WHEREAS, clean and renewable energy is part of Alaska’s energy infrastructure and future. It includes generation from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, tidal, biomass, geothermal, and hydrogen sources, and it also includes nuclear, natural gas, and carbon capture technologies as well as energy storage; and
WHEREAS, with Alaska’s abundance of renewable and clean energy sources, our State is poised to be a leader in energy independence for Alaskans and our fellow Americans without reliance on foreign dictatorial regimes; and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Geological Survey, America relies on China for 80 percent of rare earth minerals that are essential to modern life and to a sustainable energy future. Alaska is home to 49 of the 50 critical minerals, including graphite, cobalt, and rare earths that can help boost a responsible power grid and battery technology in the face of an energy transition and will serve an important role to reduce foreign reliance; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is advancing the Alaska LNG Project, which is the only fully permitted export project on the U.S. West Coast and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 77 million tons per year while lowering energy costs and improving air quality for Alaskans; and Cook Inlet is home to the largest carbon storage potential on the U.S. West Coast; and
WHEREAS, the clean energy sector is a growing part of the economy and has been a key driver of growth in Alaska over the last decade, with public and private investments in renewable energy projects across Alaska. New renewable energy investments serve to increase access to affordable, local energy resources that keep energy dollars circulating in local economies, and create new jobs and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Legislature passed bills now signed into law in 2024 to reform our transmission system, enter the carbon capture and storage markets, and to create a sustainable energy independence fund, that will catalyze investment in energy of all kinds and benefit the People of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, in May 2024, the State of Alaska hosted the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference with attendees from around the State, Nation, and the world, and fostered a robust discussion between the public and private sectors on energy resilience, reducing energy costs, and the future of energy in Alaska and beyond, and will host the fourth annual event in June 2025.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 23 – 27, 2024 as:
Alaska Clean Energy Week
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans, local governments, corporations, and small businesses to support common sense solutions to address the United States’ evolving economic and energy needs and tap into Alaska’s limitless potential to develop clean, sustainable energy solutions for our future.
Dated: September 23, 2024
