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Home > Letters of Support
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Subject: Developing Alaska's Infrastructure - Renewable Energy Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:04:26 -0900
Dear Governor Palin,
I laud you commitment to adding renewable energy to the levels you propose. A paradox however exists in the educational and skills training necessary tfor skilled workers o install and maintenance these projects statewide.
Subsequent to my last email, I did further research and found George Sikat of Mat-Su Energy has envisioned such training through a program aptly called Repower Alaska and I would strongly encourage you and particularly Commissioner Larry LeDoux to give Mr. Sikat a close listen. I believe this dovetails into the Alaska Career Ready Program nicely.
Alaska has great capacity to train the engineers to design the projects. However the necessity to have qualified installers and maintainers for when things go wrong is woefully inadequate on a national basis. Each renewable has some industry training but there is no current strategy to train multiple disciplines into renewable energy careers. A careful search of programs through the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), links for career training easily demonstrates this lack of educational opportunity.
I would also encourage the development of a demonsratable renewable energy education program that can travel throughout the state to various school districts. The program would have a great side benefit of encouraging students in areas of mathematics and science to be able to enter that future workforce.
So why not Alaska?
As always, I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Gregory J. Hall Palmer

 Public Comment ReceivedJohn D, Palmer Alaska, December 18,2009 "Employment
opportunities are always welcome here in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Renewable energy projects are needed and I wish you well with all the
various projects you have going on, and in finding a suitable site for
a renewable energy campus"
Deanna G, Wasilla , January 10, 2009"I
think it is absolutely terrific and we need to play catch up. I am
ready to work! Another idea is to keep all the building material out of
the landfill and let people reuse it."
John K, Palmer, Alaska, January 12, 2009 "This
is exactly where new jobs will be coming from Obama says 1 trillion in
government infrastructure over next 2-3 years, certainly this has a
better ROI then a billion dollar bridge?"
Annette M, Wasilla, January 13, 2009 "What are you waiting for... Go for it. Wind would be great out here. The mat-su welcomes you. "
Crystal H. Anchorage, Alaska, January 15, 2009 "I'm excited to hear about this project concept! Go team!"
Todd B, Anchorage, January 15,2009 "I
am greatly in favor of an "all of the above" energy policy in the
U.S.. It is great to see it started at the grassroots in the private
sector. The first step to any change will be through adequate
education. Keep up the good work."
Bob K, Alaska, January 16, 2009 " I love the vision of your project and hope you can bring it to fruition."
Charles B. Texas, January 16,2008George:
The comments are all very encouraging and I hope the new administration
does follow through on its promises of pushing alternative energy
solutions. I am seeing more homes in my neighborhood becoming outfitted
with solar power. The trend seems to be continuing to grow. I heard
recently that the price of solar has come down 40% over the past year
(true??), which should help to make it more affordable and realistic to
the masses. The energy park concept is the right idea at the right
time. Now, just the money and talent to make it all happen...
Rene L, Palmer, Alaska, January 16, 2009 "You
have created a great website with lots of good information. With the
next Administration there will be great opportunities in this field, we
need to know how we can tie into those grants and incentive programs
that they will offer to encourage us to go green. If you can lead the
way by identifying the various programs in this area and show
businesses and individuals how to apply for the programs I think your
business will grow even more. Regarding your ideas for the renewable
energy business park: I think it is a great idea as long as it is
affordable for the students who will attend. Again they need to see
that these systems work here in Palmer, Wasilla and Alaska and they
need to see a way to pay for the education and the alternative energy
solutions sought. I believe your business is positioned to benefit from
the next big stimulus program that will most certainly pass through
Congress, regardless of whether we as a Nation can pay for it or not,
that doesn't seem to matter to anyone at the moment. If your business
can create jobs and alternative energy solutions then you should be
able to get the additional financial support. I'd check it out and be
ready to seize the opportunity. Best Wishes, Rene LeMay Additional
ideas that have come to mind: Have you thought about trying to
encourage a small subdivision to pool their resources to finance an
alternative energy system that benefits them? Are there examples of
small communities/subdivisions doing that here or elsewhere? Perhaps
this type of idea again could tie into the grants and incentive
programs that will be offered."
Hannah said...January 18, 2009 10:35 AMI think this is a wonderful idea. We are a world that is trying
to go green and this would help open up that door. Our two older boys
are currently attending CTH in the valley, this would be a great
opportunity for them and many others.Greg H, Palmer, Alaska January 18, 2009Every
had one of those thoughts you believed was all your own only to find
others are thinking along similar lines at the same time? It's
sometimes like the 100th Monkey social change theory
(http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm).There
are as many and more ways to success as there are successful
enterprises. The most critical ingredient is typically, timing. So,
with the current political, financial, and energy issues, I believe
your timing is right on target. I say this as one of the 100 monkeys
reacting to much of the same stimulus and awareness.George, the timing is right and you are in the right place at the right time. Dare to think and dream really big.Herman said... January 22, 2009 6:22 PMWe are in a time in our country when we need forward looking
visions of saving, inovating, and developing precious energy equipmeent
and techniques to further the comfort and security for our families. I
would like to also see a part of the project dedicated to high
performance insulating materials and techniques to prevent air
infultration in our homes. Good Luck to Matsu Energy in this wonderful
project!
Tracy A. Anchorage, Alaska 1:33AM January 25, 2009 This
is a fabulous idea and the time is right with this new administration.
Thank you so much for your organization and mobilization! I would love
to be part of your green design team! Please let me know how I can help. 
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