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  Date / Time: 10/31/2009 9:52 PM UTC

  Alaska's Senators Release Energy Recommendations
  

  Alaska State Legislature   Senate Resources Committee CHAIRS: Senator Lesil McGuire, Senator Bill Wielechowski MEMBERS: Senator Charlie Huggins, Senator Hollis French, Senator Bert Stedman, Senator Gary Stevens, Senator Thomas Wagoner

  Press Release · October 19, 2009 CONTACT: Tim Barry, Press Secretary  •  PH: 907.465.3803  •  www.aksenate.org Senators Release Energy Recommendations Call for Investments in Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and More Oil and Gas Development (ANCHORAGE) - Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) and Senator Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage), chairs of the Alaska State Senate Resources and Energy Committees, today released a series of recommendations designed to promote more reliable and affordable energy for Alaskans. “This is a plan to help Alaskan families save money and make Alaskan businesses more profitable and competitive,” Senator Wielechowski said. “It will help ensure that Alaska has a robust economy, fueled by affordable and abundant energy.” The plan establishes seven energy goals for the state and sets out a detailed list of recommendations to achieve them. “The recommendations focus on improving energy efficiency, among many other strategies,” said Senator Lesil McGuire. “Increasing efficiency is a way to cut costs without compromising comfort or productivity. Energy efficiency is a way to do the same or more with less, to use energy smartly.” McGuire said the recommendations also call for investing more in renewable energy with tax credits and low-interest loans. “While we recognize that Alaska relies on fossil fuels for the vast majority of its power production and heating, we have seen the benefits of transitioning to more local, sustainable, and flat-priced sources of energy,” McGuire said. “Southeast Alaska with its interconnected hydro systems is a model for other parts of the state.” Senator Wielechowski emphasized that the recommendations will help the state and its families move towards greater energy independence. “This report is a call to action. Alaska’s energy future depends on what we do now,” Senator Wielechowski said. “With oil prices on the rise again, Alaska is at a crossroads. We need to invest now for Alaska’s long-term benefit.” He added, “This plan is an effort to shine the light on one of Alaska’s most pressing needs and offer solutions that can move Alaska forward for decades.” Senator McGuire agreed. “It’s appropriate that on Alaska Day we release these recommendations. They are a way to ensure a strong Alaska for decades to come, with families that can afford to heat and power their homes, drive to school and work, and build profitable businesses.” The Report and Recommendations are available online at http://energy.aksenate.org/ Also on that website, Alaskans are encouraged to submit comments and suggestions to address the state’s energy needs.

  • Tags:
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Renewable Energy
  • Oil
  • Alaska
  • Gas Development
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