This headline has layers of meaning. First, referencing the preferred progressive definition, people whose relatives were here before ours are getting screwed by the Biden Administration’s energy policy. Its bureaucrats are reinterpreting statutes with the force of law.
“The cooperative provides power — at cost — to several small, predominantly indigenous communities located within the Tongass. IPEC [Inside Passage Electric Cooperative] seeks to build several hydroelectric and geothermal projects to replace the expensive diesel generation that these communities currently rely on. But the USDA’s prohibition on roads — including gravel and dirt roads — in the Tongass makes the construction and maintenance of these projects infeasible because they would be accessible only by helicopter,” the foundation reported.
On one hand, the Biden administration is trying to outlaw electricity generation with fossil fuels. On the other, the Biden Administration is prohibiting the “green” energy projects needed to replace what they are trying to outlaw. Native Alaskan populations are caught between the two and, without a resolution, will have no power at all.
“In the name of conservation, the USDA’s rules are keeping remote Alaska communities dependent on diesel for power generation when green alternatives are available,” charged IPEC’s Jodi Mitchell. “Diesel is one of the most expensive sources of power generation. As a result, these communities pay some of the highest electricity rates in the state and among the highest in the country.”
So, thanks for nothing, and here’s a lawsuit.
“Despite Congress’ manifest desire to allow roads in national forests as needed for reasonable public access and use, the department claims to have found authority to categorically ban roads in nebulous statutory language,” the complaint charges.
It is under that authority that the department imposed its roadless rule to “harm local communities.” ..
Even accessing “existing facilities, powerlines, and diversion pipes” is problematic under the USDA, the complaint said. Much servicing now is done by helicopter.
I’m sure the utility company is trying to cling to its monopoly on energy delivery, so it may not be entirely about the indigenous people, but their arguments are spot-on for everyone whose descendants started families in North America. The entire energy transition exercise is problematic under the regime’s priorities. And by problematic, I mean mathematically impossible.
Everyone will be harmed by this.
HT | The Liberty Daily
