Representative Tammy Wilson Proposes Stove Exchange Program

JUNEAU — Alaska should send Fairbanks millions to help create a voluntary trade-in program for the community’s older, less-efficient wood-fed heating systems, something that would give the state a major role in helping solve chronic air pollution, said Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole.
Wilson, a freshman representative, asked the Interior Delegation last week for support of almost
$6 million for the borough government, where the mayor’s office has opened a second round of draft plans for a pollution prevention plan. Her colleagues indicated the request could prove a tough sell but remained open to creative efforts to help the pollution problem.
Wilson said Fairbanks must move to meet federally set deadlines as it looks to curb fine particulate air pollution.