An influential coalition of climate extremists is working to take control of the energy cooperative that provides electricity to roughly 100,000 Fairbanks area residents.

The Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition (FCAC) is a well-heeled, hard-left, environmentalist group that has worked for years to end fossil fuel use, enact carbon taxation and block state and federal efforts to expand oil, gas and mineral production.

They are also deeply committed to expanding DEI and LGBTQ agendas throughout all levels of government and society.

Currently, the group is backing candidates running for seats on the Golden Valley Electric Association’s (GVEA) board of directors. GVEA is an energy cooperative that uses coal and other means to generate affordable electricity for residents in the Fairbanks and surrounding areas. For years, FCAC has pressured GVEA to end all fossil fuel-generated electricity.

If the climate activists have their way in the current GVEA election, they could add two more allied candidates to the seven-member electrical board, giving them four sympathetic board members. Last year, FCAC-backed candidates Gary Newman and Krista Zappone were elected to three-year terms.

In the current election, FCAC is supporting candidates Dave Messier and Phil Wight for seats representing Districts 1 and 2, respectively.

A recent email alert from FCAC noted that its election canvassing efforts are “in full force,” as it continues to canvass the area in an effort to convince Fairbanks residents to vote for its preferred candidates.

“In-person conversations have been repeatedly shown to be the most effective way to have persuasive conversations about our issues, so hitting the doors this spring is super important!” FCAC told its supporters. “These elections will determine the makeup of the board that will be deciding some really important things for our energy future … Phil and Dave are candidates that we are super excited about, and very happy to be supporting.”

Dave Messier is running against conservative James Strickland, a retired U.S. Navy Submarine sailor and former airline pilot who is proudly associated with the National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Arctic Amateur Radio Club.

Phil Wight is running against committed conservative Margaret Matheson, who has served on the Fairbanks School Board.

For years now, FCAC environmentalists have organized protests, packed public meetings and groomed candidates for public office to advance its multipronged agenda. Progress has been slow, but the climate activists are on the verge of a major victory if conservative voters fail to participate in the GVEA election.

TAKING ACTION

— The Golden Valley Electric Association election for new board members is currently underway. Election ballots were mailed out on May 13. The deadline to return ballots is June 9.

— Residents can vote either by mail or electronically. For comprehensive voting information, click here, or call (855) 761-9111.

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