Policy
There are important initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels that government leaders can implement to put us on the path to climate stability. We’ve focused on the most effective policies at each level of government, with handy contact information for the appropriate elected officials.
Local
The most effective thing a local government can do is to sign the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. The Agreement commits participating cities to curb their own emissions (to 7% below 1990 levels, by 2012, through building and transportation efficiency), and sends a strong signal to federal lawmakers.
One of the most effective things you can do as an Alaskan is to contact your local government officials (Mayor’s office, assembly members) and urge them to sign the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
State
January 22nd’s ADN article “Alaska Plays Significant Role in World’s Warming” notes that Palin administration officials “say they have no plans to press for emission targets or legal limits like some other states.” To be fair, the state is taking some steps in the right direction, but clearly more can be done. We’ve compiled a short list of policies that the Governor’s office can pursue now to reduce our impact on global warming.
Here are some of Alaska Center for the Environment state policy recommendations that may help Alaska become less of a "Major Player in the World's Warming":
- HB 152, 'Creating a Renewable Energy Fund', finally made its way to Governor Palin's desk where it is currently awaiting her signature. ACE's number one legislative priority this year, The Renewable Energy Fund was passed unanimously in both houses!
- The fund will begin with an initial $50 million appropriation with the intent to include an additional $50 million for the next four years, totaling a $250,000,000. To assist the Alaska Energy Authority in putting together the program's regulations and making funding regulations, a seven member advisory committee with 5 members appointed by the Governor and one spot for both a senate and house member will be created.
- The Governor has pledged $250 million in her budget plan to support the Renewable Energy Fund legislation (HB152). This piece of legislation would create an account that could provide grants and loans to viable renewable energy projects in the state. Creating a practical, profitable solution to the specter of climate change in Alaska.(Way to go, Governor!) More Information
- Another major accomplishment is the passage of SB 289 'Home Energy Conservation.' This bill received a $300 million appropriation to the Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation to expand their home weatherization and efficiency programs. The benefits of this bill is that it helps to decrease household energy demands, provide short-term relief, and invest in long-term solutions for Alaska's energy needs. More Information
Net Metering Policy
- Rep. Paul Seaton (R-Homer) introduced HB 288 a bill that requires electric utilities to offer customers the option of installing a net-metering system, in order to provide incentives for energy customers to generate their own electricity using alternative energy sources such as wind, hydro, solar, tidal, and geothermal. Customers would receive credits for providing excess power back to the utility.
Excluding High GHG Emitters
- An in-state energy policy that excludes high greenhouse gas emitters such as coal from consideration as a potential energy source. This policy would include greenhouse gas minimization as a policy criteria for evaluating energy projects.
Emission Limits on the North Slope
- Establishing limits to the GHG emissions of the North Slope operations. Providing incentives for the North Slope to develop cleaner technologies and operating standards.
Minimum Emissions in the Gas Line
- Ensuring that there is minimum emissions in any gas line construction and operation plan.
Please write to your legislators Find Your Legislatorand Governor Palin to encourage their support for these emission reducing policies.
Federal
A national climate policy is critical to getting a handle on carbon emissions - and Alaska’s delegation should be leading the way. Senators Murkowski and Stevens are co-sponsors of the Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007, a climate cap and trade bill, and have each sponsored smaller bills to address vehicle fuel efficiency and renewable energy funding.
There are many bills circulating in Congress to address climate change and greenhouse emissions. Below are a few charts that explain those bills in more detail:
Climate Change Bills in Congress
Cap and Trade Bills in Congress
Understanding Cap and Trade Bills
Contact your congressional delegation today and let them know you support national climate security legislation:
Senator
Lisa Murkowski
Senator
Ted Stevens
Representative Don Young
