NEWS: (4/15/08) HB152 - the Renewable Energy Fund Bill - Passed with $50 million/year in funding for a possible total of $250 million in renewable energy grants! See below for more information.

• (5/2/07) HB152, which would establish a renewable energy fund in Alaska, passed in Senate Resources with 5 votes of support-- including that of Senate President Lyda Green (R-Wasilla) and Senate Resources Chair Charlie Huggins (R-Chugiak).
• (4/19/07) On Thursday, April 19, the House passed HB152 with unanimous support (35-0).

Check out Representative Thomas and Senator Ellis' Compass piece about their renewable energy fund legislation: "Renewable Energy Fund the Begining of Political Commitment".

See below for ways to thank Governor Palin and all of the legislators who helped pass this important bill.

Take Action!-

Write your own legislators and tell them that you are excited to see that HB152 passed with such support. Thanking them makes a big difference and shows them that voters care about renewable energy. Here are links with information on how you can make a difference:

• Write, email or meet with your Legislator over the interim: The interim--the time when the Legislature is not in Session--is a great time to meet with or contact your Senator of Representative.

Not sure which district you're in? Click here.

• Send a copy of your letter to the bill sponsors:

• Rep. Harris
  Representative_John_Harris@legis.state.ak.us
• Rep. Thomas
  Representative_Bill_Thomas@legis.state.ak.us
• Sen. Ellis
  Senator_Johnny_Ellis@legis.state.ak.us

More information on how to address a letter to committee members and legislators can be found here.

Background:

Whether it is through the lens of climate change, rising fossil fuel prices, economic opportunity or national security, interest in renewable energy is on the rise. Our own Governor Palin has even been touting her hope to develop a "zealous" energy plan that includes renewable energy components. With some of the best renewable energy resources in the world, Alaska has the ability to lead the nation and the world in the development of clean, renewable energy. The recently published Renewable Energy Atlas of Alaska highlights this "gold mine" of renewable energy resources. Whether it involves, wind, geothermal, biomass, solar, tidal or hydropower projects, renewable technologies have the potential to impart significant environmental, health and economic benefits to communities throughout Alaska.

HB152 would establish a renewable energy fund to be administered by the AEA. The bill would allow the Alaska Energy Authority, working in consultation with a stakeholder advisory committee, to provide loans and grants to fund viable renewable energy projects and feasibility and reconnaissance studies necessary to launch new renewable energy projects. SB96 is the Senate counterpart that was introduced by Sen. Ellis with co-sponsor Senator Stevens, the Senate Majority Leader. HB152 has strong bi-partisan support and is a top priority for ACV this session.

Additional Resources on the Web:

--Renewable Energy Alaska Project

--"Dollars from Sense: The Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy" - National
Renewable Energy Laboratory

--"Wind Brings Power to the People of Rural Alaska," Anchorage Daily News

--"Powering Rural Alaska," Alaska Newspapers Inc.