Alaska
Mary Peltola the keynote speaker as Alaska Democrat Party declares war on oil
June 14, 2024
Democrat Mary Peltola keynoted the Alaska Democrat Party convention where the party rewrote its party platform to call for the end of the state’s oil and gas industry, a new investigation revealed.
“Democrat Mary Peltola endorses Joe Biden and embraces her extreme party’s reckless, destructive war on Alaska. Alaskans are still waiting for Peltola to stand up to extreme liberals’ threats to put thousands of people out of work and devastate the economy.” – NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen
In case you missed it…
Alaska Dems Alter Platform To Remove Support for Oil and Gas and Call for ‘Rapid Transition to Renewable Energy’
Washington Free Beacon
Thomas Catenacci
The Alaska Democratic Party overhauled its party platform during its recent convention, inserting language in support of aggressive climate policies and rescinding its support for the state’s vital fossil fuel industry, which generates the large majority of Alaska’s revenue.
The changes were highlighted in an internal party document reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon. The document shows that the bulk of the changes to the Alaska Democratic Party’s final 2024 platform—an amended version of the platform last updated in May 2022—came in its environment, natural resources, and energy section.
Overall, the new platform opposes all fossil fuel exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, calls for a “rapid transition to renewable energy sources,” endorses carbon pricing as an explicit way of suppressing demand for fossil fuels, characterizes climate change as an “emergency of the highest order,” and rescinds the party’s past support for the fossil fuel industry.
Alaska Democrats’ blunt alterations to their official platform underscore the tension between the national Democratic Party’s broad support for left-wing climate policies and the state Democratic Party’s tenuous relationship with the fossil fuel industry, a key economic driver in Alaska. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the state’s energy demand per capita is the highest in the nation, and the state government is mainly funded by fossil fuel revenues. Last year, for example, 64 percent of the state’s revenue came from taxes on oil and gas production alone, according to data from the Alaska Department of Revenue.
“Although the Alaska oil and gas industry historically has made, and continues to make, vital contributions to Alaska’s economy, the currently advanced state of climate disruption requires that the world transition away from fossil fuel use as soon as possible,” the new platform states. “We support a rapid transition to renewable energy sources, which are now cheaper than fossil fuels.”
While the party’s previous platform opposed “unsafe” oil and gas exploration, leasing, and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the new platform opposes all fossil fuel development in the refuge because of its impact on a nearby tribal community.
In addition, the new platform details support for a carbon pricing policy to be implemented at the state or federal level as a means to disincentivize continued reliance on fossil fuels. The document states that the policy, which essentially penalizes industry for emissions, is the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The document also scrubs a section from its 2022 platform on “conventional energy,” which endorsed continued onshore and offshore fossil fuel production. It now calls for an immediate transition from fossil fuels to green energy sources.
The platform puts a spotlight on Rep. Mary Peltola (D., Alaska), a first-term congresswoman representing the state’s at-large congressional district. Peltola is locked in a tight reelection contest for her seat, which has historically been held by Republicans.
While Peltola has sought to distance herself from many of the Biden administration’s climate policies targeting Alaska during her short tenure, she touted her efforts to push green energy during remarks she made last month at the Alaska Democratic Party’s convention, where the platform was finalized, the Juneau Empire reported. She also voted “present” on legislation to boost energy production in Alaska in early May.
Still, Peltola campaign spokeswoman Shannon Mason said the congresswoman thinks the new platform “doesn’t work for Alaska” and disagrees with the Biden administration’s actions curbing energy production in Alaska. Mason also noted a statement that was read on Peltola’s behalf at the convention that called for a “comprehensive energy approach” that harnesses both traditional resource industries and green energy development.
Peltola’s opponent, Republican Nancy Dahlstrom, offered a different assessment.
“The Alaska Democrats are codifying what Mary Peltola’s been pushing in Congress her entire term there: Marxist climate policies that will demolish Alaska energy production,” Dahlstrom, who serves as the state’s lieutenant governor, told the Free Beacon. “It shows that Mary Peltola and the Democrats are out of step with Alaskans.”
“We do not need ‘carbon pricing’ or a ‘rapid transition’ to less efficient and more expensive green energy. What we need to do is unleash Alaska’s energy potential, and I intend to promote policies to do just that when I unseat Mary Peltola in November.”
The Alaska Democratic Party did not respond to a request for comment.
Read more here.
Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced the appointment of Stephen Cox as his new Counsel to the Governor. The appointment comes after the legislature’s decision to not confirm him as attorney general, despite his extensive legal and public policy experience and proven record of defending Alaska’s interests both at home and on the national level. Cox’s responsibilities will be to advise Governor Dunleavy on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and constitutional matters affecting the State of Alaska.
Governor Dunleavy also appointed Cori Mills acting attorney general for the Alaska Department of Law. Mills has been with the department for 14 years and most recently served as deputy attorney general.
“Stephen Cox has a strong understanding of Alaska law and the challenges facing our state,” said Governor Dunleavy. “His experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him a valuable asset as Counsel to the Governor. I look forward to working with Stephen as we continue advancing policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people of our state.”
As Counsel to the Governor, Cox will continue to work closely with the Department of Law and other executive branch departments to provide counsel on policy initiatives, legislation, and executive actions.
“I am honored to serve Governor Dunleavy and the people of Alaska in this new role,” said Stephen Cox. “I look forward to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to promote responsible resource development, governance and opportunities for Alaskans across the state.”
Cox assumes his new role effective today.
Juneau blends towering glaciers, the Tongass National Forest and rich Indigenous culture.
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Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road — a remoteness that adds to its magic and appeal.
Nestled between mountains, rainforest, and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau combines Alaska Native heritage, Gold Rush history, and some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
Visitors can watch humpback whales surface offshore, ride a tram above downtown, stand face-to-face with or even on Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice flowing from the vast Juneau Icefield. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest — the world’s largest temperate rainforest — Juneau offers a quintessential Alaska experience where nature feels immense, and adventure begins just minutes from the cruise dock.
Why Juneau matters
Long before prospectors arrived in search of gold, the area now known as Juneau was home to the Áak’w Kwáan, whose name for this place — Áakʼw, often translated as “little lake” — reflects a deep connection to the surrounding land and water.
Russia later expanded into Alaska through the fur trade, bringing Orthodox missionaries, new trade networks, and profound cultural change to Indigenous communities across the region. Though Juneau rose to prominence during the Gold Rush and became the territorial capital after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, the city still bears traces of both worlds.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Juneau offers visitors a richer understanding of America’s layered history — one that’s shaped by Native stewardship, Russian influence, and the enduring resilience of southeast Alaska’s Indigenous peoples.
What to see today
The star attraction is Mendenhall Glacier, a 13.6-mile-long glacier that descends from the Juneau Icefield into a turquoise lake.
Easy trails lead to roaring Nugget Falls, while boardwalks along Steep Creek offer chances to spot spawning salmon and black bears. Back downtown, colorful floatplanes skim the harbor and the Mount Roberts Tramway lifts visitors above the city for sweeping views of Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains.
Ask a local
One of Juneau’s most whimsical attractions is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, tucked into the Tongass rainforest just outside downtown.
Locals and visitors alike love the upside-down trees known as “Flower Towers” — massive spruce trunks planted root-side up, bursting with colorful blooms. The display is a unique (and accidental) creation of master gardener Steve Bowhay.
It’s an eccentric sight that feels uniquely Alaskan, blending lush rainforest scenery with a touch of horticultural imagination.
Plan your visit
Last Friday evening in Haines, there was only one place to be: The brand new Quick Shop, a shiny new building stocked with everything from ice cream and gun safes to an entire row of Xtratuf boots.
It seemed that much of town was packed into the building on the Haines’ waterfront — the store had just reopened after burning down more than a year ago.
The October 2024 fire destroyed a string of apartments and businesses including the convenience, liquor and sporting goods shop known collectively as the Quick Shop.
“It’s a big day for our town,” Haines Mayor Tom Morphet shouted from the checkout line that stretched through the store.
Minutes after opening, some 50 people were already in line, with dozens more milling about. Many kids’ arms were piled high with goodies.
Further back in the store, owner Mike Ward was busy scanning toilet paper amid the chaos. In between greeting customers, and accepting their congratulations, he said it’s been a long road to get here.
“It’s a relief to finally be open,” Ward said. “But we got a lot of work ahead of us, so it’s not that much of a relief.”
Ward said he aims to have the store fully stocked and in order by the fire’s two-year anniversary on Oct. 5. He added that he rebuilt as quickly as possible because he had heard a larger convenience chain was thinking about moving into Haines.
“So that’s one of the major reasons why I got aggressive, right?” he said. “I didn’t even think about taking the money.”
But the money part hasn’t been easy. Ward had insurance, but his policy didn’t come close to covering rebuilding costs – or the $1.8 million in inventory that also went up in flames.
“I got hosed,” he said. “I took a $2.5 million loss.”
The loss was felt in the community, too. Haines’ grocery stores close by 8 p.m. most days, and even earlier on Sundays. The Quick Shop is open until midnight.
“I feel like not having anywhere to get food late at night is pretty hard for people. So I feel like everyone’s pretty excited to have it back,” said local Ryan Irvin, who worked on the crew that built the facility.
He added that it’s cool – and somewhat novel – for the community to have a space that was actually built for its purpose.
“We’re always retrofitting old buildings, making them work. But this is actually designed for what we’re doing, what Mike’s doing, rather,” Irvin said.
Morphet, the mayor, echoed that point. He said the new store is a testament to Ward’s faith in Haines’ capacity to keep it open.
“We’re only 2,000, 2,500 people here, so it’s kind of a shot in the arm to town morale,” Morphet said. “People like the town to have nice stuff, and this is beautiful.”
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