eNews from Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Statement

eNews from Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Murkowski Sponsors the Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007

Senator Stevens and I joined a bipartisan group of six senators in introducing major legislation to address global climate change by reducing carbon emissions, encouraging technological innovation, and developing alternative fuels.

The Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), would establish a "cap and trade" program which sets annual targets for carbon emission reduction.

Carbon-emitting power plants and businesses would be allowed to buy, sell,
and trade credits equal to their emissions to reach their target emission levels. To ensure these industries are able to meet their targets, the cap and trade program also establishes an allowance system, which would initially grant 76 percent of the credits for free and make all remaining credits
available for purchase through auctions.

In Alaska we have been feeling the impacts of a warming climate for decades. The permafrost is melting, Arctic ice is disappearing and wildlife habitat is changing. It is responsible for us to take actions to reduce carbon emissions, as long as we can do it without harming our economy. By starting now with a program that funds and spurs technological research and development we can purchase an insurance policy against catastrophic climate effects at relatively little cost. The legislation would send clear price signals now that carbon will cost more in the future and would encourage new technology, alternative energy, and consumer purchases that will cut emissions. In contrast to prior proposals, such as the Kyoto Protocol, this legislation would avoid drastic economic repercussions for not meeting standards for carbon reduction.

Senator Murkowski Speaks on the Impact of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic

I spoke at the National Ice Center and U.S. Arctic Research Commission's symposium: Impact of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval and Maritime Operations.

The symposium brought together representatives from scientific agencies, the military and other government agencies to discuss the many policy implications of an ice-free Arctic. The U.S. Arctic Research Commission and the National Ice Center, a joint agency that consists of personnel representing the U.S. Navy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard, coordinated the event.

Senator Murkowski Congratulates the Rural Alaska Honors Institute

I would like to congratulate and thank the Rural Alaska Honors Institute, which celebrated its 25 year anniversary this past week. The RAHI program is aimed at rural and Alaska Native students who have completed their junior or senior year of high school with at least a 3.0 grade point average. Proposed in 1982 by the Alaska Federation of Natives, RAHI emphasizes a challenging
university curriculum and a residential program to acquaint students with college life and expectations.

Senator Murkowski Hikes the Chilkoot Trail

I celebrated my birthday by hiking the Chilkoot Trail with family and friends while in Alaska over the Fourth of July. The historical trail was a very rigorous but rewarding climb. During the Klondike Gold Rush the trail was an essential link from Skagway to the Interior, allowing access to hopeful prospectors.

This was my third time on the Chilkoot Trail; I made the 33 mile trek once in high school and again my freshman year of college. We were lucky to have perfect Alaskan weather for our entire trip, accentuating the stunning natural beauty of the trail from Dyea, Alaska to Bennet, British Columbia.

Senator Murkowski attends AWAIC Summer Solstice

Last month I stopped by one of my favorite events of the year, the AWAIC Summer Solstice Fair.

The Alaska Women's Aid in Crisis has been serving our state for 30 years. The organization has a vision of a community with no domestic violence and the belief that everyone has a right to live in a fear-free environment. AWAIC is committed to eliminating domestic violence by helping people to live and love without violence.

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