Anyone living in Alaska for more than a few years knows that global warming is real. I live in Girdwood and have seen Alyeska’s ski season shortened 8 weeks in the last 7 years by warmer temperatures.
Alaska is warming at twice the global average rate and the scientific consensus is strongly in agreement that the warming is due primarily to rising atmospheric CO2 levels. The combustion of fossil fuels for transportation and electric power generation are the two largest contributors. Electric power generation in Alaska is costly and high impact in its present form. Only Hawaii has more expensive electricity due to our heavy dependence on high-priced Cook Inlet natural gas.
Low cost renewable energy has revolutionized the power industry in the lower 48 with significant reductions in rates, as well as in carbon emissions. This can, and must, happen in Alaska.
Anchorage area electricity is produced by Municipal Light and Power and the Chugach Electric Association. CEA is a member-owned non-profit cooperative, which means if you pay an electric bill, you can vote in the Board of Directors election going on now.
Make your voice heard.
Make the decision to vote, and you can make a difference.
Mitchell Roth is Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Chugach Electric Association Board Candidate.
Learn more about Mitch in his interview with AKCAN! Co-Director Bjorn Olson.
Watch the full Chugach Candidate Forum.
