AK HB312

HB 312: State Energy Policy; Green Energy

• Renames the "renewable energy grant fund" to "green energy grant fund" and expands the definition of "green energy resources" to include nuclear reactors, natural gas extracted and processed in Alaska, and other energy sources with emissions equivalent to or lower than pipeline-quality natural gas

• Removes natural gas projects from eligibility for standalone grant funding under the energy grant program, while keeping natural gas as a qualifying "green energy resource" under the expanded definition

• Establishes new state energy policy priorities focused on energy grid security, emphasizing local fuel sources (North Slope/Cook Inlet natural gas, Interior coal, in-state nuclear projects), affordable energy with stable costs, and reliable sources with minimum 50% capacity factor

• Defines "clean coal technology" as systems capturing at least 90% of carbon dioxide emissions through carbon capture and reducing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter below federal standards

• Requires the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and Alaska Energy Authority to consider the state energy policy when performing their duties; takes effect immediately upon passage