(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously approved House Concurrent Resolution 21 by a vote of 34 to zero on Saturday. Sponsored by House Finance Committee Co-Chair Rep. John Harris (R-Valdez), HCR 21 establishes a nine-member Alaska Energy Policy Task Force to review and analyze the state's current and long-term energy needs.

"This task force can develop a long-term energy plan for Alaska that will efficiently enhance the state's economic future," Harris said. "If Alaska is going to have meaningful economic development and technological advancement, we need to orchestrate project planning between different areas of the state, and, between the government and industry."

Alaska's Railbelt claims about 85-percent of the state's energy consumption, and the task force will consider how best to incorporate state-owned Railbelt energy assets as part of the solution for the region's long-term electrical needs. Meanwhile, rural areas of the state continue to seek more electrical infrastructure to decrease energy costs and also require the work of a task force to construct a long-term development plan. The task force will submit a report on Railbelt energy solutions to the legislature by December 31, 2003, and a rural energy plan to the legislature by March 31, 2004. The task force will terminate on April 15, 2004.

"The task force will examine how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed in Alaska in order to meet the state's existing and future electrical needs in the safest and most efficient manner," Harris said.

HCR 21 moves to the Senate.

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05-10-03: House Finance Committee Co-Chair Representative John Harris (R-Valdez) explains the importance of having an Alaska Energy Policy Task Force.

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John Harris 63 K

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