A true “all-of-the-above” energy policy is right for Alaska. We need increased oil production to create jobs and state revenue, and more natural gas and renewable energy production for electric generation. For most of the state’s history, elected officials from both parties supported an all-of-the-above approach. Now we face tremendous risk because of the Trump administration’s war on renewable energy — not just because it endangers energy security for our communities, but also because Trump’s attempts to kill permitted projects sets an extraordinarily dangerous precedent that threatens investment in all forms of American energy.

Let’s start with Trump’s unprecedented attempt to kill permitted projects that are under construction. The rule of law and consistent respect for property rights are foundational for economic growth. By attempting to shut down multiple renewable energy projects that are permitted, and in some cases even 80% complete, Trump has opened the door to Third World-style takings of private property. As a result, America is losing jobs while investors from Europe and Asia are diverting energy investments from our country. This is incredibly dangerous for our economic future. First, it cuts off huge amounts of investment today. Just as troubling, oil and gas companies that need stable permitting regimes across multiple federal administrations will have a harder time attracting capital now that the federal government is attempting to cancel permitted projects. As I am writing this column, federal courts have allowed one major project targeted by Trump to proceed, but the economic chilling effect will last far beyond one project and one industry.

All-of-the-above energy policy is beneficial for Alaska partly because the boom in solar, electric vehicles and battery production significantly increases growth potential for our mining industry. Solar photovoltaic panels require large amounts of silver, and we produce that at the Greens Creek mine near Juneau. Batteries require substantial amounts of graphite, and our state and nation have a compelling national security interest in successful development of the Graphite One project near Nome. Alaska has the largest zinc mine in North America, Red Dog, which is also a huge producer of regional jobs and ANCSA dividends that permeate our whole state economy. Zinc is critical for both wind and solar production. Conversely, Trump’s war on wind and solar undermines mineral development opportunity here in Alaska.

As damaging as Trump’s energy policies are for the growth of our critical minerals sector, his domestic energy policies are creating a straight-out economic emergency for electricity production and heating in the Railbelt. With declining Cook Inlet gas production, our electric cooperatives had been planning on bringing online utility-scale wind projects in the Interior — Shovel Creek — and Southcentral — Little Mount Susitna. With Trump and Congress’ elimination of the Investment Tax Credit, these projects have been indefinitely delayed, killing our single largest opportunity to reduce dependence on imported LNG. As utility contracts for gas expire between 2028 and 2032, the price of gas is likely to increase 50%, from roughly $8.50/mcf to at least $13/mcf. It is unconscionable that Trump and the “Big Ugly” federal reconciliation bill killed these projects.

The Lower 48 faces similar economic risks from Trump’s attack on domestic energy. For the last several years, solar and wind have represented more than 90% of new electric generation both in the U.S. and the world, for the simple reason that they are the cheapest source of energy and the fastest to deploy. As a result of Trump’s war on wind and solar, America will simply not be able to deploy new generation capacity fast enough to meet rapidly rising demand from artificial intelligence and data centers. Constrained supply and rapidly increased demand mean one outcome: Higher prices. Trump’s attempt to block multiple wind projects from Idaho to the East Coast, along with the elimination of the ITC for wind and solar nationwide, will punish every single home and business owner.

The national security implications of Trump’s anti-domestic energy policies are just as troubling. Trump’s assault on our domestic energy producers means that our erstwhile allies have nowhere else to turn but China. As a result, China is engaging in aggressive energy diplomacy, reducing American power on the global stage as Trump’s anti-renewable energy policies make our domestic manufacturers less competitive in global markets.

Alaska needs increased oil and gas production for jobs and state revenue, and more gas and renewable generation for our electric grid. Trump’s jihad against certain domestic energy sources and unprecedented attack on already-permitted projects is a dire threat to our state’s economy and to our nation’s security.

Zack Fields represents downtown Anchorage in the Alaska House of Representatives, and co-chairs the Labor and Commerce Committee.

• • •

The Anchorage Daily News welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here.

A true “all-of-the-above” energy policy is right for Alaska. We need increased oil production to create jobs and state revenue, and more natural gas and renewable energy production for electric generation. For most of the state’s history, elected officials from both parties supported an all-of-the-above approach. Now we face tremendous risk because of the Trump administration’s war on renewable energy — not just because it endangers energy security for our communities, but also because Trump’s attempts to kill permitted projects sets an extraordinarily dangerous precedent that threatens investment in all forms of American energy.

Let’s start with Trump’s unprecedented attempt to kill permitted projects that are under construction. The rule of law and consistent respect for property rights are foundational for economic growth. By attempting to shut down multiple renewable energy projects that are permitted, and in some cases even 80% complete, Trump has opened the door to Third World-style takings of private property. As a result, America is losing jobs while investors from Europe and Asia are diverting energy investments from our country. This is incredibly dangerous for our economic future. First, it cuts off huge amounts of investment today. Just as troubling, oil and gas companies that need stable permitting regimes across multiple federal administrations will have a harder time attracting capital now that the federal government is attempting to cancel permitted projects. As I am writing this column, federal courts have allowed one major project targeted by Trump to proceed, but the economic chilling effect will last far beyond one project and one industry.

All-of-the-above energy policy is beneficial for Alaska partly because the boom in solar, electric vehicles and battery production significantly increases growth potential for our mining industry. Solar photovoltaic panels require large amounts of silver, and we produce that at the Greens Creek mine near Juneau. Batteries require substantial amounts of graphite, and our state and nation have a compelling national security interest in successful development of the Graphite One project near Nome. Alaska has the largest zinc mine in North America, Red Dog, which is also a huge producer of regional jobs and ANCSA dividends that permeate our whole state economy. Zinc is critical for both wind and solar production. Conversely, Trump’s war on wind and solar undermines mineral development opportunity here in Alaska.

As damaging as Trump’s energy policies are for the growth of our critical minerals sector, his domestic energy policies are creating a straight-out economic emergency for electricity production and heating in the Railbelt. With declining Cook Inlet gas production, our electric cooperatives had been planning on bringing online utility-scale wind projects in the Interior — Shovel Creek — and Southcentral — Little Mount Susitna. With Trump and Congress’ elimination of the Investment Tax Credit, these projects have been indefinitely delayed, killing our single largest opportunity to reduce dependence on imported LNG. As utility contracts for gas expire between 2028 and 2032, the price of gas is likely to increase 50%, from roughly $8.50/mcf to at least $13/mcf. It is unconscionable that Trump and the “Big Ugly” federal reconciliation bill killed these projects.

The Lower 48 faces similar economic risks from Trump’s attack on domestic energy. For the last several years, solar and wind have represented more than 90% of new electric generation both in the U.S. and the world, for the simple reason that they are the cheapest source of energy and the fastest to deploy. As a result of Trump’s war on wind and solar, America will simply not be able to deploy new generation capacity fast enough to meet rapidly rising demand from artificial intelligence and data centers. Constrained supply and rapidly increased demand mean one outcome: Higher prices. Trump’s attempt to block multiple wind projects from Idaho to the East Coast, along with the elimination of the ITC for wind and solar nationwide, will punish every single home and business owner.

The national security implications of Trump’s anti-domestic energy policies are just as troubling. Trump’s assault on our domestic energy producers means that our erstwhile allies have nowhere else to turn but China. As a result, China is engaging in aggressive energy diplomacy, reducing American power on the global stage as Trump’s anti-renewable energy policies make our domestic manufacturers less competitive in global markets.

Alaska needs increased oil and gas production for jobs and state revenue, and more gas and renewable generation for our electric grid. Trump’s jihad against certain domestic energy sources and unprecedented attack on already-permitted projects is a dire threat to our state’s economy and to our nation’s security.

Zack Fields represents downtown Anchorage in the Alaska House of Representatives, and co-chairs the Labor and Commerce Committee.

• • •

The Anchorage Daily News welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here.