Energy

I support and encourage environmentally responsible oil and gas exploration, development and production. I simply believe that Alaskans should benefit from their own resources. In regard to the:

• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
  Because of my commitment to Alaskans benefiting from Alaska’s resources, I support a 90-10 split of revenues as required by the Statehood Act. I also encourage the development and use of new technologies and other measures to reduce air emissions, toxic disposal, and energy consumption produced by plant sites, camps and platforms. I would challenge industry experts to present means to protect the caribou calving grounds and other Alaskan concerns. I have faith that America has the technical know-how and the will to do it.
• On-and-Off Shore Exploration and Development
  I support and encourage environmentally responsible oil, gas and mineral exploration and development provided that such development complies with international, federal and state environmental standards and regulations, is fully considerate of subsistence rights, and harmless to Alaska’s fisheries.
• Mineral Resource Extraction (Mining)
  I support identifying Alaska’s mineral resources (for the primary benefit of Alaskans) and environmentally responsible development that is locally supported and that adequately provides environmental protections that safeguard fisheries.
• Natural Gas
  I urge and support the development and construction of an in-state gas line, and also support spur lines or other expedient and responsible development of rural natural gas wells for local consumption.
• Jobs in Natural Resource Development
  As a former Teamster truck driver, I believe in the power of unions to aid in implementing tougher environmental regulations, and that through unions, many programs may be implemented to protect, train and apprentice local and rural workers in the industry and create other job opportunities. 
• Alternative Renewable Energy Development
  I want to see Alaska lead the nation in the development of renewable energy. I see opportunities for Alaska’s communities in pursuing alternative renewable energy and green technology. With its extraordinary wealth of hydrocarbons, thermal energy and solar exposure, Alaska is uniquely positioned to lead the world in the development of innovative tidal, thermal, wind and solar power solutions. I would support federal legislation modeled on California’s Solar Power Initiative (a law which went into effect in 2007 giving consumers’ tax and industry-backed incentives for investing in solar power).