Letters to the editor

Renewables are our real resourceTo the Editor:

In Bill Walker’s commentary (February 20), he pushes for more development of carbon-based energy as “a bridge to renewable resources.” Really? I don’t see any plan for actually developing renewable resources — much less any sense of urgency. Meanwhile, every barrel of oil we pump adds to the crisis of climate change, which is already hitting hard, as predicted (e.g., mega-storms, droughts, flooding, lethal heat-waves, climate refugees, destroyed food production.) Next, he says, if we don’t develop more oil and gas, somebody else will do it. What we get, then, is the same old self-destructive policy, with a new excuse tacked on (a bridge to renewable energy—for which he has no plan), and if we don’t, somebody else will do it with lower “standards” (not even relevant to the problem). We need to start thinking differently. Renewables are our real resource. That is what we need to focus on developing, even if it does not deliver the instant economic sugar high of oil and gas.

Phil Somervell,

Palmer

Concerned about construction of gravel pitsTo the editor:

The Mat-Su Valley remains the fastest-growing part of the state and a great place to live, work, recreate, and raise a family. The scale of growth we are witnessing demands responsible, intentional planning and sustainable development, the kind that enhances quality of life and promotes healthy and equitable futures for all residents, fosters prosperity, maintains wildlife and habitats, builds land integrity, and protects natural resources.

Recently, there has been public debate about the quantity and location of gravel pits in our Mat Su community, with some popping up in residential neighborhoods and open green space. I am writing as part of a public education campaign to inform community members about a proposed gravel pit on 77 acres of the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center (MEFEC). This land is owned by the University of Alaska Fairbanks whose Board of Regents (BOR) mandate they monetize their landholdings. However, the MEFEC provides valuable services and green space/recreation access to thousands of residents and visitors annually and was historically used as farmland, producing local food and hay supplies. These 77 acres are valuable to the public because of the multitude of physical health, social, ecological, and cultural benefits they provide.

A group of stakeholders such as Mat-Su Health Foundation, Alaska Farmland Trust, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers, and Mat Su Trails and Parks Foundation have been meeting for several months to discuss alternative options for revenue generation on the 77 acres of Experiment Farm land. Ideas include a solar field, University Medicine District, One Health and USDA research initiatives, and potential rental of vacant building space at the Farm.

Public voices and a stake in decision-making are critical for these lands and the Matanuska Greenbelt, as it is part of the fabric of the community (its history and future). Public voices truly matter because inclusive planning is essential to health equity, resilience, and responsible, sustainable land access and use.

To learn more, community members may like the Facebook page, Friends of the Matanuska Greenbelt. They may contact the UA Board of Regents Chair, Sheri Buretta, at 907-261-0310 or sburetta@alaska.edu and voice their opinion! UAF Chancellor, Daniel White, may be contacted at 907- 474-7112 or uaf.chancellor@alaska.edu

Jen Anderson,

Wasilla

Labor provisions could be harmfulTo the editor,

Last year, Democrats in Congress introduced a bill called the PRO Act, which would have essentially given labor unions full control of America’s workplaces. The bill died. Democrats then crammed its key provisions into the Build Back Better Act. That bill died, too. Now, some Democrats in the House of Representatives have crammed pieces of the PRO Act into yet another bill called the COMPETES Act.

The COMPETES Act was written to make America more economically competitive. But the new labor provisions that were added to the bill would do anything but that.

One of the new provisions, for example, would force any U.S. company that accepts subsidies under the COMPETES Act to accept unionization by card check. That means no secret ballot, no worker protections, and no privacy.

A second provision would allow a federal arbitrator to decide ona collective bargaining agreement between an employer and a union if only one round of negotiations falls through, putting make-or-break business decisions into the hands of lawyers.

Senator Murkowski should insist these onerous, job-killing provisions are taken out.

Danielle Robertson,

Kenai

Consider plant-based options during LentTo the editor:

In Western churches, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides for a 40-day fast, in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry. Many Christians abstain from animal foods during Lent.

However, a meat-free Lent is more than a symbol of devotion to Christ. A meat-free Lent reduces the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation, and animal abuse. Volumes have been written linking consumption of meat with increased risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and more. In a 2007 United Nations report they noted meat production as the planet’s largest source of pollution and greenhouse gases. And undercover investigations document farm animals being beaten, crowded, deprived, mutilated, and shocked.

Lent offers an opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of compassion and love by extending a meat-free diet beyond Lent; it’s the diet mandated in Genesis I:29 and observed in the Garden of Eden.

Today there’s a rich array of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, as well as readily available vegetables, fruits, and grains. Decide to make this change for Lent but commit to keeping meat off your plate all year.

Myles Voss,

Wasilla