Bethel Residents Weigh in on Statewide Energy Plan

(Bethel) - The fourth in a series of field hearings on a statewide energy plan was held by the House Special Committee on Energy in Bethel today. A total of ten state representatives took part in the hearing.

Rural Alaskans want a viable energy plan – not a handout.
~ Rep. Bryce Edgmon

"Rural Alaskans are really enthusiastic that we're working on a statewide energy plan," said Energy Co-chair Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham. "Energy costs have skyrocketed across the state but in areas like Bethel, it's a choice between heat and other necessities. Rural Alaskans want a viable energy plan – not a handout."

"Our field hearings give rural residents the opportunity to participate directly in the legislative process," said Co-chair Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage. "140 dollar oil brought rural and urban Alaskans together to push for a statewide energy plan."

140 dollar oil brought rural and urban Alaskans together to push for a statewide energy plan.
~ Rep. Charisse Millett

Several Bethel residents testified they were dismayed when Governor Sarah Palin vetoed $28.6 million in federal stimulus funds for weatherization and renewable energy projects. They encouraged the committee to work with the governor to accept the energy funds for the good of the entire state.

The House Special Committee on Energy will travel to Fairbanks next month and more communities throughout the year while it continues to take a leadership role in the legislature on building the framework for a statewide energy plan.

The committee also sponsored legislation to create a new state department of energy last session.

Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, and House Finance Co-chair Bill Stoltze, R-Chugiak, attended the hearing. Representative Bob Herron, D-Bethel, also participated and welcomed his colleagues to his hometown.

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