September 15, 2008
Regional CEOs advocate for bulk fuel purchasing to help control energy costs: Myron Naneng, AVCP; Matthew Nicolai, Calista Corp.; Gene Peltola, YKHC; Ronald Hoffman, AVCP Housing.
Regional CEOs call for Bulk Fuel Cooperative to drive down fuel prices
YKHC Public Relations Staff
Area leaders are proposing a bulk fuel cooperative made up of organizations and businesses affected by recent price increases. The cooperative would coordinate major fuel purchases for village fuel operators, utilities, schools, village corporations, and regional non-profits. This would allow for large economies of scale and assist in driving down the price of fuel in an effort to protect the communities within the Calista region.
The Chief Executive Officers for the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP), Calista Corporation, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) and AVCP Regional Housing Authority have spearheaded the AVCP-Calista Region Energy Committee to develop a bulk fuel cooperative as well as a regional energy plan. The regional energy plan will address both short-term and long-term energy solutions including alternative energy possibilities as well as state and federal legislative priorities.
"Our collective need will become our collective strength," said Gene Peltola, President/CEO of YKHC.
"It is extremely important that we unify our efforts," said Ron Hoffman, President of AVCP Regional Housing Authority. "Together we can address our energy crisis."
Senator Murkowski hears energy proposals, concerns
The four CEOs provided testimony concerning the energy crisis and discussed the concept of the cooperative at a US Senate Energy Committee Hearing on August 28 in Bethel, sponsored by US Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Sen. Murkowski conducted the hearing at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center to find out more about the impact of high energy costs in rural Alaska. Sen. Murkowski serves as the Vice Chairman on the Committee on Indian Affairs, the sponsoring committee of the hearing.
Peltola said increasing energy costs will have a serious impact on expanding health care services and maintaining health care facilities throughout the region.
"This is a matter entirely within Congress's power to address," Peltola said.
