According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Alaska ranks 41st among the 50 states in terms of its commitment to energy efficiency. Perhaps that comes as no surprise, given that 90% of our state income is from oil revenue. But perhaps you've heard that oil is a non-renewable resource, and Alaska's supply is dwindling.
That's why the co-chairs of the Alaska Senate Resources Committee are introducing legislation to ramp up our efficiency efforts. Drill, baby, drill does not an energy policy make, no matter how chipper it sounds on the campaign trail.
Among the proposed action would be Statewide Building Energy Codes for both residential and commercial construction. A new concept for Alaskans, but one that's long overdue. In Alaska's housing industry, quality has been sacrificed under the guise of independence. Shoddy homes constructed in places where there are no building standards are more than just the homeowner's problem when they waste resources that all of us need. Expect a lot of heated discussion about the proposed changes, though. Alaskans are notorious about not wanting to be regulated.
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