Distinguished Visiting Lecturer David J. Hayes is quoted in this New York Times article on why “isolated Alaskan villages” are a perfect template for developing practical “smart” renewable energy systems following President Obama’s announcement that he would launch a $4 million initiative to speed development of renewable energy in the state. 

The White House announced Wednesday that it would launch a $4 million initiative to speed the development of renewable energy in remote Alaskan communities, part of a package of new programs aimed at reducing fossil fuel use and countering climate impacts in the region of the world that is warming the fastest.

Speaking to a packed gym at Kotzebue Middle High School, Obama said it and other communities such as Kodiak Island could cut carbon emissions and improve their budgets by launching new renewable energy projects.

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“Isolated Alaskan villages provide a perfect template for developing practical, “smart” renewable energy systems than can largely replace dirty, expensive diesel power,” said David Hayes, who helped lead the Interior Department’s Arctic strategy as deputy secretary during Obama’s first term and is now a visiting law professor at Stanford University. “Marshaling U.S. technology to develop lower-cost, replicable, small-scale systems could dramatically improve the quality of life for villagers in Alaska and around the world.”

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