House Energy Co-Chairs Disappointed by Governor's Veto of Energy Stimulus Funds

(Anchorage) - Today's decision by Governor Sarah Palin to veto $28.6 million in federal stimulus funds for renewable energy projects and weatherization programs from the state budget was greeted with disappointment by House Special Committee on Energy Co-Chairs Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, and Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage.

The governor wants the state to have 50 percent of its power generated from renewable sources by 2025. Her decision takes us a step further away from that goal.
~ Rep. Charisse Millett

"This issue has been researched thoroughly by legislative staff and we couldn't find one string attached to those funds," said Representative Millett. "The governor wants the state to have 50 percent of its power generated from renewable sources by 2025. Her decision takes us a step further away from that goal."

"This is especially bad news for rural Alaska," said Representative Edgmon. "Every dollar we invest into rural Alaska that saves energy and reduces energy bills is money well spent. It also makes the energy committee's job that much harder as we try to craft a statewide energy plan over the next year."

This is especially bad news for rural Alaska.
~ Rep. Bryce Edgmon

Representatives Millett and Edgmon hope the governor will reconsider her decision and are always open to discussing the issue further with the administration.

More affordable energy is the most important issue facing Alaskans. The House Special Committee on Energy continues to take the lead on this issue by holding field hearings around the state and continuing its work on a statewide energy policy and plan.

The committee will meet in Bethel on May 29, Fairbanks on June 17 and Dutch Harbor in late August. More meetings will be held in other communities throughout the year.

For more information, contact Representative Millett at (907) 269-0222 or Representative Edgmon at (907) 269-0275.