Alaska Remote Generator Bill Headed to President’s Desk

WASHINGTON, DC—The US House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation introduced by US Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Alaska Congressman Don Young (R-AK) to relax stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission regulations for generators used in remote Alaska, paving the way for Alaskans in these communities to reliably and more affordably power their villages. S. 163, the Alaska Remote Generator Reliability and Protection Act, which now heads to the president’s desk for his signature, was also cosponsored by US Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

“Currently, rural communities in Alaska that are isolated from the power grid are subject to a federal regulation that just doesn’t work for them,” said Senator Sullivan. “This bill changes that, and is a huge step forward in ensuring rural Alaskans have access to safe and reliable electricity without having to bear the burden of expensive costs or worry about whether the heat and lights will stay on. I urge the EPA to quickly implement these new standards so that rural Alaskans can power and heat their homes in the coming winter months.”

“[The] House passage of S.163, the Alaska Remote Generator Reliability and Protection Act, is a great victory for our remote Alaskan communities,” said Congressman Young. “New generators are very costly, and families shouldn’t be burdened by an arbitrary ban made by EPA bureaucrats four thousand miles away. Many Alaskans depend on diesel generators to heat their homes, run their appliances, and keep their lights on, and Washington D.C. shouldn’t be getting in the way of their everyday lives. I am proud to have worked with Senator Sullivan on this issue that affects so many rural families. I have been working on a legislative solution in the House for quite some time, and pleased to see this critical bill finally reach the finish line.”