Therriault Bill Encourages DOT&PF to Include Alternative Energy Potential in Public Works Projects 

JUNEAU – Sen. Gene Therriault, R-North Pole, has introduced legislation to require the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to include the possibility of using alternative energy sources when designing and planning for new public facilities. The bill, SB 71, would require that public works be constructed to accommodate or be compatible with a viable alternative energy source that is available or could realistically become available to provide heat and/or electricity to the building.

“This is an opportunity for the state government to lead by example,” Therriault said. “It makes economic and environmental sense to include in the design of new facilities some accommodation for alternative energy, whether that is wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, or in-river hydro.

“With the passage last year of the renewable energy bill, along with appropriations of $150 million to fund projects statewide, the Legislature has chosen to support alternative energy. SB 71 proposes that we take the next logical step by making sure our own facilities support the use of alternative fuels when they are cost competitive.”

SB 71 was referred to the Special Committee on Energy, the Resources Committee and the Finance Committee.

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