Alaska State Legislature House and Senate Democrats

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Berkowitz Named "New Democrat of the Week"
Carbon sequestration bill wins national attention for Alaska

ANCHORAGE – The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) this week named House Democratic Leader Ethan Berkowitz (D-Anchorage) as the organization's "New Democrat of the Week" for the week of June 16, 2003. Berkowitz was selected for his sponsorship of House Bill 196, a bill to authorize State research into carbon sequestration.

Carbon sequestration, a process also known as "carbon credits," is an emerging world emissions market with the potential to raise nearly $400 million for the Alaska treasury.

"I am honored that carbon credits have brought Alaska some national attention," said Berkowitz. "And what is more, four hundred million dollars could give the Legislature some significant fiscal breathing room."

DLC's New Democrats representative David Billings says Berkowitz was selected out of hundreds of people across the United States. "We look for someone who has done innovative work and who fits with the New Democrats' ideals: progressive ideas, mainstream values, and innovative solutions that reflect changing times."

For more information about the award, visit the DLC’s website, “New Democrats Online” – www.ndol.org.

* DLC News Release attached

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