The Alaska House’s Republican-led bi-partisan majority is set to discuss legislation that would set aside vast swaths of state land for carbon credit purchases. Introduced by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the idea is to generate revenue for the state by allowing outside companies to purchase carbon credits in Alaska’s wilderness.
Carbon credits are a key feature of the global environmental push aimed at reducing CO2 emissions around the world to fight perceived damages that may result from “climate change” or “global warming.”
Under this proposal, businesses and corporations are graded according to their carbon footprint, or how much CO2 they emit annually. Those deemed to be emitting too much CO2 are then required to offset their emissions by purchasing carbon credits. Failure to do so could result in fines and penalties, depending on where those businesses are located around the world, and what sanctions have been imposed in various regions.
Under Dunleavy’s proposal, Alaska would contribute to this system by allowing companies to purchase carbon credits by leasing state land, which is then placed under strict environmental covenants.
Rep. Ben Carpenter (R-Nikiski), who chairs the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, said he will undertake a detailed analysis of the governor’s proposal, beginning Feb. 10.
“As my colleagues and I review Governor Dunleavy’s carbon capture proposals, we will use the State Constitution and the long-term well-being of Alaskans as a guide,” Carpenter explained. “The Alaska Legislature has an obligation to maximize Alaska’s resources, and we will carefully consider future economic growth and resource development opportunities against any short-term gains accordingly.”
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He added that he “complicated nature” of carbon plan requires his committee to provide the Legislature with subject matter expertise to answer their questions. He also noted that the plan is not without controversy.
“I have received carbon policy feedback from concerned Alaskans and would also like to make clear that, while not a feature of Governor Dunleavy’s current proposals, I oppose any legislation that taxes businesses for carbon generation that would pass on costs to consumers,” he said. “I also oppose any effort to assess a tax on an individual or family’s carbon footprint.”
Rep. Tom McKay (R-Anchorage), who chairs the House Resources Committee, said he believes the state needs to look at new ways to generate more revenue.
“Carbon offset projects may just be part of the solution,” he said. “However, we owe it to the citizens of our state to provide due diligence and explore the effects of the Governor’s proposals.”
The carbon credit plan, House Bill 50, will be discussed in the House Resources committee on Friday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m. There will not be a public comment period, but Alaskans can watch the meeting here.
17 Comments
Where are they getting the subject matter expertise? Is this similar to where we were told “trust the experts” during Covid? There are no experts on this because it is failing where it has been implemented around the world. Look at the economy of Sri Lanka. Look at South Dakota where literally the land is being stolen from the farmers through imminent domain to put in dangerous CO2 pipelines. Reject this legislation!
Well said! I do not understand why anyone of our representatives and leaders would entertain this carbon credit b.s. when, as you stated, we can see that this narrative is failing across the world. IF the governor wants to do something productive, start investigating cold fusion (https://coldfusionnow.org/what-is-cold-fusion/) as a power source for our state and pull away from the globalist narrative of “green energy” and carbon footprints.
The governor and others have been brainwashed by an imaginary crisis, by atheists and those who want to control us.. Never mind the evidence from NOAA climate.gov:”Why did Earth’s surface temperature stop rising in the past decade?” Quote: “Since the turn of the century [2000 A.D,] however, the change in Earth’s global mean surface temperature has been close to zerro.”, Ignore the evidence that when God created the world he set up the ocean to self-regulate surface temperature. The Creation model answers the fears. These globalists do not believe in God. Governor Dunleavy as a Christian, should know better than to follow the athieists. He needs to do his own homework concerning God’s Creation. Never mind what the atheists are pressuring. Next source: Dr. Bjorn Lomborg assuring people all over the world that there is no crisis. His report can be access online. This move by the globalists is for controlling our lives by some atheists who won’t accept the Truth. We have emailed the information to all of those involved in this Global systems. Money is being put in front of Dunleavy and others. Do we serve God or do we serve money. We cannot do both. We will keep repeating ourselves. Look at the evidence not the naysayers.
Ruth, you are disingenuous. Here’s some information from that same article:
“The long-term trend—change over the course of a century or more—is what defines “global warming,” not the change from year to year or even decade to decade.” And: “Even so, recent years have been some of the warmest on record, and scientists expect temperatures will swing back up soon.” And: “each of the last three decades has been successively warmer at the Earth’s surface than any preceding decade since 1850.”
Why mislead?
Sounds like the (EPA) government “grading” corporations is entirely subject to interpretation and hands them ever more power over the public, as corporations will always pass the cost on to consumers to stay afloat. Also, what will stop the EPA to require compliance to ALL businesses?
Again, “Dung-leavy” disappoints… Where the serpents slither in, more will follow… I have to wonder if he is really that ignorant, or simply spineless.. Also, where has he been on trying to protect the PFD ?.. I do realize that he can’t manage the legislature in Juneau, but there are things he can do to help offset the financial mess that they have been cultivating..
Make sure you go to the Podcast for the 2-hour program on KSRM Radio last Tuesday. 1. Go to http://www.radiokenai.com. 2. Click on “Podcasts” at the top right of the Home Page. 3. Go to “The Talk of the Kenai”, both hours 1 and 2 for Feb. 7. You will get the full meal deal. Send it to your legislators.
Thank you for the link Mr. Bird.
We already have over 54 million acres locked up in Federal Lands, this doesn’t include land refuge. The Mat Su Borough leased land to Great Land Trust for a 150 year lock up. Dog mushers aren’t allowed to race their dogs on the Aurora Dog Trails until there’s enough snow coverage. We have land that was once available for motorized recreation and hunting, now it’s closed for motorized usage. If this bill passes, then we’ll have less land to hunt on, and the use of motorized recreation.
We need LESS acreage open to destructive motor toys.
People rely on snowmobiles, motorized boats, and four wheelers to access their homes or cabins. People also, rely on ATV’s to haul their game out. Alaska is different from the lower 48, and people in remote locations need to hunt to survive. This proposed bill will be destructive to rural communities.
The CO2 bs is a scam by the globalist.
And this State Governor is a sell out. There’s enough land locked up by the Feds. This is all a bunch of unconstitutional overreach against Alaskans. I always supported Dunleavy, now I’m regretting voting for him. And he hid this from Alaskans during his campaign. What a looser
Dung please leave us ! My hunger for truth and righteousness is taking over! I sincerely hope this moves across the country!
God help us and please destroy those apposed to you!!!
What happened to my comment??
It was probably marked for moderation. You might have used a word that tripped the moderation flag. It will probably post in the next day or two if approved. Mine get marked for moderation a lot, that is how I know the process.
CO2 feeds plants.. the Amazon has grown due to the small rise levels. We are going to need more food in the future….
I think the governor fell asleep in front of his tv. Brings to mind an old song called “vegematic” by Steve Goodman.
https://youtu.be/HnqtGjHJjs8 . This carbon credit is a scheme that will come back and reduce Alaskans land and rights. Stop this insanity!