NEWS: Legislation to Expand Energy Efficiency Opportunities Passes the Alaska House of Representatives

Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins

More Energy Efficient Buildings Act (MEEBA) Would Allow Nonprofits and Federally Recognized Tribes to Access the Alaska Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2017

Juneau – Earlier today, House Bill 81, which expands the list of eligible entities who can apply for loans from the Alaska Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (AEERLF), passed the Alaska House of Representatives by a vote of 35-1.

The AEERLF was created by the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act in 2010. It authorized the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to make $250 million in low interest loans for energy efficiency improvements to municipalities and school districts. HB 81 would allow federally recognized tribes and non-profits (such as soup kitchens, arts organizations, American Legion posts, and churches) to apply to the same program.

“Energy efficiency is to Alaska as apple pie is to America: wholesome and deserving of bipartisan support,” said Representative Kriess-Tomkins (D-Sitka) “I’m thrilled to see the More Energy Efficient Buildings Act pass the Alaska House of Representatives, and am grateful for the many partners who have lent help and perspective to this effort, from Rep. Charisse Millet to Denali Commission to Foraker Group, among many more. I hope this legislation will empower Alaska’s nonprofits to become more self-sufficient and more energy efficient — twin benefits we can all get excited about.”

HB 81 will now be sent to the Alaska Senate for consideration.

For more information, please contact Alaska House Majority Coalition Press Secretary Mike Mason at (907) 444-0889.

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