SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Requesting the Governor to investigate and report to the legislature regarding the development of a large coal power plant and associated electric grid to provide energy to residents of the state. 10:09:20 AM Co-Chair Kelly explained SCR 16. He felt that the energy portfolio in Alaska was not diversified. He remarked that Alaska could provide the need for coal in the world for 100 years. 16 requests the Governor investigate the development of a large coal power plant and associated electric grid and to evaluate the costs and benefits of coal-generated energy with respect to other energy sources. Today, it is unfashionable to talk about our most abundant energy source, Coal. Alaska has enough coal to provide for peoples' needs for hundreds of years. It is a plentiful and inexpensive source of energy. Coal power plants are more efficient than ever. Some proposed and experimental plants even remove carbon dioxide. Coal is far more abundant globally than either oil or natural gas. Fashions change, but if we fail to have this conversation today, we will have failed to keep this option open for future generations of Alaskans. This is that day, and we need to advance the conversation on coal today so it remains in our vernacular for tomorrow. Yes, coal requires mining, and there are individuals and corporate entities that attack any effort to disturb the earth so as to provide for mankind. They are part of the conversation, but often shout too loudly about issues of possible relevance outside, that do not apply to Alaska's coal. Coal can be used to heat homes, it can power communities. Alaska has 40 percent more coal than the Lower 48. Alaskan coal is ultra-low sulfur fuel without concentrations of trace elements considered harmful and is the cleanest not only in the United States, but perhaps the world. It is the ideal fuel, with the best chance of attaining the mandates of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. Coal is not just our past, but is also part of our future. We have the ability to secure Alaska's energy independence with a resource that is abundant in our state. SCR 16 will help keep coal in our consciousness as a solution to our energy needs. He felt that the current fiscal note did not provide an accurate reflect the legislation's intent. 10:16:30 AM CARLY WIER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified against SCR 16. She felt that it was irresponsible to build a power plant without regard to the federal permits or restrictions. She stressed that there were more effective ways to embark on a dialog or make a point to the federal government than wasting $75,000 or more to determine the cost of a legal battle with the federal government on a study for a coal plant that could not be built without meeting federal regulations, and would not even address the needs of Alaska's small and diverse rural populations. Coal was the dirtiest available fuel, and stressed that Alaska had many other options. She stressed that it was not "fashion" that forced people to stop using lead in dishes or mercury to make hats, but rather a new understanding and rational decision making that changed the way humans used resources. She stressed that the global markets were demonstrating the new understanding of the dangers of coal. LORALI SIMON, USIBELI COAL MINE, HEALY (via teleconference), testified in support of SCR 16. She felt that the legislature must consider the implications of all the different energy resources, and she stressed that coal had provided reliable and affordable energy to Alaska for 100 years. She stated that coal had would continue to be an important aspect of Alaska's energy. Co-Chair Meyer CLOSED public testimony. SCR 16 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.