Climate Connection: Used Electric Vehicle Purchase
With 7 miles of paved roads on either side of town, Sitka drivers have little reason for range anxiety, which affects many drivers in the lower 48 states. When the latter upgrade to electric vehicles (EVs) with heavier batteries with longer ranges, their old EVs become available to Sitka drivers interested in used ones adequate for our short mileage ranges. Major EV manufacturers are decreasing their prices, which increases the number of used EVs on the market.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of last summer provides federal tax credits for used electric vehicles (EVs) through 2032 of 30% (maximum $4,000). To qualify for the tax credit there are income limits: joint tax filers--$150,000; head of household--$112,500; and single filers--$75,000. The EV must be two years old, must be priced less than $25,000, must be sold by a dealer, and can be applied only once per vehicle. Unlike for new EVs, there are no limitations on country of manufacture or source of critical battery minerals. Sitka buyers are also eligible for 30% up to $1,000 for EV chargers, including their installation. Used EVs take longer to charge than newer EVs. Because Sitka has short mileage ranges, most Sitka EV owners have Level 1 chargers that operate on normal household circuits of 120-volts. Faster charging available from Level 2 chargers require 240-volt circuits. The IRA also has tax credits with no income cap for home electrical upgrades up to $600 in preparation for an energy efficient project. For those with household incomes below 150% (i.e., $153,300) of Sitka’s annual median income ($102,200), there may be more generous rebates available for electrical upgrades from the state in 2024. Also in 2024, the tax credits for EVs will be transferable to dealers of used EVs as “rebates” at the point of purchase.
Why purchase an EV? EV owners are estimated to save about one-third in operating costs over the life of their vehicles, in comparison to internal combustion engines with 400-500 moving parts. The cost of fueling EVs with electricity is less, since electric batteries are much more efficient than gasoline- or diesel-consuming engines, and fossil fuel prices have been unstable. No tailpipe emissions avoid greenhouse gases that heat the planet and affect our health.
If you are considering a used EV, a good resource is Taking Charge: A Guide to Used Electric Vehicles (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jRyzF6BP_o) with presentations by experts from Consumer Reports and the Automotive Career Development Center. For example, buying a used EV from a moderate climate may be best. EV battery capacity wanes with age (about 10-20% in ten years), but tends to wane faster when used in hot climates.
To learn about EVs (cars and bikes), come to the Sitka Electrification Expo on Saturday, March 18, at Centennial Hall, where you are likely to find several Sitka EV owners.
--Kay Kreiss, Transition Sitka
Unitarians Meet
Unitarians will meet on Sunday at the Fellowship Hall, 408 Marine Street. Parking is behind off Spruce Street.
Nancy Metashvili will show slides from Dhasa, the Tibetan capital in exile, and talk about Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which begins Feb. 21, as well as some history on how Tibet came to be occupied by China for the last 60-plus years.
All are welcome to attend. Gathering is at 10:30 a.m., and the program begins at 10:45 a.m. Bread and soup follow the program at noon.
Carlson Joins
Community
Land Trust Team
JJ Carlson has joined the Sitka Community Land Trust staff as an administrator for the permanently affordable housing program.
Carlson was born and raised in Sitka and recently returned following 16 years in the lower 48 gaining experience in architecture, construction and non-profits.
She holds both an undergraduate degree in environmental design and a master of architecture degree from Montana State University-Bozeman.
Carlson is currently a city Assembly member and volunteers for several organizations. She said she is ‘‘happy to be applying her skills to address permanently affordable housing in Sitka.’’
Special Meeting
For School Board
The Sitka School Board will hold a special meeting 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the district office boardroom.
In executive session, the board will determine the elements of any proposed interim contract and confirm interview questions for the two interim candidates. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for March 2. Applicants will attend virtually.
Ash Wednesday
At Sitka Lutheran
The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Sitka Lutheran will hold a short Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes at noon. All are welcome. For more information call 907-747-3338.
SAFV Board Meets
The board of Sitkans Against Family Violence will meet 4:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, on Zoom. The meeting is open to the public.
To join the Zoom meeting email director@safv.org for a link.
American Street
Back to Two-Way
A revision to the traffic pattern on American Street has been modified from a one-way heading northbound to a two-way street.
In May 2022, the street was modified by the city public works department to a one-way heading northbound to preserve parking and assist with traffic flow. The modification was put in place until further notice.
Scrap Yard
Closure Set
The city’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park scrap yard at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 21, in observance of Presidents Day.
Regular business hours will resume on Feb. 22. The scrap yard is open 8 a.m. -4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with the exception of observed holidays. Call 907-747-1804 with questions.
Salmon Task Force
Nominations Sought
NOAA Fisheries is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on an Alaska Salmon Research Task Force that was recently created by an act of Congress.
To submit nominations for membership, and for further information, go to www.fisheries.noaa.gov.
The task force will conduct a review of Pacific salmon science relevant to understanding salmon returns in Alaska and identify scientific research gaps in understanding the Pacific salmon life cycle in Alaska. NOAA must convene the task force by March 29.
Legislative Panel
Meetings on Tap
The following Legislative committee meetings can be viewed at Sitka Legislative Information Office.
Senate Finance Committee meetings scheduled next week are:
–Monday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m., ‘‘Overview of Governor’s Budget Amendments,’’ Neil Steininger, director, Office of Management and Budget; and
–Thursday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m., ‘‘PERS/TRS Tier Comparisons,’’ Ajay Desai, director, Division of Retirement and Benefits and Kevin Worley, chief finance officer, Division of Retirement and Benefits.
The House Education Committee will meet 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, to discuss ‘‘HB 65 Increase to Base Student Allocation.’’
The House Fisheries Committee meeting is set 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, to present the 2022 Final Report by Alaska Bycatch.
For a full list of topics, visit akleg.gov and click on “daily schedule.” When public testimony is being taken, individuals may visit the LIO.
Meetings may be canceled at any time. Bills can be tracked by text. Call the Sitka Legislative Office at 747-6276 or visit akleg.gov for more information.
DYP Week For
Blatchley Students
Blatchley Middle School students will participante in Discover Your Potential activities Feb. 20-24.
Parents are asked to remind their students to dress for the weather as activities will take place regardless of the weather. Students will engage in learning opportunities throughout Sitka.
‘‘If your student has an appointment, please contact the school as soon as possible so we can help locate your student for pick up,’’ BMS said.
Performers Sought
For Alaska Folk
Festival April 10-16
The deadline to submit a performer application for the upcoming Alaska Folk Festival is 5 p.m. March 3.
The 48th annual festival will be April 10-16 in Juneau.
Anyone who would like to perform at the festival, lead a workshop, or volunteer behind the scenes can submit an application at alaskafolkfest.org. It is free to apply, free to perform, and there are no try-outs. The festival will accept as many applicants as possible.
The festival welcomes a variety of acts, and the committee will review submissions from all over the state.
Applications are required to perform. The preliminary schedule will be finalized March 4, and the draft will be sent out to all applicants via email to confirm the performer has received a slot.
Due to construction at Centennial Hall this year, main stage concerts will take place at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center April 10-13, and at Juneau Douglas Yadaa.at Kalé High School April 14-16.
This year’s guest artist is Lone Piñon, a New Mexican string band, or “orquesta típica,” whose music celebrates the integrity and diversity of their region’s cultural roots. They will be performing on the main stage April 14-16.
‘‘We can’t wait to see and hear all of you in Juneau this April,’’ organizers said. ‘‘Thank you for your continued support of the Alaska Folk Festival.’’
Learn more about the festival, how to apply, and how to become a member at akfolkfest.org.
Tribal Enterprises
Sets Job Event
Sitka Tribal Enterprises will hold a job fair 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 3, at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.
Summer season and full-time positions are available.
Call 907-738-9992 with questions.
