Mary Peltola Unveils Energy Plan Focused on Lowering Costs, Expanding Alaska Development

Alaskan U.S. senatorial candidate Mary Peltola on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive energy plan aimed at lowering energy costs for Alaskans by expanding the state’s oil and gas industry, modernizing aging infrastructure, and investing in a diverse mix of future energy technologies.

Former U.S. Rep. Peltola said Alaska families are facing rising energy bills and argued the state needs an approach tailored to its unique geography and economy rather than policies developed in Washington, D.C. Peltola, a member of the Bethel-based Orutsararmiut Native Village, made history in 2022 when she became the first Alaska Native elected to Congress.

She is seeking to become the first Alaska Native elected to the U.S. Senate.

“Alaska has always been a leader in energy production, and as an independent voice for Alaskans, I will always stand up to anyone to invest in Alaska energy production so that we can create good-paying jobs and lower energy costs,” Peltola said in a statement. “As DC price hikes create an energy catastrophe for Alaskans, we can’t afford more delays, political gridlock, or one-size-fits-all rules from the Lower 48 that leave Alaskans without solutions.”

The proposal, titled “Making Energy Affordable for Alaskans,” outlines several priorities designed to reduce costs while supporting economic growth.

Among the plan’s key initiatives is a push for permitting reform to accelerate energy development projects, which Peltola said would allow Alaska projects to move forward more efficiently.

The proposal also calls for increasing in-state oil refining capacity through targeted tax incentives, streamlined permitting, federal financing assistance, and continued support for major projects such as the Alaska LNG Pipeline. Peltola said developing Alaska’s resources at home would help keep energy affordable while creating jobs.

Recognizing the challenges faced by rural communities, the plan proposes securing federal funding to modernize Alaska’s aging electrical grids, including the Railbelt system. It also seeks continued support for programs administered by the Denali Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that help communities lower energy costs and improve reliability. The proposal additionally backs restoring federal tax credits for solar, wind, and hydropower projects while encouraging greater energy diversification.

To provide more immediate financial relief, Peltola proposes expanding the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, extending tax incentives for energy efficiency improvements, strengthening Alaska’s Power Cost Equalization Program with federal support, and increasing funding for weatherization and home energy rebate programs.

Looking toward long-term energy development, the plan calls for investments in Arctic energy research, expanded geothermal and biomass projects, and federal tax incentives to help rural communities develop small modular nuclear reactors.

Peltola said the strategy builds on her record in Congress, where she frequently supported Alaska’s oil and gas industry while also advocating for investments in renewable and emerging energy technologies. During her time in the House, she was often described as one of the Democratic Party’s strongest advocates for domestic energy production and supported projects such as the Willow oil development.

The announcement comes as energy prices remain a major issue across Alaska, particularly in rural communities where heating and electricity costs are among the highest in the nation.

If elected to the U.S. Senate, Peltola said she would prioritize reducing energy costs by modernizing infrastructure, advancing permitting reform, and ensuring Alaska communities have a greater voice in shaping the state’s energy future.

Read Mary’s full plan to make energy affordable for Alaskans here.

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