May 13, 2009

Begich Urges Palin to Accept Energy Money

From a Senator Mark Begich press release:

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich is joining a bipartisan group of Alaska State Legislators, the Alaska Municipal League, AARP, and cities and boroughs across the state in urging Gov. Sarah Palin to accept the $28.6 million in State Energy Program funds due to Alaska in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Sen. Begich today sent a letter to the governor telling her the money could be used to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the state, helping Alaska families and communities cut their energy bills.

"During the past year, higher fuel prices and a growing awareness of climate change effects have forced Alaskans to redouble their efforts to cut energy costs and pursue renewable energy projects," Sen. Begich states in his letter. "That demand is clearly evident in the number of applications for state renewable energy funding and requests for federal funding this year coming into my office."

Begich points out in his letter that his Senate office has received 522 separate requests for federal funding totaling $4.8 billion dollars from the State of Alaska, Alaska communities, and non-profit groups all seeking federal funding for projects.

"It is very difficult to secure support from other members of Congress for Alaska projects while the State is turning down federal dollars that could fund some of these same projects," Sen. Begich said.

In recent weeks, Gov. Palin has suggested she won't accept the energy funds from the Recovery Act because acceptance of the money requires Alaska to adopt national energy standards. But Alaska legislators who have been researching the issue recently received new information from the U.S. Department of Energy confirming Alaska can meet State Energy Program funding requirements through local energy standards and that the State of Missouri has done so effectively.

"I hope you will reconsider your decision and accept the State Energy Program funds. It is a great opportunity to address the energy needs of Alaska right now," Sen. Begich added.