Carmony, Eckert named to energy task force

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski has named Wayne Carmony of Matanuska Electric Association and Rick Eckert Jr. of Homer Electric Association to the nine-member Alaska Energy Policy Task Force, created by the Legislature this year to help guide Alaska’s long-term energy policy.

In addition to the governor’s appointments, the task force includes two appointments by the speaker of the House, three by the Senate president, one from the Alaska Department of Revenue and one from the state-owned Alaska Energy Authority.

The task force, created by House Concurrent Resolution 21, sponsored by Rep. John Harris of Valdez, is responsible for reviewing and analyzing the state’s current and long-term energy needs. Recommendations for a long-term energy plan for Railbelt Alaska are due Dec. 31, and similar recommendations for rural Alaska are due March 31, 2004.

Six members have already been named: Mike Barry, Alaska Energy Authority; H.A. ‘Red’ Boucher, Alaska Wireless Technology; Tom Boutin, Alaska Department of Revenue; Dave Carlson, Southeast Conference; Steven Haagenson, Golden Valley Electric Association; and Robert Wilkinson, Copper Valley Electric Association. One seat remains to be filled.