JUNEAU, AK — Today, the Alaska House Republican Caucus expressed deep frustration about the cancelled floor session and said legislative leadership are failing to take Alaska’s energy crisis seriously.
Republican lawmakers argue that the cancellation is a clear sign that leadership is neglecting the sharp rise in electricity bills around the state, coupled with preparations underway to import natural gas.
With the Railbelt rapidly running out of natural gas, residents face even higher utility bills, potential brownouts, and economic instability. Despite the urgency, the House daily calendar was wiped clean today, delaying critical debates on energy infrastructure, tax relief, and a plan to develop Alaska’s LNG resources.
House Republicans are additionally frustrated that the Legislature is attempting to attach an S corporation tax to the gasline bill instead of considering it as separate legislation. The two distinct policy issues deserve independent debate. Combining them makes it more difficult to fully assess the merits and consequences of each proposal.
“Canceling today’s floor session is an insult to every Alaskan wondering how they are going to heat their homes or keep the lights on next winter,” said Minority Leader Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer. “We did not come to Juneau to sit in empty rooms while the historic Alaska LNG project knocks on our front door. Every day we waste without passing meaningful legislation is a day we edge closer to an economic disaster. Leadership needs to stop hitting the pause button and start treating this as a pressing need.”
House Republicans have continually pushed for a multi-pronged approach to the energy crisis, including:
Support for property tax breaks to jumpstart the Alaska LNG project
Streamlining permitting to accelerate new domestic oil and gas exploration in Cook Inlet
Cutting red tape for renewable energy projects and independent power producers to diversify the grid
Establishing critical financial safeguards to protect consumers from soaring imported LNG costs
House Republicans said the speaker’s decision to cancel the floor session that he himself scheduled shows he and his majority prefer gridlock over the immediate, critical needs of the people of Alaska.
“Alaskans expect us to work, debate, and deliver solutions,” Minority Whip Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, said. “We are ready to vote on energy relief today. It is time for leadership to step up, put Alaskans first, and do the hard work of solving the energy crisis.”
Media Contact: Amanda Bohman, (907) 378-6809