October 5, 2012

Dear Neighbors,

Success: Compromise Reached on Healy Coal Restart

I applaud the decision reached between the Environmental Protection Agency, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, and Golden Valley Electrical Association to move forward with the restart of the dormant coal plant in Healy. For years I have supported the restart of the plant, under the stipulation that it could be accomplished in an environmentally responsible, efficient manner that kept the best interests of the ratepayers under consideration. I believe the terms of this exciting announcement does exactly that, and can finally offer Fairbanks some tangible relief from burdensome energy bills without ignoring the need to address our air quality challenges.

The Healy Clean Coal Plant, as it is known, will allow GVEA to offset up to 50 megawatts of oil-fired power generation that today ranges between 18 and 53 cents per kilowatt hour with coal-fired power that should average between 10 and 12 cents per kilowatt hour. While lowering operation costs, the plant will also be lowering the amount of emissions from its smoke stacks by upgrading the facility to meet stringent EPA pollution-control guidelines.

I know there are passionate opinions on both sides of the Healy coal debate, and I think this agreement between the EPA, AIDEA and GVEA is indicative of the progress we can make as a state by working together, respecting diverse views, and staying focused on seeking acceptable solutions to our high costs of energy. Similarly, as your representative I will continue to listen, and work hard and respectfully with a wide range of stakeholders, with the best interests of our community always my focus.

Make Your Vote Count

One of the most cherished rights as American citizens is our right to vote. This Sunday, October 7th is the deadline to register to vote in the general election on November 6th. It is also the deadline for anyone who needs to update their registration with items such as an address change.

Please pass along this reminder to your family, friends and neighbors. Anyone who wishes to vote and wants to ensure their voice is heard in the November 6th general election MUST be registered to vote by October 7th. I also want to remind our younger citizens that anyone who will turn 18 by November 6th can also register to vote, even if their birthday is after October 7th.

2 Easy Steps to Register:

1. Go to www.elections.alaska.gov and click on the “Voter Registration Application” link. Or, you can pick up a form at a Division of Elections office, at any municipal clerks’ offices, or the Division of Motor Vehicles.

2. Fill out, sign and submit your voter registration form to any Division of Elections office across the state. You can submit your form by mail, fax or email.

Fairbanks Division of Elections:
Address: 675 7th Ave., Suite H3 Fairbanks
Phone: 907-451-2835
Email: electionsr3@alaska.gov

Please be aware that with the new statewide redistricting plan, your district and polling place may not be the same as in past elections. To avoid confusion the day of voting, you can confirm your polling place ahead of time. You can either:

1. Call the polling place locator to determine your polling place location. Have your voter identification number or Social Security Number ready: 1-888-383-8683

2. Go to the online Polling Place Locator HERE.

PFD Time

With October comes the distribution of PFD checks to all Alaska citizens who properly applied and are eligible. Applications that were assigned ‘eligible’ status by September 21st may have had checks distributed electronically to their bank accounts yesterday, October 4th. A second round of PFDs will be distributed on October 25th. If you have questions about your eligibility status, when you’ll receive your check, or how to apply for a PFD, check out this helpful website.

Final E-News of the Season

In order to ensure full compliance with state ethics guidelines, this will be the final e-news you receive from my office until after the general election. Even though you will not be receiving information from me, please remember: my office is always open for you to stop by, call or email.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,