Although the fight over $600 versus $2,000 relief checks has gotten far more press, the most important part of the recently passed federal legislation is new funding that will help advance a clean U.S. energy economy.
The legislation extends tax credits for solar, energy efficiency and wind power. It establishes new research and development efforts for energy storage. And it includes provisions to improve weatherization of low-income homes and reduce industrial emissions, among many other things.
Perhaps most significantly, the package will phase down use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), some of the most potent heat-trapping gases.
All Alaskans who support action to address the climate crisis should join with Fran Ulmer (ADN, Dec. 24) in expressing appreciation to Sen. Lisa Murkowski for her patient leadership in bringing this legislation to passage. As Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island said about the bill, “We are running out of time in the fight against climate change, which is why we need to press forward on every front we can.”
Tim Hinterberger
Anchorage
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