State asks for feedback on climate change policy

Kayla Desroches/KMXT

The state is soliciting feedback on its draft climate change policy.

It’s a work in progress by a coalition of Alaskans which Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott chairs.

“The Climate Action Leadership Team, which is comprised of citizen representatives across the state, has had two face-to-face meetings, has had multiple teleconferences, has engaged in conversations with many groups and interests across the state.”

The state has closed the public comment period for its draft climate change policy, but it’s still looking for community response.

A small gathering of Kodiak residents met at the convention center yesterday night to give feedback on the policy goals and objectives.

Kodiak local and North Pacific Fishery Management Council member, Theresa Peterson, said rural communities in Alaska could follow Kodiak’s experiences when it comes to its energy grid.

The city is almost 100 percent renewable using hydro and wind power.

“Other communities can use that as a model to kinda showcase how it can create a positive image as well as a positive outcome, and it’s really helpful for community members for our cost of electricity.”

Other people also touched on renewable energy.

Ryan Burt came to the meeting expressly to encourage the use of geothermal energy, especially in state buildings.

“Please put language in to use air or water or ground-source heat pumps. I work at [the Alaska Department of Fish and Game] and it kills me that we have this gigantic fuel tank sitting there and we’re right next to the water, we’re right next to the NIMFS’ building that has a water-source heat pump. Juneau, the feds have it, why don’t we?”

The governor will review the final draft of the climate change policy in September.