Alaska Lawmakers: Nick Begich Unleashed an “Energy Crisis of Extraordinary and Unprecedented Scale”

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Begich’s response? Radio silence.

A bipartisan group of Alaska state lawmakers is sounding the alarm that the state is facing an “extraordinary and unprecedented” energy crisis thanks to Nick Begich and House Republicans’ reckless, cost-spiking agenda. 
This week, new reporting shared that Alaska House members sent a letter warning Begich that gas prices are now “upwards of $14 per gallon — and could rise just shy of the $20 range,” over FOUR TIMES the national average.
The lawmakers urged Begich to take action and fully fund LIHEAP, a home heating assistance program, noting that it could be the difference between life and death in majority-rural Alaska.
But Nick Begich’s response? Radio silence. 
According to Alaska’s News SourceBegich “has not responded to a request for comment.”

Read for yourself: 

Alaska’s News Source: ‘Energy crisis of extraordinary and unprecedented scale’: State lawmakers urge delegation for aid

  • Alaska lawmakers are sounding an alarm with days left in the legislative session: the state is heading toward an energy crisis they can’t stop, and they need Washington’s help.
     
  • “The state is facing an energy crisis of extraordinary and unprecedented scale,” an Alaska House Majority letter, signed by all caucus members, to the congressional delegation reads.
     
  • “Fuel prices in rural Alaska have already skyrocketed to extreme levels – this before current supply chain shocks take effect – and are exceeding $17.50 per gallon of home heating fuel in some communities…”
     
  • The average price of gas around the country is $4.50 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration… For rural Alaska, those prices are dramatically higher — upwards of $14 per gallon — and could rise just shy of the $20 range, according to figures presented at the House Energy Committee hearing.
     
  • The House Majority says federal action may be the difference between life and death.
     
  • “A fully funded federal [Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program] program could be the difference between people warming their homes or succumbing to frigid below zero conditions that could endanger the lives of the more vulnerable residents,” the letter reads.
     
  • Rep. Nick Begich…has not responded to a request for comment.

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