Alaska Governor Signs Renewable Energy Legislation

by NAW Staff on Monday 21 June 2010

Gov. Sean Parnell, R-Alaska, has signed legislation creating a statewide energy policy and an omnibus energy bill designed to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

H.B.306 establishes an energy policy to guide the legislature, administration, utilities, conservation groups and Alaskans toward the goal of providing more affordable, abundant and reliable energy. The bill sets a goal for Alaska to generate 50% of its electricity through renewable resources by 2025, primarily through hydroelectric projects. Wind, solar, geothermal tidal, hydrokinetic and biomass energy will also be utilized.

"The policy encourages coordination of government functions and streamlines regulatory processes across all levels of government," says Parnell. "Good energy policy opens doors and promotes responsible, sustainable development."

S.B.220, the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, implements a statewide energy policy that recognizes the importance of Alaska's fossil-fuel resources and also identifies Alaska's vast renewable energy potential. The bill includes a broad range of policy tools designed to attract investment in Alaska's energy sector and stimulate the economy.

The legislation also creates the Emerging Energy Technology Fund, which can be used to make grants for demonstration projects of technology that will be commercially viable within five years.

SOURCE: Office of Gov. Sean Parnell