Berkowitz Outlines Solutions for Alaska Energy Crisis
June 12th, 2008
New Energy for Alaska Means a New Direction for America
With gas prices in many Alaska communities projected to reach $5 a gallon by the 4th of July, Congressional candidate Ethan Berkowitz today released the following statement on energy issues.
“Energy is the issue facing our state and our country. Every day, Alaskans are confronted with crippling prices at the gas pump and when we pay our electric and heating bills. It’s not just fuel and electricity, either: in the last year, higher transportation costs have led to skyrocketing prices at the grocery store. This winter, particularly in rural Alaska, I fear that too many Alaskans will be forced to choose between heating and eating. High energy prices are at the root of our stalled economy, and we cannot build America until we solve this problem.
Investing today in renewable energy development will bring down energy costs, create jobs, address global climate change and make Alaska a model for the rest of the country. Embracing our role as an energy state - focused not just on oil, but alternative energy too - puts people to work in Alaska and contributes to America’s energy independence and national security.
It’s time for us to take the lead. We can and must solve this problem. I have experience in the Alaska State House and in the private sector developing energy resources, and I have a strategy. If I am elected, these steps will be my first priorities as Alaska’s Congressman:
- Represent Alaska’s interests in Congress to build a gas pipeline as quickly as possible
- Responsibly develop Alaska’s natural resources – including ANWR - on Alaska’s terms for the benefit of Alaskans
- Via grants, loans and tax credits, promote the development of renewable energy solutions, particularly for rural areas of Alaska where access to traditional energy sources is limited and expensive
- Introduce legislation to extend tax credits for energy derived from renewable sources
- Create new public and commercial building standards to encourage energy efficiency
- Provide tax incentives for the development of carbon sequestration technology
Done right, these steps will lower energy costs, create thousands of new jobs throughout the state, and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions causing global climate change. This is a full spectrum solution for our energy needs, and it’s time to get to work. I encourage you all to join me in moving Alaska in a new direction with new energy.”
Video of Ethan discussing energy issues is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAjG7aURw5g.
For inquiries, please call Ona Brause at (907) 947-1626.
