Palin's recent stimulus rejection pits perception against reality

ANCHORAGE—Gov. Sarah Palin’s recent action to veto nearly $30 million for energy efficiency and weatherization contradicts her own statements on the importance of clean energy.

It was only last month that Palin said “from the very first days of our administration, we have been focused on energy solutions for Alaska...we’re working hard everyday to meet Alaska’s energy challenges.” In an announcement last year Palin proclaimed September as Energy Efficiency Month in Alaska, writing “One of the best things we can do as Alaskans to stretch our family dollars further is to save energy.”

When Gov. Palin vetoed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, she vetoed decades of real savings for Alaskans.

Based on national averages, Alaskans could save somewhere between 10 to 30 percent on their energy bills through energy efficiency building codes. Research in Phoenix, Arizona showed that building a new home to International Energy Conservation Code standards cost an average of $1,517 more than building a home without the code but that that initial cost was repaid in energy savings within 4 years. Over the life of a home those savings average to $11,228 per home. These types of savings are not limited to residential homes; businesses stand to save as well. A 2005 study from Nevada showed that initial cost of building commercial space to energy code standards could be paid back in as little as 2.4 years. And Alaska still stands to gain through lower taxes and added public services by requiring our government and public buildings be more efficient and cost effective.

Governor Palin chose not to accept $28.6 million due to concerns over federal strings attached to a state-wide building energy code requirement. However, according to the Department of Energy a locally-based energy code would be sufficient to satisfy the federal requirements and relieve Alaska from any onerous obligations. Alaska's Legislature, by passing bills in favor of accepting all federal stimulus funds, seems to agree. Palin has also found herself on opposite sides of this issue with the Alaska's Municipal League.

What's more, Alaska is not saving the nation any money as these funds are already allocated. Rejecting the money is the equivalent of Alaska writing a $600,000 check for weatherization and efficiency programs to every other state that has accepted the money. So far, Alaska is the only state not taking advantage of this opportunity.

“Rejecting this money is rejecting an investment in Alaska’s future,” said Caitlin Higgins, Executive Director Alaska Conservation Alliance. “It is a missed opportunity for Alaskans to save real money on their heating and electricity bills and a missed opportunity to promote Alaska as a clean energy leader.”

The Alaska Conservation Alliance is the statewide umbrella group for approximately 40 member organizations with a combined membership of over 38,000 Alaskans. The Alliance unites Alaska's conservation community to speak with one strong voice in the State Capitol.