RDC Comment Letter:
Support of HB20-Fisheries Loans for Energy Efficiency

February 3, 2009

Representative Bryce Edgmon, Chairman

House Fisheries Committee

Alaska State Legislature

State Capitol, Room 416

Juneau, AK  99801

RE:  HB20-Fisheries Loans for Energy Efficiency

Dear Representative Edgmon:

On behalf of the Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc., (RDC), I am writing in support of HB20-Fisheries Loans for Energy Efficiency.

RDC is a statewide, non-profit, membership-funded organization founded in 1975.  The RDC membership is comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, timber, tourism, and fisheries industries, as well as Alaska Native corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms.  RDC’s purpose is to link these diverse interests together to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

Throughout the last several years, Alaskans have been struggling with high energy costs.  Fuel costs and usage have escalated as fisherman are required to go further out for catch due to impacts from endangered species listings, critical habitat designations, marine protected areas, and fish movement.  Opportunities to improve energy efficiency through state loans are important not only for the pocket books of the fisherman who harvest over half of this nation’s total catch, but also for the environment—increased efficiency will likely lead to lower costs and ultimately decreased carbon emissions.

We encourage the committee to vote in favor of this bill.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.