Alaska Environment’s 2025 Priorities

Our Legislative and Program Agenda for 2025

Zero waste, clean energy, land and water conservation efforts.

Beyond plastic


Updated

picture of the front of the Alaska capitol building
Dyani Chapman | TPIN

Clean water to drink and clean air to breathe; healthy oceans, lakes, and rivers that are safe for fishing and swimming; flourishing ecosystems that support the wildlife we love and that fill our freezers; clean sources of energy that don’t pollute and ensure long-term independence — all this should be the heritage we leave to future generations. 

Protecting our environment requires practical solutions,  grounded research, and action driven by local communities. Alaska Environment works alongside Alaskans from all walks of life to protect our shared home. 

In these divided times, it’s crucial to come together around the values most Alaskans share: a love for the outdoors, respect for wildlife, and the desire to ensure future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty and abundance we do. Our 2025 agenda outlines actionable goals to keep Alaska strong, clean, and resilient.

Zero Waste

Alaskans know the value of using resources wisely. Wasteful practices pollute our air and water, harm wildlife, and damage the land we depend on. Nothing we use for a few minutes or even a few years should pollute our environment for centuries. Mindful consumption in combination with a system of reuse and recycling can keep our environment and our communities healthy. 

What we support: 

  • The Right to Repair: When something breaks, you fix it—that’s just common sense. Yet many manufacturers make repair nearly impossible, forcing costly replacements. This problem is particularly challenging in rural Alaska, where landfills are unlined, and waste is often burned. Passing Right to Repair legislation will empower Alaskans to fix their equipment, reduce waste, and save money.

    Technician disassembling and repairing smartphone with screwdriver.Photo by Prostock Studio | Shutterstock.com

  • Combating Plastic Pollution: Plastics harm our wildlife, waterways, and communities. From microplastics in water sources to marine debris on our shorelines, the consequences are clear. Limiting single-use plastics, consuming thoughtfully, and opposing incineration facilities will reduce pollution and protect Alaska’s environment for future generations.

    Plastic waste pollutes our environment.Photo by Rich Carey | Shutterstock.com

Clean Energy

For decades, we have had the power to harness clean, abundant energy. Today, energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal are more efficient and affordable than ever before. Yet much of our energy infrastructure relies on outdated methods that harm our environment, our health, and make us less resilient. Alaska and Alaskans should take the opportunity to expand renewable energy production and improve efficiency. 

What we support:

  • Passing a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard: There is ample evidence that setting clear benchmarks with timelines leads to more renewable energy infrastructure faster. It provides direction, attracts investment,  provides labor certainty, and protects our environment. With the National Renewable Energy Laboratory confirming feasible plans, our goal of 80% renewable energy by 2040 is within reach.

    Wind turbines at sunset

    Wind turbines at sunsetPhoto by Werner Slocum, National Renewable Energy Laboratory | Public Domain

  • Strategic Funding: Clean energy requires upfront investments, but the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Federal programs and grants, along with Alaska’s Greenbank and Renewable Energy Fund, should be utilized fully to secure resources for our communities.
  • Clean, Efficient Homes: Upgrading to technologies like heat pumps and induction stoves lowers costs, increases efficiency, and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Federal tax credits make this transition affordable for families, businesses, and organizations—including churches and community centers.

    A residential heat pumpPhoto by FanFan61618 | CC-BY-SA-2.0

  • Removing Red Tape For Rooftop Solar: Rooftop solar needs to be installed correctly and safely, but the permitting and inspection process should be fast, easy, and hassle-free.

    Photo by Johanna Neumann | TPIN

Conservation

From the caribou in the north to salmon in our streams and our temperate rainforests, Alaska’s ecosystems are the backbone of our culture and economy. Thoughtful stewardship ensures these resources remain abundant and healthy.

What we support:

  • Preserving Clean Water and Wildlife Habitats: New projects must be carefully considered to ensure they don’t jeopardize the clean water and connected habitats that our fish, wildlife, and communities depend on. Stewardship of these resources reflects our commitment to leaving the land better than we found it.

  • Thriving Marine Ecosystems: Alaska’s coastal waters support salmon, crab, and herring, which are essential to our way of life. By reducing bycatch and adapting fisheries management to changing ocean conditions, we can ensure these species recover and thrive. Protecting marine ecosystems from harmful activities, like offshore drilling or mining near sensitive headwaters, safeguards our waters and traditions.

    Sockeye Salmon

    Sockeye SalmonPhoto by NPS / D. Young. 2003 | Public Domain

  • Safe Drinking Water: Every Alaskan should have clean water. Toxic chemicals like PFAS have polluted some of our communities, posing serious health risks. Legislation to prevent further contamination and hold polluters accountable will help restore and protect this most essential resource.

    Photo by Conall Rubin Thomas | Used by permission

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Authors

Dyani Chapman

State Director, Alaska Environment Action

Dyani is the state director of Alaska Environment and runs campaigns to promote clean air and water, open spaces, and a livable climate in Alaska. She lives in Anchorage and loves to hike, ski and hang out with her family.