submit a comment on case TA544-8.

We want to keep our rates low and invest in the future of Alaska, not the quick fixes that push our money and our jobs out of the state. Let the Regulatory Commission know that we know who they are and we are watching what they do.

Together for a renewable future,
The Alaska Center

Bro, Enough Bycatch

/in ,

TAKE ACTION: Submit Your Comment Today

As the skies taunt us off and on with sunshine and rain, many Alaskans are taking the time to fill our freezers and hit the waters. Whether it be rods and reels or nets of varying degrees of size from dip nets to trawlers. Our fishing economy accommodates all sizes and most Alaskans know how to fish sustainably to ensure the runs return and that Alaskans further inland have the opportunity to feed their families and sustain their way of life. These waters can be bountiful for all if we show a little respect and moderation.

But moderation isn’t everyone’s net, and many out-of-state trawling companies are reaping it all and sowing bubkis for us. Over the past ten years, the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska trawl fleets have caught, killed, and discarded approximately 141 million pounds of salmon, halibut, crab, sablefish, and other species, yearly. It’s time for some intervention before they wreck the party for everyone.

While Washington-based trawl fleets guzzle up record numbers, western Alaskan fishing communities, salmon fishing, snow crab fishing, and Bristol Bay red king crab fishing have been severely limited or cut off altogether. The doors swung too wide open to some excessive party boys, and now we are left with more than a mess; Alaskans are without food to feed our families.
The primary issue is a massive hit on bycatch species. Species that are just tossed away by massive trawlers are critical to our communities’ livelihoods and health. Closures and reduced access straight up harm our communities. Overfishing straight up harms our ecosystems and the diversity of species we need to repair our waters and our climate.
Do we really need that many fish sticks and fake crab dips at the risk of Alaskans’ livelihood? From our perspective, what we need is better regulation so that Alaskan salmon, crab and pollock can sustainably fill our freezers and our nets, and if you’re so inclined to have your fish in stick form, you can still have it as an option. Slap a little tartar sauce on it, and pretend it’s from some amorphous yellow-hatted fisherman. But we can’t keep damaging the livelihoods of the rest of our state’s fisherfolk, subsistence or commercial, because there is a worldwide market for questionable finger food.
It’s time to take action and demand that dirty little word “regulations.” Right now, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries is collecting comments to update guidelines for National Standards to better address environmental changes and inequity in federal fisheries management. We have the opportunity to say that the system is broken and give some real solutions on how to fix it before it’s too late.

The big loud drunk guy at the party can do some impressive feats, but it shouldn’t be at the risk of the broader community. We all deserve a chance to enjoy the party, right? It’s time that NOAA defines “fishing community” to include the importance of place-based communities directly tied to fisheries, including Alaska Native subsistence fisheries and Alaska coastal communities. It shouldn’t be on the party’s host to clean up the mess.

This comment period is important, and our priority should be a holistic approach that includes climate and ecosystem management. While there are numerous issues why our fish are in decline, this is an opportunity to do something tangible about it now.

Take action with us and get your voice heard before the drunk guy at the party and his well-funded friends crank up the karaoke and drown us all out with some crappy cover of Freebird.

In Salmon Solidarity,
The Alaska Center

Showing Up This Juneteenth

/in

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]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. Monday is a big day for celebration. This year, the Alaska State Senate finally passed Senate Bill 22, establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday. Alaskans and others across our country will commemorate and celebrate the day in 1865 when enslaved peoples in Texas finally learned they were free; two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. 
This Juneteenth, we honor the incredible work and leadership of Black Alaskans and communities. This is a time for allies to listen and learn where we benefit from the experience of the intersections of race, democracy, accessibility, and climate justice from the communities in the frontlines of oppression. It is a time to recognize our collective histories and commit to dismantling the structures that continue to do harm to marginalized communities. It is a time to heal together and be better for each other in this work.
This weekend we are excited to celebrate Black Excellence by joining celebrations in both Anchorage and Fairbanks.
The Anchorage Juneteenth Citywide Celebration will be 3 days from Saturday, June 17 to 19th and will kick off with a parade at noon on the Delaney Park Strip. On the 17th and 18th, our Trailside team will be running the Kidzone again this year and will have a hula hoop station, coloring activities and a supervised bounce house. Our advocacy team will be tabling as well, so stop by and say hi and learn how you can help support more equitable and accessible renewable energy and democracy. 
In Fairbanks on Saturday June 17, we’ll be tabling at NAACP’s Juneteenth Celebration Festival in Fairbanks at Bernice Alldrige Park, starting at 12pm. Stop by and learn more about community solar and get ready for our local Interior municipal elections in October. 
For the work of a true Just Transition and celebration, we all must show up for each other and share in the wisdom that creates the futures we seek to live in. We hope you can make it out, build and celebrate with us. 
We look forward to seeing you!!

\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_gap _id=”5″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”6″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”7″ ][cs_element_button _id=”8″ ][cs_content_seo]More Hot Takes In A Cold Place\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

That’s All Folks!

/in , , , ,

The first round of the 33rd Alaska State Legislature is neatly wrapped up, and our lawmakers and their staff are integrating back into the civilian world for the summer. The drama, bruised sentiments, blather, tweets, accusatory statements, pointed fingers, shouts, and slammed doors of the winter session grow less poignant by the day. Alaska Spring has a way of interceding in human affairs. The anger a lawmaker may carry about a bill not getting its due treatment in committee is sure to be unsettled by the ancient cry of a sandhill crane, the smell of cottonwood buds on the wind, or the moose calf ambling across the highway ahead. (Watch out!)

There is a lot that these folks should be proud of as they fade out of the spotlight and into the summer fray. The legislature passed a significant investment into public education – the largest ever in state history. They passed legislation establishing the month of October as Filipino American History Month; they passed legislation to regulate the use and disposal of the “forever chemical” PFAS found in firefighting foams; they began work on a state Renewable Portfolio Standard to have utilities sell 80% renewable generated electricity by 2040; a Community Solar bill was introduced to allow more Alaskans the benefits of low-cost solar power; an omnibus election bill was heard which would allow greater access to the voting process; the state’s Renewable Energy Grant fund was extended indefinitely, and numerous clean energy projects were funded. Necessary for our salmon habitat, the legislature did not allow a state take-over of wetland development permitting duties, which would have led to decreased oversight.

The design of our Democracy serves to slow-roll, often for the best, so we are not surprised that few bills passed this spring. The process is messy, and the 33rd Alaska State Legislature is a completely imperfect and exhausting bundle of humanity, and we love it. It may not be the most remarkable legislature, but Ranked Choice Voting has produced a huge crop of freshmen and moderates, which benefits the state’s health. Alaska has enormous problems, from suicide rates to climate change, and getting away from partisan divisions is crucial. What the 33rd does next session hopefully will be a step toward the betterment of Alaska. It is time that the Governor, the Senate Bi-Partisan Majority, and the House Mish-Mash-Maybe-Majority put their collective shoulder to the wheel and work on a plan.
Whether the legislature is in session or not, our plan at The Alaska Center is to continue advocating for increased voting rights and voting access, increased renewable energy production, and increased equity and justice – in schools, workplaces, homes, and everywhere else. We will fight to protect salmon from habitat loss, climate change, and bycatch.

We will keep our eyes on the horizon for a special session on some broad-based tax proposal, rumored to be scheduled for September or October. We truly appreciate all of the support and feedback you have provided and the work you have put in this session reaching out to lawmakers on issues important to you. Constituent contact is vital to an elected official, even if they don’t give you the answer you may want to hear or any answer at all.

Never ever, ever give up.

Herein follows a brief note from the author (who is headed out to Bristol Bay for gillnetting soon and will be departing The Alaska Center for future pursuits):

“I appreciate you all, and have learned more over the past eight years at The AK Center than I have space to put in words right here in this email/blog. There is no easy way to define the work of this organization. What I can say is this is a non-profit that seeks to empower youth to fight for things that will help them live lives of abundance.
You can always reach out to me directly at louieflora@hotmail.com.
Be excellent to each other,”

Louie Flora/The Alaska Center

Climate Hope in the Community Solar Garden

/in , , ,

Following a familiar pattern – the regular legislative session went into special session – and then in a surprise move at the last minute, voted on a budget with more minority members than majority, and the House did not go into conference committee. Remember: you can always be surprised! Despite messy gridlock and the constant strain of the PFD there are brightnesses among what became of the regular session, and we are pleased to announce the introduction of our top legislative priority – Community Solar garden legislation – SB 152 – on May 15th. We have been working behind the scenes with friends and allies in the legislature for months to see it born, and we are pleased it is now out in the world.

Take Action on Community Solar

SB 152 will clarify the rules for communities wishing to create a Community Solar garden. Generally, a solar garden is a solar panel array that is larger than a single residential array and can benefit renters and others who do not have the space or the financial means to purchase and install their own solar panels. The bill strives to ensure that more Alaskans, those in underserved communities, and those at the lower end of the income spectrum can participate in clean, affordable Solar.

Through our current Solarize programs, we have seen tremendous support for solar. We have always worked to make solar more accessible, and this bill would be a significant step in the right direction. 79,000 Alaskans live below the Federal poverty level, and over 260,000 Alaskans live in rental housing. Community Solar is the smart economic choice because it will reduce energy costs for Alaskans.
All Alaskans deserve to be a part of a renewable future. Community Solar helps lower-income and historically disadvantaged groups at the frontline of our climate crisis get direct access to the benefits of renewable energy and ensures benefits of renewable energy are shared more broadly. Community Solar is a step in the right direction toward climate justice. It’s the simplest, most equitable, and least expensive way to decarbonize Alaska’s energy system!

Current regulations do not allow Alaskans to pursue “Community Solar,” we believe that renewables are a necessary part of a just transition, and this bill will remove some of the barriers that keep too many Alaskans dependent on extractive energies and give them more agency in their utilities. Additionally, Community Solar is poised to become much more common thanks to a new $7 billion fund tied to the Inflation Reduction Act. This federal infusion of funds for a myriad of renewable energy programs and projects will redefine Alaska’s energy mix – and we want Community Solar to be a significant part of this.

At The Alaska Center, we work to bring more awareness to the power people have in the decisions about their utilities. From elections to legislation. We are stoked to celebrate the introduction of Community Solar legislation and the CEA election turnout this week! We hope you are planning to join us tomorrow for our Annual Auction at the Anchorage Museum. (If you haven’t scooped up those tickets yet, we will have a few tickets at the door remaining.) And if you can’t make it…you can always celebrate from afar by bidding on some pretty sweet silent auction items.

It feels fortuitous that our theme this year is “Climate Justice/Climate Hope.” Each of our legislative priorities in this session is key to working for climate justice and forging climate hope and we are seeing the shift in real time. From democracy legislation to clean water protections and renewable energy accessibility, each is needed to achieve our goals of a just transition for our state. And each of you is necessary to make these legislative priorities happen. We are excited to see you tomorrow to reconnect, dance, dine, drink and move forward in our work together!

STATEMENT: The Alaska Center supports introduction of community solar legislation

/in

On May 16, 2023, Senator Wielechowski introduced SB 152, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMUNITY ENERGY FACILITIES to the Alaska State Senate. This bill will open the door for more Alaskans to benefit from solar power through the use of communal solar gardens, available at an affordable price to anyone who pays an electric bill. Community Solar gardens will bolster our state’s supply of renewable, reliable, and affordable energy for Alaskans, and The Alaska Center supports the passage of this bill through the legislature.

“Community solar is an important step toward making renewable energy accessible to all Alaskans. It will open up energy savings to renters and low-income community members who can’t afford the upfront costs and are at the frontlines of the climate crisis. 79,000 Alaskans are currently living below the Federal poverty level, and over 260,000 Alaskans live in rental housing. This bill opens the door to long-term energy savings, good-paying jobs, and a real pathway towards much-needed energy and economic diversity for all Alaskans.  Through our work in solarizing communities over the past five years, we have seen the upfront cost be a real barrier for families. We are excited to see the opportunity for more Alaskan families to access renewables and cheaper energy bills.”
– Chantal de Alcuaz, Co-Executive Director

The Power Of Your Vote For Clean Energy

/in

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]Do you pay an electric bill? Most Alaskans get their electricity from utility cooperatives. A board of directors leads these cooperatives to ensure the lights stay on and rates are affordable. If you pay an electric bill to one of these cooperatives, you are a member-owner, which means you have the right to elect and hold board members accountable! Across the state, board members vote on issues affecting Alaskans today and for generations. Matanuska Electric Association is once again fielding conversations about a Susitna-Watana Dam. Chugach Electric Association is working on a mitigation plan for the Eklutna Dam, deciding whether or not a once free-flowing salmon-supporting river will return to the Eklunta People, who have been asking for its restoration for decades. With natural gas supplies dwindling, communities across the state must decide where our energy will come from going forward. Utility boards make critical decisions like these every day.
Issues this significant and impactful to our state, our favorite places to recreate, our food sources, and our way of life should have our input. So why don’t Alaskans engage in Utility Elections? Chugach Electric Association, the largest electric cooperative in the state, reported a record-breaking election turnout of only 11.8% last year. That means your vote could really change the outcome of these elections.
If you care about clean air and water and healthy communities, you should use your power to vote for Board Members who not only support renewable energy but are champions for Alaska’s clean energy future. If you are a member-owner of Chugach Electric, I encourage you to vote for Shaina Kilcoyne, Susanne Fleek Green, and Jim Nordlund. These candidates are committed to listening to public input and moving clean energy projects forward. It’s a month-long election; voting starts on April 19 and closes on May 19. Your ballot comes with your bill, and you can vote online at Chugach Electric Association’s website.

These elections are the most important thing that no one talks about. In an election with voter turnout rates this low, one vote can mean the difference between a coal plant and a solar farm. If you have been looking for a small step to make a massive change in your community, this is it. You have the opportunity to create a future that you want to live in; take it. Use your voice and vote. Visit your local utility cooperative’s website for information on how to vote and attend board meetings.
Rachel Christensen is the Clean Energy Organizer for The Alaska Center and lives in Palmer. 

Originally published on May 5, 2023 by Sol de Medianoche.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

Another Great Race

/in , , ,

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_button _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]TAKE ACTION: Tell the House and Senate Finance Committees to support a Green Bank for Alaska!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_gap _id=”5″ ][cs_element_text _id=”6″ ][cs_content_seo]We are familiar with races against time in Alaska: think of the Serum Run of 1925, where brave mushers relayed diphtheria antitoxin to the people of Nome through minus eighty temperatures to save the population from devastation by the spreading epidemic. Think of a salmon season when millions of fish pass through a fishing district at the peak of the run and fisherfolk catch as much as they can hold because soon the peak will pass. Think of all the birds and beasts out there feasting furiously in the months of light to get enough fat for winter or migration. Think of the end of the legislative session when staff and lawmakers endure marathon floor sessions, often all night long, trying to get their priorities addressed before the last gavel falls.
The home stretch is before our lawmakers, the end is nigh (May 17th), and it is motivation enough to move some bills along. The obvious trouble is that 60 legislators and a governor are shepherding bills forward with numerous pinch points and gates along the way. Only eight bills have passed the legislature so far this session. We can expect a few more but not many. Traffic is backed up for miles. 
The Governor’s bills to establish an Energy Independence Fund (aka a Green Bank), HB 154 and SB 125 are in the House and Senate Finance Committees. It is crucial these bills pass the legislature this session for a few reasons. States with established Green Banks are in a more competitive position to receive federal funding for clean energy programs under the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Funds are to be allocated by September 2024. Since it will take time for the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to establish the Green Bank after it is signed into law, it makes great sense for the legislature to act now. The next twelve days could determine whether we are eligible and prepared for a massive investment in clean energy and transportation projects that will save Alaskans billions of dollars on electric, home heating, gasoline, diesel, and car maintenance bills. No pressure!
Federal investment tax credits for renewable energy projects were extended for a ten-year period under the Inflation Reduction Act. Another clear reason for the AK Legislature to pass a Green Bank this year is that the clock is ticking on the decade of available tax credits. These are significant, historic tax credits. With a Green Bank to provide low-interest financing and tax credits to incentivize purchases, energy efficiency construction projects, and rooftop and community solar projects will skyrocket in Alaska, providing good-paying jobs. By not moving the Green Bank bills this year, another year in the life of the IRA tax credits will be gone.
The race is on. Tell the House and Senate Finance Committees to prioritize HB 154 and SB 125 this session. Time is money, as they say.  
Urgently yours,
The Alaska Center

\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_button _id=”7″ ][cs_content_seo]A Green Bank is Good For Alaska!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_gap _id=”8″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”9″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”10″ ][cs_element_button _id=”11″ ][cs_content_seo]Bills To Watch\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”12″ ][cs_element_button _id=”13″ ][cs_content_seo]More Hot Takes In A Cold Place\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]