Southeast Alaska navigates the changing tides
Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska President Richard Peterson addresses the Southeast Conference attendees.
October 30, 2024
The Southeast Conference held its annual meeting Sept. 24-26. Hosted in Ketchikan this year, it was an opportunity for members to hear from and speak to experts from across industries as well as representatives from federal, state, tribal and municipal governments.
With the theme, “Navigating the Changing Tides,” much of the discussion focused on how to sustainably grow tourism in the region while keeping it a desirable place for residents.
Although tourism is thriving, state government and the fishing industry — traditionally dominant sectors in the region — have been waning, so there is enthusiasm towards growing the nascent mariculture industry.
Everyone in attendance was determined to combat these challenges as a coordinated and united region. One critical component of keeping the region successful and connected was maintaining the Alaska Marine Highway System and its ferries.
ACEP researchers Nathan Green and Shivani Mathur Bhagat were in attendance, eager to learn about energy challenges and successes from across Southeast Alaska.
During the energy panel they heard from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Manager Casey Sixkiller, Alaska HeatSmart’s Vice President Paul Voelckers, Denali Commission’s Energy Program Manager Katie Conway, Alaska Energy Authority’s Director of Renewable Energy and Efficiency Programs Audrey Alstrom, and Southeast Alaska Power Agency’s CEO Robert Siedman. Much of the panel discussed opportunities and challenges for electrification of heating and transportation in the region.
Visit here for more information on these presentations and the rest of the conference.