(JUNEAU, AK) – Alaska's climate task force wants the
oil-rich state to look into instituting a carbon tax, with revenues directed to
a green bank and to offset some costs to consumers and companies.
The idea is part of a draft action plan posted by the group,
led by Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott, ahead of its meeting Thursday. It also suggests
consideration of whether to endorse any national fee and dividend legislation.
The task force said its plan is not a consensus document but
is meant to offer a "suite of options" to inform agency efforts.
Alaska's Republican-controlled Senate is unlikely to approve a carbon tax.
Mallott, a Democrat, and Gov. Bill Walker, who was
previously a Republican and is now independent, ran together on a unity ticket
in 2014; they are up for reelection in a close race this year after Walker
reduced annual oil checks to residents.
