The AEA "Challenge:" Identify Local Sources of Renewable Energy and We Will Come

The idea is that there are untapped energy resources in the Chilkat Valley: hydro, wind, tidal, geothermal, biomass. So the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) mailed us two maps: a USGS map of the Haines Borough (less the southern most portion, including Excursion Inlet); and a Wind Map of the Chilkat Valley.

AEA wants us to answer two questions:

What do you know about local energy resources and which resources do you think could possibly be developed to help lower costs?

Which resources do you prefer not to develop, and why?

Then they will return with data gathering equipment and assess the potential of the resources identified. They will apply some science to our hunches. This data is the first step toward additional sources of energy for the Haines Borough.

So the maps and a notebook are at the Haines Borough Library. Put your ideas on the maps; your comments in the notebook; and I will ship it all back to Steve Haggenson, AEA Executive Director. This is important. Other communities are having Energy Hall Town Meetings; we have maps. We need to come forward in order to move forward.

Go mark the maps, please.