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Gov. Forms Alaska Sub-Cabinet
07-189
Governor Forms Alaska Climate Change Sub -Cabinet
September 14, 2007, Juneau, Alaska –Governor Sarah Palin today signed Administrative
Order 238 establishing a sub-cabinet to prepare a climate change strategy.
“Many scientists note that Alaska’s climate is changing,”Governor Palin said.“We are already
seeing the effects. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, retreating sea ice and record forest
fires affect our communities and our infrastructure. Some scientists tell us to expect more
changes in the future. We must begin to prepare for those changes now.”
The Climate Change Sub-cabinet will consolidate the state’s knowledge about the expected
effects of global warming in Alaska, recommend measures and policies to prepare our
communities and residents to respond to expected effects, and guide the state’s participation
in local, regional and national efforts to curb and to respond to global warming.
Members of the sub-cabinet include the commissioners of the Departments of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development; Environmental Conservation; Natural Resources;
Fish and Game; and Transportation and Public Facilities. It is chaired by the Commissioner of
Environmental Conservation.
Administrative Order 238 also directs the sub -cabinet to consult with the president of the
University of Alaska.
“I am proud of the cutting edge work being done at the University,”Governor Palin said.
“Alaska has top -notch scientists working on research and models that will inform and guide
climate change decisions.”
Other than making research available, Alaska can help the nation in other ways. Through the
administration’s aggressive pursuit of a Natural Gas Pipeline Alaska can provide a clean,
domestic, reliable source of energy for decades to come.
The state also has tremendous alternative energy potential. The Department of Natural
Resources already has a program to find renewable energy resources around the State. The
Climate Change Sub-Cabinet will be looking at ways to develop, support and expand
renewable energy resource programs and to promote aggressive development of renewable
energy sources such as geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, and in -stream energy.
In addition to signing the Administrative Order, the Governor is signing a letter that adds
Alaska as an observer to the Western Climate Initiative. The Western Climate Initiative is a
collaboration launched in February 2007 between the Governors of Arizona, California, New
Mexico, Oregon and Washington to meet regional challenges posed by climate change.
The additional steps announced today add to efforts underway. DEC has begun working with
other agencies and has formed workgroups, started working with communities, federal
agencies, the legislative Climate Impact Assessment Commission and the Congressional
Delegation. The Governor’s Washington, D.C. office is already working closely with the
Congressional Delegation on federal legislation to ensure that Alaska benefits from any such
legislation. The Palin Administration is coordinating with the Arctic Research Commission to
identify opportunities for state involvement in research and policy matters in the Arctic as
changing conditions draw increased global attention to this area.
In other news:Governor Palin signs
Senate Bill 4 at the Governor’s Annual
Picnic in Anchorage. Senate Bill 4,
passed during the special session,
creates the Senior Benefits Program.
Eligible seniors may receive up to
$250 a month based on their income.
Full story >
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9/30/2007http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=608