JUNEAU, Alaska — Next week will be a slow one at the Alaska State Capitol. Nearly half the Legislature is heading to Washington D.C., on the state’s dime, for an energy conference.
Members of both the House and Senate are planning to be absent from Juneau Wednesday until next Sunday.
Energy Council is an annual event where state lawmakers from resource-rich states like Texas, Wyoming, and Louisiana, among others, get together to talk about some of the changes or challenges they're facing. Canadian provinces and Venezuela also take part.
“We want to make sure our federal folks know how unique Alaska is and how we can work together,” said Rep. Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks), who plans to attend.
The scheduled events include presentations on pipeline infrastructure, natural gas vehicles, shale gas, and nuclear power plants.
Lawmakers will have afternoons free to meet with federal regulators and members of Congress.
“It was pointed out to me yesterday there are five new senators in D.C. who haven’t heard our story,” said Rep. Craig Johnson (R-Anchorage), who is on the Energy Council advisory board and helps organize the event.
