Alaska News

Lawmakers consider creating new state energy department

JUNEAU -- A special House committee on energy is proposing legislation that would consolidate the state's energy programs under one department.

The legislation, introduced Monday, would transfer the Alaska Energy Authority, the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority and certain Alaska Housing Finance Corp. programs such as home energy and weatherization to the proposed Alaska Department of Energy.

Committee co-Chairwoman Charisse Millett, an Anchorage Republican, said it would create a one-stop shop for permits, funding and information for rural residents and help streamline discussion of a statewide energy plan.

The committee will work with the Palin administration and House Finance Committee over the interim to fine-tune the legislation for consideration next session.

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