In S eptember, 2006, the City of Sitka released its energy plan covering the next 28 years.  After thoroughly analyzing this plan, researching auxiliary studies and documents, and talking with key individuals involved in the development of the plan, the staff at SCS developed their own strategy for helping guarantee that Sitkans have access to abundant, sustainable, and environmentally friendly energy supplies.  15 months into this work, we can now look back and chart some of our successes.  

SCS’s involvement in Global Climate Change and Energy Policy in Sitka 

            In September, 2006, the City of Sitka released its energy plan covering the next 28 years.  After thoroughly analyzing this plan, researching auxiliary studies and documents, and talking with key individuals involved in the development of the plan, the staff at SCS developed their own strategy for helping guarantee that Sitkans have access to abundant, sustainable, and environmentally friendly energy supplies.  15 months into this work, we can now look back and chart some of our successes.      

        When the plan was released, we were all alarmed at the prospect of the proposed hydro-electric developments at Lake Diana given that it would build a road through the cherished Salmon Lake Valley, would result in development within the South Baranof Wilderness, and would have an untold impact on the Wild Salmon Stocks of Redoubt Lake.  However, we were happy to see that among the rational given for this project was that it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of diesel generated power.  We were also happy to see that the plan did include some provisions for energy conservation initiatives.       

       Given the complexities of the issue (hydropower development with reduced greenhouse gas emissions vs. preservation of Wildlands), we decided to work carefully and thoroughly and examine all facets of these issues.   SCS began by submitting our concerns to the official records, and followed up by meeting with City staff and agreeing to cooperate on sustainable energy initiatives and energy conservation efforts that would be good for Sitka, and good for the environment. SCS proceeded to raise the funds to hire a graduate student intern to work on this issue.     
  
      Our hope was that this work would achieve the multiple goals of educating the energy consumer on energy issues, find tangible ways for the energy consumer to save energy and money, and engage the typical Sitkan in energy policy issues.  Most importantly though, we hoped that the project would provide measurable energy savings that would expand the time-window for energy development so that the City and other entities could consider the full range of potential possibilities for energy provision. 

            The energy conservation intern project went down without a hitch and proved very rewarding for all involved.  The intern collected data, interviewed home owners, reported on findings, and developed a set of energy conservation brochures.  The impact of her work is being felt long after she left Sitka.  These results include increased efforts from the electric department to engage the public, more focus on energy conservation measures, more consideration to publicly-prioritized projects, a more energy-educated public, and a stronger sense of cooperation between the electric department and community groups.          

         Meanwhile, during the time the energy conservation intern was working with the City, the federal permit for Lake Diana’s feasibility project was denied because of mounting concerns surrounding the project.  These included impact on fish stocks, road construction, and Wilderness area impacts.  The denial reinvigorated interest in energy from, wind, tidal, geothermal, and increased energy conservation efforts.    It soon became clear to the electric department that Sitka could not rely on a “silver bullet” solution to energy provision, and that providing a sustainable and reliable energy supply would depend on multiple components—in other words, a diverse energy portfolio.  This outlook can be seen in the December 2007 Sitka Power Supply Plan that was recently approved by your Sitka assembly.      

        The new Power Supply Plan looks at a variety of initiatives and goes into much more depth than previous work.  The document, strongly influenced by the SCS energy conservation initiative, outlines Sitka’s energy requirements, and describes ways that energy conservation initiatives can help meet it.     

         The bulk of the document outlines how the currently proposed Blue Lake project is currently the most cost-effective alternative. This involves raising the Blue Lake Dam and adding a third, highly efficient turbine.  Preliminary estimates calculate the Blue Lake project will generate 50% more energy than Lake Diana at 45% of the cost.                  The Sitka Conservation Society supports the Blue Lake Project.  We will comment on the potential environmental issues, including flooding habitat and changing trout habitat, and ensure that the appropriate studies and mitigation efforts are undertaken.  However, we recognize the value of this project for Sitka and the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through conversion to carbon-neutral hydro-power, and we will work to support this project.           
     Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to support this project through our efforts to educate the City Assembly members before the proposal came before them as an assembly item.  This item came before the assembly the same night as the SCS/Sitka Global Warming Group initiated Mayor’s Climate Change Agreement resolution and we were able to clearly outline the interrelationship between the two issues.   As a result of this new focus, the Assembly provided funding for the investigation of additional energy conservation initiatives.  

    We have also worked to call attention to Sitka’s energy needs at the State level with Senator Bert Stedman’s office.  House Bill 152 is currently in his Finance Committee and could potentially set up a fund that would reinvest oil profits in alternative energy projects for small Alaskan communities.  We are working to make a case for Sitka serving as a model sustainable community in energy provision.  We will also work in this direction with the Alaska delegation for support at the federal level.             

    Further SCS action on Sitka’s energy situation includes cooperative work to co-found the Sitka Energy Partnership, which will include various Sitka entities including City of Sitka, US Forest Service, Sitka Economic Development Association, RecycleSitka, Forest Service Wood Products Lab, Sitka Chamber of Commerce, USDA Rural Development, and others.  The charter and goals are still being worked out but initially the group is being formed to help Sitka develop a sustainable energy supply.

              Some of the initiatives that this group is currently looking at include a project that could use Tongass National Forest’s restoration projects by-products (slash) and recycling materials (mixed paper, cardboard) to make wood pellets or bio-bricks for home heating.  Another initiative—and one that SCS has long advocated for—is using fish waster to make biodiesel.  We will continue to update you on the progress made in these initiatives and will make sure that all projects are in the best interest of Sitka and our natural environment.       

      SCS will continue to work to find win-win solutions for Sitka’s energy and environmental issues.  We are confident that with our talented staff, and with the energy and support of the community, we can chart a path towards sustainability here in Sitka.  Thanks for your continuing support. 

To link to the City of Sitka's Energy Plan click here