Draft climate policy out; feedback sought

Petroleum News

A draft climate policy has been released by Alaska Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott. The work was done by the Climate Action for Alaska Leadership Team which began work in December.

A joint statement from the governor and lieutenant governor released May 9 said: “The Alaskans who serve on the climate team have worked hard to create a draft policy that reflects our priorities for health, culture, safety, and the economic future of our state. While this group represents a diversity of regions and perspectives across Alaska, it’s necessary to hear from members of the public to ensure this policy and our future climate action plan reflect the needs and interests of all Alaskans.”

The draft document and a link for online comments are available at: http://climatechange.gov.alaska.gov/policy/. Comments are requested by June 4.

The administration said the climate action team “is composed of experts and community leaders with backgrounds in science, industry, entrepreneurship, community planning, natural resource development, environmental protection, and policymaking.”

The team, chaired by Mallott, “is focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation through economic opportunity, renewable energy and energy efficiency, coastal resilience, science communication, and technological innovation.”

An initial climate action plan will be presented to Walker in September.

- Petroleum News