Rep. Don Young pushes Alaska hydro projects

Alaska Congressman Don Young introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that would classify hydro-power as a renewable energy source.The bill dubbed “Alaska Clean Energy Development Act” would allow hydro projects to qualify for renewable energy tax credits and for federal funding programs. The project would have to be less than 50 MegaWatts or it would have to be generated through the use of a lake tap, a siphon or a run of the river system.

Young said the passage of the bill would allow Alaskan communities the potential to generate cheap power and energy with hydro projects.

Young said that America not only needs more oil, gas, coal, nuclear but also hydro and other forms of renewable energy.  He criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for not including hydro as a renewable energy source in the energy act of 2007.

The Alaska State Legislature has recently passed the budget including a 10 million dollar line item to fund further study of the Susitna hydro project and the Lake Chakachamna hydro project. The Susitna dam has been controversial as it raised questions regarding the health of salmon runs and concerns about a huge reservoir lake in earthquake prone areas.