‘Leap of faith:’ Alaska pursues carbon offset market while embracing oil

By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska’s push to become a bigger player in the clean energy market is in the spotlight at a conference convened by Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. This comes as the state continues to embrace new fossil fuel production, including the controversial Willow oil project. Dunleavy on Tuesday signed a bill that would allow the state to make money off the sale of so-called carbon credits to companies looking to offset their carbon emissions. Lawmakers cast the bill as allowing Alaska to continue to permit drilling, mining and timber activities while also stepping in to the potentially lucrative market for sequestering carbon dioxide. Some wonder if the program will gain traction as the aim isn’t restricting emissions but generating new revenue.