HB 20 Gives Low-Interest Loans for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

(Juneau) - The Alaska State House today passed House Bill (HB) 20, legislation sponsored by Rep. Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, to make low-interest loans for energy efficiency upgrades available to more of Alaska's commercial fishers.

Commercial fishing is an important industry in our state, and we should do all we can to keep it competitive.
~ Rep. Bryce Edgmon

HB 20 passed the House unanimously.

Commercial fishers across the state are eager to take advantage of technological developments that include advancements in diesel and outboard engine technologies, alternatives to diesel and gasoline generator sets and fuel-saving modifications to vessel hulls. The modifications that HB 20 proposes in the Commercial Fishing Revolving Loan Fund, which has been self-sustaining since its creation in the 1970s, will allow more skippers to make improvements sooner.

"During a time when volatile fuel costs are affecting profits and productivity, offering more loans to increase energy efficiency is a smart thing to do," Edgmon said. "Commercial fishing is an important industry in our state, and we should do all we can to keep it competitive."

HB 20 now moves to the Alaska State Senate for consideration.