Senator John McCain has been quoted as saying: “Our dangerous dependence on foreign oil has been thirty years in the making, and was caused by the failure of politicians in Washington to think long-term about the future of the country.” This very quote was brought up again by President Obama in a speech made concerning new energy for America. The truth is, energy independence means economic independence as much as it means liberty for American ideals and rights. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil reduces the amount that foreign interests can dictate what we hold true and right. Securing our energy means securing our independence.

President Obama’s Energy Speech Annotated

Alaska is in a unique position to provide renewable energy and move America towards energy independence. The government of Alaska quickly realized how important supporting sustainable energy was, and has a history of providing support for independent, renewable energy producers. In 2010 Governor Sean Parnell signed renewable energy legislation into effect, reducing payments for companies wanting to utilize renewable sources and providing a more secure source of energy for the citizens of Alaska. As Governor Parnell states, “This legislation makes geothermal power projects economically viable and therefore more likely to produce more affordable and reliable electric power for homes and businesses.”

Renewable Energy Legislation

House Bill 306 sets a goal for Alaska to generate 50 percent of its electricity through renewable resources by 2025, while Senate Bill 220, the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, implements a statewide energy policy that identifies Alaska’s vast renewable energy potential. The bill includes a broad range of policy tools designed to attract investment in Alaska’s energy sector and stimulate the economy.

Alaska’s 2010 Declaration of State Energy Policy (HB 306-2010), specifically to encourage economic development by:

• promoting the development of renewable and alternative energy resources, including geothermal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, hydrokinetic, tidal, and biomass energy, for use by Alaskans;
• promoting the development, transport, and efficient use of nonrenewable and alternative energy resources, including natural gas, coal, oil, gas hydrates, heavy oil, and nuclear energy, for use by Alaskans and for export;
• working to identify and assist with development of the most cost-effective, long-term sources of energy for each community statewide;
• creating and maintaining a state fiscal regime and permitting and regulatory processes that encourages private sector development of the state’s energy resources;

Read former Governor Parnell’s Statement on Alternative Energy

According to the US Energy Information Administration, we’ve imported 49% of the petroleum we used in 2010, and consumed 19.1 million barrels per day that same year. That’s all money that is leaving our economy and making us more dependent on foreign suppliers. Furthermore, recent oil disasters in the gulf highlight some of the dangers that come with our current model of energy production, costing billions in cleanup, job loss, and environmental impact. As America moves forward, we can expect to see more money lost in acquiring oil from foreign powers, more environmental risks, and more difficulty in finding domestic sources of oil.

Foreign Oil Dependence

Alaska is poised to be the leader in the creation and development of clean energy for America. With our state’s abundance of resources, willingness to grow, and can-do spirit, the opportunity for clean, reliable energy is at hand. Already at the forefront of clean energy development, Alaska recently created a bill establishing a goal of 50% clean energy statewide by 2025. We believe building the clean-energy infrastructure is essentail to make that goal, and know that we Alaskans – and all of America – can achieve great things when we set our minds to it.

Alaska Renewable Energy Hot Issues

In an article from CNN, the observation that: “As energy demands soar in emerging markets, the advantage of more efficient and reliable American energy infrastructure is becoming increasingly important” rings true. In order for our country to remain a world competitor, it needs to create it’s own world-class energy infastructure. America’s greatest innovations and successes are built on energy – without it, we’d be unable to be the superpower we are. Unfortunately, we’ve had to spend more money in importing our energy needs instead of producing it on our own shores. By securing our energy needs, we secure America’s future and continue our history of innovation and world leadership.

2014 Jobs Growth Chart

Clean Energy Jobs Growth 2014