September 21, 2009
Monday

Haines, Alaska ­ The Alaska House & Senate Special Committees on Energy heard from Haines and other Southeast Alaska residents and businesses on energy needs as part of their consideration in drafting a comprehensive statewide energy plan Wednesday. The hearing took place at the Haines High School Gym last Friday.

The committees heard resident, business, and stakeholder opinions on a host of energy topics, including those related to House Bill (HB) 218, which would create the Alaska Department of Energy.

"Southeast Alaskans are committed to clean renewable energy and a statewide energy policy," Committee Co-Chair Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, said. "What Southeast is doing with hydroelectric power generation could be brought to other parts of the state. What the committee learned from the people of Haines will help us craft an energy policy that benefits all of Alaska."

The committees were in Haines at the same time as the Southeast Conference, a regional economic and policy group that organizes throughout the year to discuss issues of regional importance.

"Having our meeting in Haines during the Southeast Conference was excellent," Committee Co-Chair Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, said. "It gave us a chance to meet with and hear from folks from all parts of Southeast Alaska. Once again, it is an important reminder to our committee that different areas of the state have their own unique needs and options for us to consider while we craft an energy plan for the state."

The committee plans on more public hearings leading up to the beginning of the regular legislative session in January.

Source of News:

Alaska House & Senate Special Committees on Energy
Committee Co-Chair Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage
Committee Co-Chair Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham

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