In my college years in the 1970s, I first heard about human-caused global warming. Here we are now 50 years later with strong international concern about reaching irreversible tipping points. “Think globally; act locally” was a common phrase back then. And now after 48 years as a resident in Alaska, watching oil and gas manipulating our nation and state for many of those years and watching our fisheries decline, I think the phrase is even more relevant now.
So, thinking “locally,” I believe we need a Chugach Electric governing board that is more open to public input, educates us about our climate crisis and what can be done, which fully supports the Renewable Portfolio Standard bill (HB121/SB101) targeting 80% renewables by 2040, and that is leading our way towards renewable energy sources as quickly as possible. That is what is in Chugach ratepayers’ interest.
Don’t forget that we need to do that before our Cook Inlet natural gas runs out, and electricity costs go through the roof. Renewables are very nearly less costly than natural gas now, so we shouldn’t get too sidetracked with unrealistically expensive gas pipelines and LNG ships. We need to elect Shaina Kilcoyne, Jim Nordlund and Suzanne Fleek-Green to the board to really get things moving. All you Chugach ratepayers: Be sure to vote for them by May 19.
— Bill Herman
Anchorage
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