OPINION: Let’s celebrate building a better Alaska

One year ago, Congress passed the most significant action we have ever taken to tackle the climate crisis. Together we passed the Inflation Reduction Act, and across our state, we see the stunning improvements it’s bringing to our lives. This affordable clean energy plan gives Alaska a path paved for a more prosperous and resilient future.

The Inflation Reduction Act is bringing us the largest ever federal investment in environmental justice, including electric cooperatives. These investments provide opportunities for massive amounts of funding for renewable energy projects and upgrades to outdated infrastructure while encouraging a focus on projects that center community energy systems and benefit those who feel the impacts of climate change the most. Chugach Electric, Anchorage’s local electric cooperative, provides power to over 50% of all Alaskans, so changes to the power supply of our local grid mean significant changes for statewide energy composition. This is particularly important now as Alaska faces a looming shortage of natural gas, which supplies the area with 80% of its electricity. We must ensure our cooperatives take full advantage of this funding and invest in sustainable energy projects that will create jobs and make our electricity affordable.

These investments will help free our air of coal smoke and our salmon streams from oil spills while creating new job industries in our state. These programs will help weatherize homes, install solar panels, or add electric-efficient appliances. These things are a part of Alaska’s just transition to renewable energy, but none are guaranteed. We must ensure that our electric cooperatives, municipalities, and state agencies take full advantage of these opportunities and bring Alaskans what they deserve. We all deserve well-paying and reliable jobs, as well as affordable energy that does not pollute our ways of life.

One year ago, we did something that so many, for so long, thought was impossible. We finally took a significant step forward in the fight against climate change. Every new wind turbine built, solar panel installed, and electric car or truck that rolls off the line will power a better future. Now it’s up to us to ensure this is only the beginning and that these investments work with and for our communities.

Alaskans deserve a win, and we finally have the opportunity to change the future of our state to one that is forward-thinking, renewables-focused, and invested in the health of all of our communities. Let’s celebrate the win today and build the future we want starting now.

Rachel Christensen is Climate and Clean Energy Program Manager for The Alaska Center.

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