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A decades-old northern dream has taken a major step forward after the panel tasked with reviewing the Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline concluded that it should go forward.
The joint review panel, which has spent the past half-decade assessing the pipeline, has concluded that the $16.2-billion project “would deliver valuable and lasting overall benefits, and avoid significant adverse environmental impacts.”
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Kake Tribal Corp President's letter to Petersburg Pilot
November 28, 2009
Ron Loesch Publisher and Editor Petersburg Pilot Box 930 Petersburg, AK 99833
pilotpub@gmail.com RE: Letter to the Editor on Hydropower and connectivity to Kake
Dear Mr. Loesch
I read your November 19 guest editorial. I would like to offer a positive but different perspective for all to consider. Our corporation represents most of the original families of Kake and many in Petersburg. Petersburg, Ketchikan and Wrangell all benefit from heavily subsidized hydropower resources and transmission infrastructure. According to the State of Alaska Department of Revenue, the Tyee and Swan generation facilities and the Swan Tyee Intertie was gifted by large direct State subsidies amounting to $268 million dollars with a small balance coming from government subsidized loans. Theoretically, the government owns these projects to provide subsidized power cost for the benefit of all Alaskans, including the rural communities. Government sponsored socialized power is beneficial when it is equally shared among its citizens, but as you can see by visiting Kake or Angoon this public strategy has failed to bring our people and industry low cost power.
Kake has received promises and waited 40 plus years for an intertie to bring us this cheap power. All SEAPA communities are in the process of converting municipal buildings, businesses and homes from oil to cheap electric heat. Is there a guarantee of SEAPA power to sell Kake from these government subsidized assets? Assuming Kake gets an intertie, is there a guarantee that SEAPA will sell electricity to Kake at the same 6.8 cent per kilowatt rate?
Contrary to your editorial the public and private cooperative developments in Thomas Bay are not unique. Many infrastructure projects around the country have public and private cooperative agreements because this yields lower costs, more efficient management and serves the ratepayer better. Wrangell already has a lucrative power sales agreement from Cascade so there is even a local example. Despite rhetoric, Cascade and the City of Angoon projects appear ready to work with others to deliver low cost power, including Petersburg.
The public and private Thomas Bay projects will provide much needed family wage jobs for Kake residents, Angoon residents, Wrangell residents, and yes, Petersburg residents as well. Each hydropower project expects to produce 130 direct jobs and many indirect jobs. Petersburg’s restaurants and businesses would most likely appreciate the extra business. The public/private Thomas Bay projects would be able to sell lower cost competitive power to Kake so we can rebuild our community with the substantially equal power costs enjoyed by Wrangell and Petersburg. What is wrong with energy self determination and independence from government?
1
Further, rational thinking dictates that the Kake to Petersburg Intertie will be constructed along the least expensive route. Everyone understands that the lowest cost route is the route that intersects with the Cascade, Ruth and Scenery hydropower projects that will flood not only Kake but all of Southeast Alaska with low cost hydropower. The south-central route for the Kake Intertie would burden the Kake ratepayer with excessive O&M transmission costs if these costs are not shared with the hydro projects in Thomas Bay on the proposed Northern route. The least expensive route is the one that delivers the lowest cost per kilowatt hour to Kake ratepayer.
Your guest editorial also fear baited the claim that Thomas Bay power will fuel mines and lead to water contamination all because of the public/ private development of Thomas Bay. This statement is baseless and demonstrates a lack of depth of understanding. The power from the projects will be sold locally and then the surplus to the lower 48. Many of the original families of Kake and Petersburg have fought for and served our country. Please explain what is wrong with providing ourselves and our nation with energy security and lessening our dependence on foreign oil supplies while reducing green house gas emissions at the same time?
Your guest editorial suggests that electrical costs will increase with private participation in hydropower and transmission. The comparative cost and associated success of the recent FERC competitive process is a prime example of how private industry brings the public sector superior know-how and competition that pure governmental intervention and management could never match.
Kake Tribal Corporation has invested in Cascade Creek, LLC and wholly supports the City of Angoon’s development of Scenery and Ruth Lakes because these projects will deliver the lowest cost power to the citizens of Kake regardless of politics and that is doing the right thing by our people and our region. The unsuccessful strategy deployed by PMPL has resulted in no Petersburg FERC permit, no Petersburg job creation, nor has it led to lower cost of power for Petersburg now or in the future nor has it helped the region increase its energy security. Your strategy dictates that you have and will continue to buy more diesel generators. Contrary to your editorial, a new tactic might be better serving the needs of Petersburg by beginning to work with your neighbors instead of inciting them. I suggest that you try a fresh approach to constructive engagement and you will find cooperative friends as well as economic and energy benefits for Petersburg and its ratepayers.
Sincerely,
Harold Martin President, Kake Tribal Corporation Box 32034 Juneau, AK 99803-2034
Ron Loesch Publisher and Editor Petersburg Pilot Box 930 Petersburg, AK 99833
pilotpub@gmail.com RE: Letter to the Editor on Hydropower and connectivity to Kake
Dear Mr. Loesch
I read your November 19 guest editorial. I would like to offer a positive but different perspective for all to consider. Our corporation represents most of the original families of Kake and many in Petersburg. Petersburg, Ketchikan and Wrangell all benefit from heavily subsidized hydropower resources and transmission infrastructure. According to the State of Alaska Department of Revenue, the Tyee and Swan generation facilities and the Swan Tyee Intertie was gifted by large direct State subsidies amounting to $268 million dollars with a small balance coming from government subsidized loans. Theoretically, the government owns these projects to provide subsidized power cost for the benefit of all Alaskans, including the rural communities. Government sponsored socialized power is beneficial when it is equally shared among its citizens, but as you can see by visiting Kake or Angoon this public strategy has failed to bring our people and industry low cost power.
Kake has received promises and waited 40 plus years for an intertie to bring us this cheap power. All SEAPA communities are in the process of converting municipal buildings, businesses and homes from oil to cheap electric heat. Is there a guarantee of SEAPA power to sell Kake from these government subsidized assets? Assuming Kake gets an intertie, is there a guarantee that SEAPA will sell electricity to Kake at the same 6.8 cent per kilowatt rate?
Contrary to your editorial the public and private cooperative developments in Thomas Bay are not unique. Many infrastructure projects around the country have public and private cooperative agreements because this yields lower costs, more efficient management and serves the ratepayer better. Wrangell already has a lucrative power sales agreement from Cascade so there is even a local example. Despite rhetoric, Cascade and the City of Angoon projects appear ready to work with others to deliver low cost power, including Petersburg.
The public and private Thomas Bay projects will provide much needed family wage jobs for Kake residents, Angoon residents, Wrangell residents, and yes, Petersburg residents as well. Each hydropower project expects to produce 130 direct jobs and many indirect jobs. Petersburg’s restaurants and businesses would most likely appreciate the extra business. The public/private Thomas Bay projects would be able to sell lower cost competitive power to Kake so we can rebuild our community with the substantially equal power costs enjoyed by Wrangell and Petersburg. What is wrong with energy self determination and independence from government?
1
Further, rational thinking dictates that the Kake to Petersburg Intertie will be constructed along the least expensive route. Everyone understands that the lowest cost route is the route that intersects with the Cascade, Ruth and Scenery hydropower projects that will flood not only Kake but all of Southeast Alaska with low cost hydropower. The south-central route for the Kake Intertie would burden the Kake ratepayer with excessive O&M transmission costs if these costs are not shared with the hydro projects in Thomas Bay on the proposed Northern route. The least expensive route is the one that delivers the lowest cost per kilowatt hour to Kake ratepayer.
Your guest editorial also fear baited the claim that Thomas Bay power will fuel mines and lead to water contamination all because of the public/ private development of Thomas Bay. This statement is baseless and demonstrates a lack of depth of understanding. The power from the projects will be sold locally and then the surplus to the lower 48. Many of the original families of Kake and Petersburg have fought for and served our country. Please explain what is wrong with providing ourselves and our nation with energy security and lessening our dependence on foreign oil supplies while reducing green house gas emissions at the same time?
Your guest editorial suggests that electrical costs will increase with private participation in hydropower and transmission. The comparative cost and associated success of the recent FERC competitive process is a prime example of how private industry brings the public sector superior know-how and competition that pure governmental intervention and management could never match.
Kake Tribal Corporation has invested in Cascade Creek, LLC and wholly supports the City of Angoon’s development of Scenery and Ruth Lakes because these projects will deliver the lowest cost power to the citizens of Kake regardless of politics and that is doing the right thing by our people and our region. The unsuccessful strategy deployed by PMPL has resulted in no Petersburg FERC permit, no Petersburg job creation, nor has it led to lower cost of power for Petersburg now or in the future nor has it helped the region increase its energy security. Your strategy dictates that you have and will continue to buy more diesel generators. Contrary to your editorial, a new tactic might be better serving the needs of Petersburg by beginning to work with your neighbors instead of inciting them. I suggest that you try a fresh approach to constructive engagement and you will find cooperative friends as well as economic and energy benefits for Petersburg and its ratepayers.
Sincerely,
Harold Martin President, Kake Tribal Corporation Box 32034 Juneau, AK 99803-2034
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Kake Tribal - An ANCSA village corporation - asks, why has Kake been left behind? from Petersburg Pilot
Petersburg PilotKake Tribal clarifies Cascade Creek, LLC partnership
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Opinion : Atomic energy missing from source talks - Frontiersman
Opinion : Atomic energy missing from source talks - Frontiersman
Posted using ShareThis
With all the discussions about alternative energy sources — wind, tides, sun — nuclear energy has been largely left out of the conversation in Alaska.
Perhaps it’s understandable given that nuclear energy can be used as a weapon. Then there’s the Three Mile Island incident in 1979 that some Alaskans remember. The worst, of course, was the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 when Soviet scientists tried an experiment that went bad, causing radiation contamination over much of Europe.
However, nuclear power plants have been safely operating for decades in many countries. In fact, the Three Mile Island plant is still in operation.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s website says there are more than 100 nuclear generating plants in the U.S. alone. They generate about 19 percent of the nation’s electricity. Nuclear plants provide about 16 percent of the world’s electricity. But no new ones have been built in the United States since 1996.
Posted using ShareThis
With all the discussions about alternative energy sources — wind, tides, sun — nuclear energy has been largely left out of the conversation in Alaska.
Perhaps it’s understandable given that nuclear energy can be used as a weapon. Then there’s the Three Mile Island incident in 1979 that some Alaskans remember. The worst, of course, was the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 when Soviet scientists tried an experiment that went bad, causing radiation contamination over much of Europe.
However, nuclear power plants have been safely operating for decades in many countries. In fact, the Three Mile Island plant is still in operation.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s website says there are more than 100 nuclear generating plants in the U.S. alone. They generate about 19 percent of the nation’s electricity. Nuclear plants provide about 16 percent of the world’s electricity. But no new ones have been built in the United States since 1996.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Alaska governor proposes road to Brooks Range petroleum deposit - Newsminer
Click here for full story
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Gov. Sean Parnell will ask legislators for $8 million for preliminary work that could lead to construction of a 90-mile road to oil and gas reserves in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Gov. Sean Parnell will ask legislators for $8 million for preliminary work that could lead to construction of a 90-mile road to oil and gas reserves in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Terrace Standard - Alaskans eye B.C. power line
Terrace Standard - Alaskans eye B.C. power line
A COALITION OF Alaskan politicians and business leaders can’t wait for the Northwest Transmission Line to be built up Hwy37 North, saying the line is the key to wealth and jobs in the Alaskan Panhandle.
The line is to terminate at a substation at Bob Quinn just off of the highway and a mere 70 miles from where an American transmission system now stops on the other side of the border with the Panhandle.
A COALITION OF Alaskan politicians and business leaders can’t wait for the Northwest Transmission Line to be built up Hwy37 North, saying the line is the key to wealth and jobs in the Alaskan Panhandle.
The line is to terminate at a substation at Bob Quinn just off of the highway and a mere 70 miles from where an American transmission system now stops on the other side of the border with the Panhandle.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Draft plan suggests merging utilities AP Juneau Empire
Click here for story and blog response
FAIRBANKS - AP A draft plan on statewide electrical generation in Alaska suggests savings by consolidating six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and the Southcentral region.
The Regional Integrated Resource Plan, released last week, analyzed Alaska's electrical infrastructure and suggested that consolidation could make it easier to shift the state toward more renewable power.
FAIRBANKS - AP A draft plan on statewide electrical generation in Alaska suggests savings by consolidating six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and the Southcentral region.
The Regional Integrated Resource Plan, released last week, analyzed Alaska's electrical infrastructure and suggested that consolidation could make it easier to shift the state toward more renewable power.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Report says Fairbanks, Southcentral could see big savings with central utility - Newsminer
Report says Fairbanks, Southcentral could see big savings with central utility
A draft plan on statewide electrical generation suggests big savings are to be found if six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and Southcentral consolidate.
Directors at the Fairbanks utility, Golden Valley Electric Association, generally agree, though they and their counterparts across the state have yet to agree on how to get there without saddling customers with higher short-term electricity prices.
A draft plan on statewide electrical generation suggests big savings are to be found if six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and Southcentral consolidate.
Directors at the Fairbanks utility, Golden Valley Electric Association, generally agree, though they and their counterparts across the state have yet to agree on how to get there without saddling customers with higher short-term electricity prices.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Gas line questions remain - Dermot Cole
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Gas line questions remain
Gov. Sean Parnell’s response to the questions asked by Rep. Jay Ramras doesn’t provide any detailed answers about the status of in-state gas projects. It’s basically a “Thanks for your letter, now please go away” approach.
Gov. Sean Parnell’s response to the questions asked by Rep. Jay Ramras doesn’t provide any detailed answers about the status of in-state gas projects. It’s basically a “Thanks for your letter, now please go away” approach.
Governor Parnell Visits - Wrangell Sentinel
Wrangell Sentinel - the oldest continuously published paper in Alaska.
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell was expected to briefly tour Wrangell this Wednesday during part of his visit to the Southeast. The governor had a scheduled meeting in Ketchikan and decided to make a brief stop in Wrangell as part of an unplanned visit, according to the governor’s office.
During his visit the governor was anticipated to meet with the borough assembly to discuss five of 42 projects selected as priorities by the assembly. Those projects included the completion of paving for both Cassiar and Weber streets, the continued expansion of Wrangell’s medical facilities, the Alaska/British Columbia intertie, and improvements for the Marine Service center.
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell was expected to briefly tour Wrangell this Wednesday during part of his visit to the Southeast. The governor had a scheduled meeting in Ketchikan and decided to make a brief stop in Wrangell as part of an unplanned visit, according to the governor’s office.
During his visit the governor was anticipated to meet with the borough assembly to discuss five of 42 projects selected as priorities by the assembly. Those projects included the completion of paving for both Cassiar and Weber streets, the continued expansion of Wrangell’s medical facilities, the Alaska/British Columbia intertie, and improvements for the Marine Service center.
The Alaska Journal of Commerce - State is working toward energy solutions in Cook Inlet 12/04/09
The Alaska Journal of Commerce - State is working toward energy solutions in Cook Inlet 12/04/09
Commentary offered by former State Senator Gene Theriault, Governor Parnell's in-state energy advisor
Commentary offered by former State Senator Gene Theriault, Governor Parnell's in-state energy advisor
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Strategizing for a stable economic future - Alaska Dispatch
Strategizing for a stable economic future
Alaska's economic future is in trouble.
The state's economy is stagnating as the national economy grows, and it's expected to remain stalled through the next decade if no one takes action, Michael Catsi, president of the Alaska Partnership for Economic Development, told legislators at a hearing Friday in Anchorage.
Alaska's economic future is in trouble.
The state's economy is stagnating as the national economy grows, and it's expected to remain stalled through the next decade if no one takes action, Michael Catsi, president of the Alaska Partnership for Economic Development, told legislators at a hearing Friday in Anchorage.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Our view: Put wind to work: ADN Editorial | adn.com
Our view: Put wind to work: ADN Editorial | adn.com
The most powerful message in Sunday's Daily News story about wind turbines and other renewable power projects in Alaska is simply that they exist. They are working.
The most powerful message in Sunday's Daily News story about wind turbines and other renewable power projects in Alaska is simply that they exist. They are working.
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