Politics

Walker calls for state agencies to collaborate on cutting Alaska energy costs

FAIRBANKS — Gov. Bill Walker, following up on a campaign pledge, ordered state agencies Friday to focus their energies on cutting energy costs for Alaskans.

In an executive order signed while on a trip to Fairbanks, Walker called on state agencies to do whatever they can to help Alaskans deal with energy prices, which he said have had a severe impact on people in many parts of the state.

During his campaign, Walker said he wanted to focus attention on the energy problem. He directed the head of the state Department of Commerce to take the lead to improve collaboration and coordination on energy issues for consumers.

Walker said Friday he wants the commissioner to "bring the appropriate parties together to find solutions for reducing Alaska's energy costs."

The prices of heating oil and gasoline have dropped in recent days in Fairbanks below $3 a gallon, down about 50 cents in the past month. In Fairbanks and other areas along the road system, the drop in world oil prices of more than 50 percent has knocked about 25 percent off the cost of heating oil and gasoline. In rural areas supplied mainly by fuel purchased last summer when oil prices were more than $100 a barrel, there has not been a drop.

On Wednesday, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority restarted a stalled effort to get natural gas to Fairbanks, calling for a $700,000 review of available options, sources and types of fuel. On Friday, Walker said the state Department of Natural Resources would work with AIDEA.

"I will continue to work closely with the highest levels of my staff and cabinet to expedite these efforts and relieve the burden facing Interior residents," he said.

The gas trucking plan, a priority of Fairbanks business and political leaders, faltered mainly because of high construction and operating costs of the plant needed on the North Slope to produce liquefied natural gas.

Dermot Cole

Former ADN columnist Dermot Cole is a longtime reporter, editor and author.

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