adn.com | Alaska Politics : Palin pitches $1.2B program to help offset energy costs

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Kyle Hopkins

Kyle Hopkins writes about Anchorage city government and politics. He covered last year's campaign for governor, and has blogged extensively about Alaska politics for the past year. He grew up in Southeast Alaska and was a reporter at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Anchorage Press. E-mail Kyle at khopkins@adn.com

Sean Cockerham

Sean Cockerham writes about Alaska state politics. He spent three years based in Juneau for the Daily News before joining the Tacoma News-Tribune two years ago to write about Washington state politics. He went to Iraq twice for the News Tribune, and previously wrote about Alaska government and politics for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Now he's back in Anchorage. E-mail Sean at scockerham@adn.com

Erika Bolstad

Erika Bolstad covers Alaska issues, including the congressional delegation, from Washington, D.C., for McClatchy Newspapers. Before joining the bureau this summer, she spent seven years as a reporter at the Miami Herald, where she covered politics, government and the state legislature. E-mail Erika at ebolstad@adn.com.

Palin pitches $1.2B program to help offset energy costs

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: May 15, 2008 - 1:22 pm

Gov. Palin and Joe Balash, special assistant to the governor, answer questions about the plan. (Al Grillo/AP)

By STEVE QUINN
The Associated Press
JUNEAU - Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the state's residents.

Grants totaling $475 million would be given to utility companies operating in the state, to be used to lower customer bills.

Palin said she expects monthly bills to be reduced by 60 percent because of the state aid.

Most residents also would receive $100 Energy Debit Cards monthly under the proposal, which requires legislative approval.

The cards would be authorized for purchases from Alaska energy vendors, like heating oil distributors, natural gas and electric utilities, gas stations and other retail fueling stations.

Cost of this program is expected to be $729 million.

The state of Alaska is awash in oil wealth while its residents, especially those in rural areas, pay some of the highest fuel costs in the nation.

With oil prices in the $125 a barrel range, the oil rich state is watching its coffers expand with billions of dollars in surplus revenue.

But in a cruel twist, the state's boom comes at a tremendous cost to its resident, especially the state's 200 plus villages in far flung areas of the state.

According to state estimates, rural families face energy costs two or three times the national average and spend 40 percent of their household income on energy.
It's got some people chopping wood just to heat their home because they can no longer afford diesel fuel.

The urban areas aren't immune, either.

Last month, avalanches took out transmission lines that link Juneau to the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project, which provides 85 percent of its relatively low cost hydropower.
That forced the town onto diesel-driven generators, cranking rates up almost fivefold to pay for the fuel.

It also left the state's capital looking like a ghost town open for business, with residents constantly reminded to conserve.

Stores are dark but their windows bear signs assuring shoppers - mostly throngs of tourists - they are open.

Classes in public schools are being taught with the lights out, relying on natural light coming through windows.

Radio stations use breaks between songs to offer conservation tips, even something seemingly as benign as urging residents to charge cell phones in the cars while driving rather than plugging in at home.

On Thursday, Palin said it's appropriate that some of the extraordinary wealth being generated by Alaska's resources be directed back to its residents.

"Government's treasury is swelling while family checkbooks seem to be evaporating," Palin said. "It's not right while the state sees money pile up in Juneau, the people of the state pay higher and higher costs to use energy sources that they own."

Palin said it's incumbent on the state to put forth the program and not look to the federal government for a bailout.

"We want to answer the call from across Alaska to provide some relief to our homes, to our businesses," Palin said. "We are not going to go to D.C. for help. We can take care of this energy problem ourselves, with our own revenue."

The Legislature must still sign off on Palin's plan. Lawmakers return to work June 3 to review a gas line proposal, and Palin wasn't sure if she would introduce this proposal for their consideration then or at a second special session, which will immediately follow.

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42 May 20, 2008 - 9:42am | Stags_Leap

Sarah -what about those pro-life bills???

why give out millions of our money to subsidize fuel costs, which end up in the pockets of Big Oil, when your important pro-life bills could be considered anew?

Are you a conservative -or not?

41 May 17, 2008 - 1:43pm | Kuskdaka

Thanks for adding subject - a response to ADN's editorial

The Anchorage Daily News, environmentalists, mid-80's Republican legislators all had a hand in killing a favorable energy entity the Alaska Energy Authority – the AEA. The Alaska Power Authority, which became the AEA, had a far sighted mission that was responsible for many highly beneficial energy projects for Alaska.

BOONDOGGLE PROJECTS
The projects, Bradley Lake, Terror Lake, Tyee Lake, Swan Lake, Solomon Gulch, Green Lake, and Blue Lake to name a few, were of course in their time all boondoggles. For the most part they were projects, costs of which, exceeded what they should have been. Nonetheless, all of these projects benefits have superseded any negatives that were predicted in the time of construction.

Susitna, had it not been killed off politically by the Daily News, environmentalists and the wisdom de jour, was predicted to be producing energy for 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. Even had it come in at 9 cents, in today's economy it would still be a bargain.

WHO'S SETTING ALASKA'S AGENDA, FOR WHAT PURPOSE?
Alaska, notwithstanding it's well funded right and left wing constituencies, needs a state energy policy and an entity with sufficient gravitas to make us a leader in energy development in the Western Hemisphere. We will accomplish nothing by only establishing fund accounts – thus far that is what has been done. With greens not wanting development, why would they support an agency to lead the way? Why would energy giants want Alaska any less dependent on them – they can control the agenda if they are the only game in town.

ALASKA IS THE FUTURE OF RENEWABLES
Alaska is an energy giant, both in terms of non-renewable and renewable energy, we need to grow up and cast-off our colonial mantle. I don't think either the environmental community or the present predominant energy industry would enjoy our state manifesting our own destiny - that is why we don't have any advocacy for Alaska establishing an Alaskan policy for our future.

Now, back to the subject at hand. I'd submit that a large degree of the state's population will support some energy relief. Should relief be funded, I'd like to see some discretion on its use. Allow individuals to invest in fuel saving devices and require utilities to make some investments in wind power or other alternative power in return for funds.

POWER COST EQUALIZATION – SURVIVE BUT NOT THRIVE
PCE, while better than nothing, is a means of surviving not thriving. It keeps small communities on life support rather than moving them forward. Clearly this policy needs to be reexamined, because it isn't moving rural towns forward. Oh, and before you start hollering about folks moving to cities, because rural communities aren't – I'd suggest you consider moving to a wind-swept area, because when it becomes cost effective to “harvest” that wind, you may want to live there yourself.

ALASKA SHOULD CREATE AN ALASKA ENERGY CORPORATION
Alaska needs something more than an advisory group dealing with state energy policy. Similarly any large jurisdiction has a government entity working in concert with the private sector developing energy resources. Alaska has been approached by adjacent jurisdictions about working with them. The problem is we have no comparable energy entity – this must change in order to accomplish significant renewable energy development.

ALASKA IS OFF TO A GOOD START – FINALLY DISCUSSING THIS VITAL ISSUE
We can thank the present crisis for bring this issue to a head. The Daily News is on in some respects, but we are all part of the problem and solution. What the Daily News presented is not a solution, its only a reiteration of what has been done to date. I don't entirely disagree with the editorial, only that they presented what has been done, not what need or can be done – what has been done and is suggested thus far is insufficient and incomplete.

40 May 17, 2008 - 1:50pm | juno

North to Alaska as Sara glad hands

Palin makes a name for herself with this international compassionate conservative PR campaign at Alaska's expense. No thought to unintended consequences as people move in with palms wide open. It's all about Sara.

$1.2B plan to help Alaska residents pay for energy
Interactive Investor, UK - May 15, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the state's residents ...

$1.2B plan to help Alaska residents pay for energy
Hemscott, UK - May 15, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the state's residents ...

$1.2B plan to help Alaska residents pay for energy
cbs4denver.com, CO - May 15, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the state's residents. ...

$1.2B plan to help Alaska residents pay for energy
MSN Money - May 15, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the state's residents ...

$1.2B plan to help Alaska residents pay for energy
Forbes, NY - May 15, 2008
Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the state's residents. ...

$1.2B plan to help Alaska residents pay for energy
Conde Nast Portfolio, NY - May 15, 2008
Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the state's residents. ...

Palin Wants to Give Residents $100 a Month to Use for Energy Costs
RedOrbit, TX - 18 hours ago
By Sean Cockerham, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska May 16--Gov. Sarah Palin is proposing an energy cost relief plan to give Alaskans $100-a-month debit cards ...

Gov. proposes to give Alaskans $100 a month for gas
U.S. Daily, ca - May 16, 2008
By Yereth Rosen Subway riders walk through the turnstiles while leaving the US Open in New York September 4, 2007. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson ANCHORAGE, ...

Alaska's governor proposes energy cost relief
Seattle Times, United States - May 16, 2008
By Steve Quinn AP JUNEAU, Alaska — Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by Alaska ...

Alaskans may get $100 monthly gas allowance
Calgary Herald, Canada - May 16, 2008
Faced with some of America's highest energy costs, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin proposed a plan Thursday to provide state residents with special debit cards good ...

Alaskans could get aid paying for energy
Houston Chronicle, United States - May 15, 2008
By STEVE QUINN AP JUNEAU, ALASKA — Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday proposed a $1.2 billion, one-year plan to help offset the high energy costs paid by the ...

Alaska Governor to Alaskans: We'll pay for your gasoline
Macedonia, Canada - May 15, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (MINA) - Faced with some of America's highest energy costs, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin proposed a plan on Thursday to provide state residents ...

Gov. proposes to give Alaskans $100 a month for gas
Reuters India, India - May 15, 2008
By Yereth Rosen ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 15 (Reuters) - Faced with some of America's highest energy costs, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin proposed a plan on Thursday ...

May 18, 2008 - 9:30pm | akgen

juno,

do you know what a AP (associated press) story is?

May 19, 2008 - 7:00pm | _Syrin

gennifer

Do you know what misuse and fraud are? Let me help....The core of Sarah Palin

May 20, 2008 - 7:40am | akgen

he he he...

me thinks you don't know what a AP story is either... lol

May 20, 2008 - 4:53pm | rfn

Obsession, up to a point,

is actually cute!

39 May 17, 2008 - 12:39pm | cat966

At least the Palin administration is doing more than just talkin

Now everyone has a better idea of what to do--At least this package treats everyone in the State the same. Anyone who doesn't like the system can stand at the gas pump and put the gas in someone elses car. The idea of using the permanent fund list is to keep from making a whole new program. It boost the economy and keeps the cost of operations down. Its only a one year program, its not ment to be a new system. Thanks to the forward thinking Palin Administration Team. If you think you have a better idea, where have you been hiding it for so long----NOT----

May 17, 2008 - 12:44pm | AK_Lady

Gimme, gimme, gimme!

I'm a real Alaskan! I want my free guvment money!

38 May 17, 2008 - 11:36am | rfn

Some far better ideas.

First, the current scheme addresses the short term need only. Perhaps it is a bad thing because it will allow too many recent arrivals to stay in Alaska a little longer than they should. It's not good, either, that so many obnoxiously rich individuals might get the money to fuel their hobbies rather than any necessity.

If it happens, it should be a one-year (perhaps two) program only. Defined and sunset in the basic document. Intended to bridge until some longer term "fixes" can be activated. The scope should also be constrained to minimize outlay and permit dedicating funds to some other long-term solutions.

1. Build a moderate diameter "bullet" gas line at 100% state expense using current income rather than bonds that pay out interest.

2. Dedicate the gas through the line entirely to targeted purposes like heating Alaskan homes, making LNG for barge shipment to other parts of Alaska. Accepting applications for purchase of gas to fuel value-added industries that will allow Alaska to export finished products (chemicals, fertilizers, etc.) while opening up decent paying jobs.

3. Fund low-interest loans (not free) to convert vehicles to run on Alaskan compressed natural gas.

4. Purchase small nuclear power plants for rural villages but only where they will replace existing diesel plants, not artificially set up new villages.

5. Build hydro projects.

6. Fund development of tidal energy.

7. DO not waste money on high-maintenance wind power or solar power. Primarily because they are not continuous producers as are nuclear, hydro or tidal. They require storage that is expensive, requires extensive maintenance, and (with current and reasonably foreseeable technology) polluting.

The money is available from current taxation and will increase for several more years as conventional energy prices rise. If these things are put in place before then Alaska will have a rosy future when the rest of the nation is destitute. Of course they'll find a way to steal us blind but that's just to be expected.

Remember all that whining about the petroleum tax being too high? That no Alaskan would get anything from it other than obscenely higher operating budgets and expensive toys that will have to be maintained (or allowed to fall apart) when the money runs out? OK, we got the money. Now let's use some to allow people to continue to live while the beneficial projects move forward.

Alternatively, outlaw rich-kid toys and buy up a bunch of blue-tickets for those who feel they just can't stand living here anymore. Either because they think they can live cheaper in the lower-48 or because they're too genteel.

Shouldn't take more than $10-million dollars to fund the departures. Of course taking names to be sure they don't magically appear on PFD elligibility lists after they're gone.

May 17, 2008 - 2:08pm | Kuskdaka

RFN, some good ideas - wind & tidal backed by hydro works well

Some real good ideas RFN, but who implements or at least conducts the energy orchestra? We have no policy entity today to speak of. See my comments above.

Tidal isn't necessarily continuous, but like wind it can be backed by hydro. Reservoirs act as batteries. Hydro generates when the wind and tides aren't moving.

Geothermal, which you didn't mention, is vast. We just need to transmit some distance, but it appears to be fairly limitless.

May 17, 2008 - 9:39pm | rfn

Moving right along....

We'd definitely need energy coordination. Probably would have to hire someone from another planet to ensure minimal corruption.

Reservoirs, indeed, act as batteries. Case in point is Oroville Dam in California. Excess power from various sources pumps water back up hill from a forebay reservoir so it can be drawn down (again) as needed.

But getting even minimal hydro past Alaska's extreme enviro-left (Fifth Column) is going to be tough enough without also proposing to build reservoirs below the dams and recirculating water instead of flushing it constantly out to sea.

In fact, I've pretty well abandoned any idea of renewable energy actually happening in Alaska because of the various activist groups which seem to think you can magic energy into existence through conservation and thinking "good" thoughts.

No, until the masses come to their senses and hammer a little sense into addled heads, we're doomed. Cold, hungry people sometimes act in extreme ways.

May 18, 2008 - 10:50pm | Kuskdaka

Don't give up so easily - persistence & timing are everything

Things aren't going the way I'd like them to either, but tomorrow's a new day. I just keep pushing and pushing - somethings got to give (probably me) but you have to keep trying.

Regarding physical reservoirs, yes you can do pump back, but if the wind is blowing or the tide is moving, turn off the reservoir and let it fill.

I won't share your pessimism and I'm not Polyanish, I just have to keep trying, cause sooner or later we'll win some.

37 May 17, 2008 - 9:53am | leowassilie

the increase in energy costs for Juneau

is to power up the cruise ships so they can flush their dirty water into our waters.

It is their energy needs that have caused the five-fold increase, make no doubt about it.

The residents have taken energy saving measures into hand which kept their consumption down..keeping the price down.. but around the beginning of May..the behemoths showed up.

36 May 17, 2008 - 9:43am | leowassilie

incentives

We need to offer incentives to small businesses and entreprenuers to develop their own alternative-to-fossil-fuel energy needs. Businesses that can apply for low interest loans and possibly grants would go more toward providing energy relief than giving away money.

Partnering with the rural education and health network only makes sense, where rural Alaska is the rule for energy independence from fossil fuel.

Feeding the consumption model of economic stimulus is not the answer. $100 only adds to the consumption, not relieve it.

On a rare occasion, I agree with Dan Fagan on this point only: we need to invest in infrastructure.

Quit giving away our mining resources and utilitze them to develop them into liquid crystal so we can harness Alaska's enormous solar potential.

Alaska's coastline and tidal force is among the world's fiercest, and steel molds would be better ulitized building turbines than pipelines.

Since the effects are not immediately felt, of course these are on the lowest of priorities.

However, Snettisham is set to be back up before the end of the year, so I do understand and see the point of the one year Sunset.

And yes, they can provide a Sunset in the Bill. For example, does Dan Fagan believe that a $600 economic relief rebate is now set in stone for every year forward with the IRS? No, it is not. It's one of those special provision in the IRS code that has a limit.

35 May 16, 2008 - 10:53pm | juno

Palin's parrot speaks again

Which of Palin's parrots came up with this lame-brained idea of giving every man woman child and baby $100 a month for energy relief? Is Revenue Commissioner Galvin 100% on board with this plan of paving Alaska's streets with debit cards. Is this the same dude who is in charge of the $40 Billion Alaska Permanent Fund? Take a Stand and distribute the whole enchilada to every man woman child and baby. Give it all up.
Parrot: "Pieces of eight. Pieces of eight."

34 May 16, 2008 - 7:20pm | cat966

Hi I'm JUNO again

And I still have my head where the SUN doesn't SHINE

May 16, 2008 - 7:47pm | happycamper

Hi, I'm Junho...

I like to speak French and shave my arms. I'm obsessed with Gov Palin and hang on her EVERY word. In fact, my obsession is borderline psychotic. I don't really understand the good public policy the Governor brings forward for Alaskans, so instead I resort to "frickin" personal attacks. Here's a picture I took of myself today. Bon Jour, Junho http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/133262843_17493c7531.jpg

33 May 16, 2008 - 6:05pm | juno

ADN Why do you censor these posts?

33 May 16, 2008 - 5:03pm | juno
Who knew
"New Energy for AK" and "Take a Stand" meant smile and hand out free $$$ ?
“Andrew, I watch you at these debates with no notes, no papers and yet when asked questions you spout off facts, figures and policies and I'm amazed. But then I look out into the audience and I ask myself, does any of this really matter.”
Apparently, today for now Governor Palin, the importance of having a grasp of facts, figures and policies continues to be the same as when she was on the campaign trail: No it doesn't really matter, just smile and talk about trust and transparency.

31 May 16, 2008 - 6:40am | juno
ADN? Why did you remove my post?
April 2, 2008 Joe Balash used the frickin' word as he talked about a legislator. This was during an official press conference in the gov conference room in Juneau. Palin giggled right after he said it. It did happen though it was never reported in the ADN. Is it now the ADN policy to censor facts and hide the truth from readers?
And now heeeeeeeeeeeere's
Palin gasman Joe frickin' Balash. Giggle Giggle.
Note to ADN: If the frickin' word is appropriate to use during official April 2, 2008 Palin press conference on the third floor of the capitol by Palin administration officials then it’s appropriate for the ADN blog.

ADN? What is offensive about this post that you removed it?
Palin/Parnell - New energy for Alaska?
It takes brains to figure out a solid energy plan. Throwing money at the problem is the sign of the times with this brainless administration.
Palin/Parnell honest? No.
Palin/Parnell ethical? No.
Palin/Parnell transparent? You bet!
It's election year and Palin/Parnell are buying votes.

28 May 16, 2008 - 12:26am | juno
ADN? What is offensive about this post that you removed it?
Sara bucks for Sara votes.
Palin Fiscal conservative? She spouts off "personal responsibility" in every speech. Does she even know what that means? She'd better not use the phrase anymore. Pure pandering.

May 16, 2008 - 12:20pm | juno
Queen of the Bash?
Palin wins hands down.

May 16, 2008 - 9:25pm | akmooster

you would think ADN would appreciate....

any locally produced print associated with them. I wish they would reserve the delete for only the worst of it.

32 May 16, 2008 - 12:49pm | Emperor

Giving credit...

...where credit is due.

For the first time as Governor, Palin is showing some leadership. She is out front on the issue with a proposed approach for the energy crisis in Alaska.

Others can call it pandering or label it as socialism. People may not like the proposal on philosophical grounds. But at least it's an attempt to do something.

This doesn't change my mind about Palin or her administration in general. But in this one isolated case, I think she is getting it right.

Alaskan Best Search ~ Energy Crisis

30 May 16, 2008 - 4:58am | hitman

Some...

call this a handout, socialism, a gimmick, etc. I prefer to call it a dividend for the shareholders of Alaska. If you hate it so much...give it all back!!! Give back all your PFD checks as well. It would be interesting to track how many people don't accept this plan...probably few if any of you who think its a bad idea will give it back.

I don't think its the best solution either...personally, I would rather this massive investment instead either goes to build a new refinery, or just tae our "in kind" oil and have it refined then KEEP IT!!! Give Alaskans a "gas card" and just like the pumps at Freddies and Carrs when you scan it, we get our gas CHEAP!!!

We get the damned stuff "in kind" already. Refine it and SELL it to us on the cheap just like they do in countries all over the world. THERE, its no longer socialism because we still have to pay for it...its just deeply discounted.

May 16, 2008 - 11:17am | erak

Well, I am confused

If I am a shareholder, how do i sell my share(s)? Or perhaps I want to buy yours. If I can't buy, sell or give my so called ownership interest to another party, I don't know how I am a shareholder. I thought when everyone owns something, no one owns it. It is communally owned. Like I say, I am confused.

May 16, 2008 - 10:10am | TheSdog

Hitman

It is not that people call it socialism, it IS socialism.

You talk about being a shareholder in government as if it was a corporation. Think about it, that is socialism is government is industry.

Some of your other solutions such as building state run refineries are all socialist ideas as well.

It is okay to be a socialist and you should be proud of your views. You are scurrying like a liberal trying to call themselves a "progressive."

There are better ways to solve this and many posts on here have already pointed them out.

By the way, I heard you and Bob earlier on the radio and any claims that you are not a mouthpiece for Palin on that sho rng hollow. You two eat up the populist pandering more than anyone.

May 16, 2008 - 4:42pm | hitman

thats...

a plain lie...when I say refine the royalty gas and SELL it to us cheap, thats populism? There is NO way you actually LISTENED. As a matter of fact i expanded on my idea on my KFQD show.

I want to use the royalty gas to be sold to Alaskans cheaply...I also want that 1.2 billion and MORE INVESTED in hydro, nuclear, wind, solar, AND gas.

I guess you didn't listen to that either...

Either LISTEN or save the lies for someone else.

The only thing that rings hollow is your phony assertions about my show, and lack of ANY solutions.

Being critical of EVERYTHING people do without adding to the conversation and without offering ideas is anathema to success, progress, and prosperity.

thanks for NOT listening

May 16, 2008 - 4:56pm | TheSdog

During the time I listened this morning

Bob and yourself were drooling over each other and the Palin pandering move. My claim is not "a lie." Bob and yourself just could not have enough praise for this plan.

Bob was also betting Lyda Green would oppose this although he stopped short of a sophmoric use of profane terminology.

Granted, it was 5 minutes but my statement is true.

You were also claiming people would call the Palin plan "a handout" and "socialism." Well, it is a handout and it is socialism. That is a simple fact. You can approve if you like but at least be honest about what it is.

There have been plenty of ideas on how to fix the problem in my posts. You just call it nothing but criticism because you only want socialist solutions.

As far as KFQD, contrary to the heinous babble of Matt Zencey most conservatives like myself are working when you are on the air with KFQD.

May 16, 2008 - 5:20pm | hitman

wrong again

May I ask what developing hydro, nuclear, gas, oil, and geo-thermal power have to do with socialism? Refining gas and SELLING it is not socialism.

There was no drooling on my part. Again, if you can't seperate the ideas flowing on the show, I don't want a false representation. I know you'll believe whatever you want, but don't characterize me as a Palin drooler.

Your workplace may not be conducive to it, but many conservativwes like yourself have radios or computers in they're offices. I hope they're not all like you, otherwise fagan and myself would have no listeners.

May 16, 2008 - 5:56pm | TheSdog

What exactly is

conservative about not recognizing socialism for what it is?

You cannot deny that this morning when with Bob you called the cards a good idea and were lambasting people who would call it socialism or a handout. You are not being taken out of context on this one Mark.

If the government refines oil and sells it at less than market rates, it is socialism.

As for the alternative energy ideas, you may have talked about them later on KFQD but you did not around 0815 or so this morning on KWHL.

May 16, 2008 - 6:04pm | hitman

Its

called a discount

May 16, 2008 - 6:03pm | hitman

you

didn't answer the question

May 16, 2008 - 6:26pm | TheSdog

Hitman

You are deflecting to whatever you said on KFQD or possibly during your time on KWHL when I was not listening. It may have been significantly different then the endorsement you were giving Palin at around 0815 this morning.

At that time, you were endorsing socialism and ridiculing people for recognizing socialism when they saw it.

The rest of the points you are making, save the socialist refinery, are not far off of what my posts have been saying.

May 16, 2008 - 8:38pm | hitman

Not...

ridiculing...I stated that if others don't come forth with a solution and simply call the governor all those names, then they should refuse any money and give back they're PFD. Hardly an endorsement of socialism.

and know what? I'll apologize for any posts I make that "attack" people. Sometimes emotion gets the best of me and I go off. I just don't like being called what I'm not. I'm a big boy and can take it, but my Italian blood sometimes boils over.

Doesn't mean I can't be a man and apologize and simply stick to an issue.

You're right, I think our posts in general on this are in agreement. ok, save the "socialist" refinery.

enjoy the weekend

26 May 15, 2008 - 11:32pm | black33

Thanks Governor Palin

I think it's great that the governor has proposed a plan to help all Alaskans with short term energy cost relief. While critics can quibble about the details (and certainly the proposal will change as it goes through a public process and the legislature), the fact is that many low and middle income Alaskans are struggling to pay all their energy-related bills.

The Governor has said this is a short term fix. The long term fix will obviously be to bring some low cost energy on line.

For legislators to say "too much" when the state cup is overflowing, or to worry about fraud when there are numerous programs which have debit card-like features with fraud protection, is of concern. Perhaps they should put as much effort into determining how to make a program work- and share our wealth with us. $5 billion was already saved in one year. If the state is already getting another $2 billion or so above recent projections, there clearly is enough to fund a reasonable energy relief package.

25 May 15, 2008 - 11:02pm | akwillis

Not looking to the Feds for help...that's not very Alaskan Sarah

I agree that we should help one another with the windfall we now have. Every Alaskan who needs help paying for energy should be eligible for a low or no interest loan that they must pay back absent bankruptcy. The loan principal would be held at the local welfare office and would require proper documentation to release the funds as necessary once each month with most utility payments by electronic transfer directly to the utility company or direct payment to the customers chosen local gas station where there is a credit account. The funds might also be used for improving energy efficiency of existing homes.
The State Government should initiate aggressive anti-trust proceedings against a retail monopoly that, as a first indicator, is so blatant that it charges exactly the same price at every retail outlet even to the 1/10 of a Penney. Starting in 2009, no new automobiles can be sold in Alaska that cannot use a common grade of gasoline and only that grade can be sold after a certain year. Allow consumers in areas where Natural Gas is available to purchase natural gas from sellers in just the same way communications companies sell services using a common distribution system.
And immediately underwrite the construction of modern nuclear and coal fired power plants for utilities statewide to allow us to reserve fossil fuels for mobility only

24 May 15, 2008 - 10:43pm | haut_monde_ak

Excellent plan that diverts attention from the real issues.

By throwing free money at the public Governor Palin stands once again to win the popularity contest. It doesn't take a rocket scientist nor an economist to figure out that people in this state love free money, lots of it.

But throwing money at people doesn't solve the real problem here. Nor does it require individuals of this state to hold themselves accountable for their actions, ie. energy conservation. This is like giving an acid suppressing drug to an overweight person; it provides a temporary cure of their symptoms but doesn't treat the real problem causing them to need drugs in the first place- their weight.

Governor Palin you stated in your inaugural address "Hold me accountable". We should. But accountability is a two-way street. Throwing money at people isn't the way to increase accountability and so-called "self-reliance" you promote. Like the teen who never wants to leave, eventually you need to cut the umbilical cord.

The Permanent Fund Disaster is just that. It's created a state so full of greed, and has attracted droves of people who move here for the PFD but don't contribute. Instead, they collect the PFD and then collect benefits from social services. We are literally paying people to move here and not work. Why should they when they don't have to? And how much does the state spend to support via social services those who are doing this?

All of those rejoicing at this ridiculous policy are the ones who are apart of the rapidly growing population of Something for Nothing's.

Thank the oil companies by the way, since without them none of this would be happening.

May 15, 2008 - 11:02pm | TheSdog

hma

That sums it up nicely.

22 May 15, 2008 - 9:24pm | happycamper

Good Story

Thanks to Steve Quinn for writing a great story.

And thank you Gov Palin for giving him another positive story to write about. AGIA, ACES, and energy relief--your foresight and leadership are spot on. Thank you for answering Alaskans call for energy relief! I appreciate you're stirring clear of a govt handout, instead focussing on redistributing the State's wealth.

May 15, 2008 - 10:48pm | haut_monde_ak

Clarification....

"I appreciate you're stirring clear of a govt handout, instead focussing on redistributing the State's wealth."

What?

How is this not a government handout? Oh, I get it, just call it "redistribution of state wealth" and that makes it all ok. Justification for another handout- that's the Alaskan way. How sad.

21 May 15, 2008 - 9:19pm | cat966

This is a one year Plan

The long range plan is coming --No other administration has worked on a sustainable energy plan before--One step at a time. Interior Alaskans need relief now--We need to support the administation and help work the long term solutions out. I think the saying goes LEAD--FOLLOW or get the H--L out of the way. We need to be part of the solution and not hinder progress. Thank you for the first step forward.

20 May 15, 2008 - 9:12pm | kenaijeff

kudos but....

we need a real plan.

of course it's politically expedient to push windfall back to consumers. but lowering energy costs only perpetuates the problem.

aggressive conservation is the first step. we waste too much energy and it costs us a lot. then we need to develop energy supplies that don;t have recurring fuel costs - i.e. renewables.

Steve Haagenson is running around touting coal but that's the dirtiest fuel and it's cost is rising at similar rates to oil and gas.

let's embrace the "green is the new red, white and blue" and create an enduring economy where we're not hostage to oil companies and OPEC.

19 May 15, 2008 - 8:02pm | erak

Can we also do something productive?

I would reluctantly be ok with this if Gov Palin would say she wants 10% matching funds for productive purposes. By that I mean an investment to increase oil revenue. And by that I mean a $120 million national media campaign to open anrw. Takes money to make money.

What our national brand politicians (Stevens, the Murkowskis and Young) have lacked is decent public relation skills. Governor Palin possesses natural PR instincts. She should use them to recovery the cost of this handout. It would launch her national brand, which apparently she is interested in doing.

Somebody should take on the loonies I mean greenies over taking burning our food for fuel. She might be the one. Worst case, a bad idea costs 10% more.

18 May 15, 2008 - 8:19pm | Stumpy1

A good first step by Gov. Palin

Gov. Palin clearly understands the paradox that Alaska has... While Alaska may have an 8 billion dollar surplus this year many Alaskans are being forced out of their homes.

But the plan put forward misses the mark.

If the program Sarah has outlined will cost 1.2 billion, then a few hundred million dollars will be transferred to the federal government in income taxes as this will be taxable income for many adult recipients.

And that transfer of money to the federal government can be avoided.

It also does not make sense to pay every Alaskan- regardless of where they live- an energy subsidy. But that is probably just politics in order to win legislative approval.

Some Alaskans- those who rely on oil for heating and electrical generation (in the coldest parts of Alaska) are the ones who are feeling the pain.

Anchorage and most of Southeast are in fine shape- and residents there do not need these subsidies.

If the Governor proposed selling a portion of Alaska's royalty crude (needed for home heating and in state electrical generation) to the refiners at $25 dollars a barrel then those hardest hit by the high cost of crude oil would be in decent shape.

All of this could happen without a new government program that would transfer hundreds of millions of our wealth to the federal government or to people who do not need aid.

17 May 15, 2008 - 7:36pm | haroldb_99501

Nothing like overheating the Economy...

... Rising Prices will more than take out the "Good Intentions of this Idiocy...

16 May 15, 2008 - 7:31pm | truthseeker

Its not that different than what...........

the legislature proposed in this last session. Rep bill thomas' bill would have doled about half this amount but it was single handedly killed by rep les gara in a class warfare snit.

We own the oil and gas, nothing wrong with getting a direct benefit. It will mean more to the poor folks anyway since they spend a greater percent of their income on energy.

Are you listening Les?

May 15, 2008 - 8:36pm | akartisan

Tax Consequences

Anybody know the tax consequences of the project?

May 16, 2008 - 4:04am | richardhoneman

No tax consequences-no ALASKA State tax.

And VERY FEW poor folks(really poor)-not folks who are poor because they can only afford one car or one computer-pay any FEDERAL taxes. Of course the extra $1200 a year COULD put a burden on the poor oil companies. Barbara Honeman

May 16, 2008 - 9:51am | TheSdog

Barb

As usual you have no understanding of the question let alone the answer.

The money on these cards will be treated like income by the feds and people will have to pay taxes on it if they pay taxes when all is said and done.

May 16, 2008 - 11:37am | richardhoneman

Oh I can understand REALLY poor.

Really poor folks don't pay Federal income taxes when all is said and done. Barbara Honeman

May 16, 2008 - 11:40am | rfn

Actually, with the right combination

of deductions, age, physical disabilities and/or dependents it's not hard to achieve zero tax status!

Amazing, for example, how many deductions anyone with a "profession" can accumulate with little or now effort and even, for some, in good conscience.

May 16, 2008 - 9:53am | rfn

Can I have yours if you don't want it?

I'm sure my tax bracket is much lower than yours so giving yours to me would help ensure your goal of the federal government confiscating the lowest possible portion of it!

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Palin pitches $1.2B program to help offset energy costs