Murkowski Climate Action
Dear Editor: Sen. Lisa Murkowski, as chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, recently called a hearing before her committee to examine U.S. electricity generation and climate change. I am somewhat encouraged to hear dialogue in the Senate that recognizes we have a problem. Many of those previously skeptical are beginning to realize we do have a problem, it is happening fast, it is largely human caused, and the costs are enormously high.
By working together we can progress to a renewable and sustainable energy system. As we get on with this work we are going to discover all kinds of opportunity not only to make money and provide jobs but improve the lives of everyone in many ways. To live sustainably within this closed planetary system seems like a good idea. The costs of not working to this goal are not something I want to experience and certainly not something I want to hand off to our youths and the generations to come.
Economists largely agree that the biggest market failure in history has been the failure to account for the external costs of fossil fuel use. As a best first step we should put a price on carbon and let the markets direct investment, drive innovation, and lead the way to a sustainable future.
A bill, currently in the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 763, Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act), proposes an initially low but steadily increasing price on carbon and the accompanying provisions that would be effective at reducing worldwide emissions, be good for people, and good for the economy.
Sen. Murkowski’s committee hearing and her efforts to bring the discussion forward is a good sign. We all need to come together over this challenge. We need to request of Sen. Murkowski that she introduce fee and dividend legislation in the Senate that puts a price on carbon such as the House Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR 763). We also should request support from Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young for the same. Our voices count. Learn more at https://energyinnovationact.org/. Thank you.
Kent Barkhau, Sitka
Artchange Inc. Thanks
Dear Editor: It’s a time when many of us feel pressured, concerned, angry, and uncertain. What can artists and a small arts non-profit do? Try to listen, create, and bring people together.
We’re heartened by two recent Artchange Inc. events, “Don’t Tell My Mother,” the latest edition of live storytelling with Sitka Tells Tales, and “An Evening with 14 Miles,” a community screening and discussion. Both events had engaged audiences of around 80 people. We’re thankful to an audience member at “An Evening with 14 Miles” who commented that the event was one of the few places she’d publicly talked about things she thinks, but had never shared about the community.
At Artchange, we’re about noticing and discussing what we might pass by and what can strengthen the community. So many people are involved in what we do! We’d like to thank all the storytellers and all the people who have participated in 14 Miles episodes, from those who appear on camera, to the organizations we’ve collaborated with since we started on this experimental documentary journey in the summer of 2017. To list all the people who have participated in the 25 episodes we’ve posted would generate a long list and sleepy eyes. Even so, a big thanks goes out to everyone who has added to the project with honesty, integrity and humor.
We’d also like to thank the venues that work with us when we do live events. Thank you to the Fisheye Café and the Sitka Public Library. Thank you to Pacific High School and the Sitka School District, Raven’s Way and Youth Advocates of Sitka for being part of “Don’t Tell My Mother.” Appreciation to Juan Cediel for taking photos, Nathalie Elam for organizing sound gear, and Cheri Hample for being the timekeeper.
At “An Evening with 14 Miles,” an audience member asked how she could support the project. This was not a fundraiser, there was no entry fee and we didn’t expect the question! While we love and appreciate donations, there are many ways to support us. You can listen, watch and share 14 Miles. You can find us at 14Miles.org, on Facebook, streaming on 360 North and on local TV, and at various events. Pass on your ideas and/or join us as we create an episode. Get a 14 Miles T-shirt at Old Harbor Books. Check our website for other ways to keep us producing these short collaborative films.
On the agenda is another live storytelling event in late April with the theme, “Overcoming the monster: Stories of demons, fears and metamorphosis.” Each teller gets 6 minutes to tell a true story responding to that prompt. We bring volunteer tellers together to workshop their ideas and shape their stories. We’re excited every time we bring a new voice to the mic. Let us know if you want to give it a try and join us at our next Sitka Tells Tales.
Ellen Frankenstein
and Sana Alimohamed
Artchange Inc.,
Sitka Tells Tales and 14 Miles
