The AKPIRG Advocate, July 2026
Movement Launch:
Let’s House Alaska 🏘️
Alaska has a housing shortage, there’s more that our policymakers can do to solve it, and we want them to take action in 2027.
That’s why we’re excited to share the Let's House Alaska, a statewide movement working to build the momentum needed to address Alaska’s housing crisis.
As candidates and elected leaders share their visions for Alaska’s future, Let's House Alaska is making sure that housing action is a priority. The movement does not endorse candidates or promote a single policy solution – instead, it brings Alaskans together around the need for a coordinated approach to housing.
Solving Alaska’s housing shortage will take all of us. Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, community leader, housing advocate, or someone who wants to see Alaska communities thrive, your voice matters.
Learn more, sign on, and join the movement:
Energy Team Roundup ⚡️
The AKPIRG Energy Team has had a busy month!
Over the past few weeks, we've been tracking major energy decisions across Alaska – from the Legislature to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to permitting processes. While these proceedings can be technical, they have real impacts on energy affordability, reliability, and accountability. That's why we believe it's important not only to participate in them, but to keep Alaskans informed about what's happening.
This month, we submitted a 11-page public comment on the proposed AKLNG project with the Legislative conference committee convened in special session, filed comments on all four Railbelt community solar tariff proposals before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, launched the first two episodes of our Pipe Dreams video series, and weighed in on a proposed North Slope data center to advocate for stronger public protections.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, buried in technical filings and lengthy regulatory proceedings. But these are the places where decisions about Alaska's energy future are made, and where public interest voices can make a difference. We believe Alaskans deserve transparent decision-making and accessible information about the policies and projects that affect their lives.
We've linked all of the public comments our Energy Team submitted this month here. They may not be light reading, but they're an important part of building a more transparent, accountable, and affordable energy system for Alaska.
AKLNG Public Testimony (Legislature Special Session)
Community Solar Implementation Tariff Public Comments:
North Slope Data Center Public Comment
We're also excited to share the first two episodes of Pipe Dreams, our new video series breaking down the proposed AKLNG project. Whether you've been following every headline or are just trying to figure out what AKLNG actually is, we've got you covered. Watch the series here:
Pipe Dreams Episode 1: Who is Involved in the AKLNG Project?
First Look:
Gwichyaa Zhee Healing Gathering 💚
Last month, AKPIRG’s Language Access Team hosted Neezhraazhii: We Are Healing, a gathering of language panelists and community members from across the state in Gwichyaa Zhee.
It was a beautiful multigenerational space filled with Native foods, workshops like traditional medicine and moose hide tanning, dancing, healing, and connection.
We’re excited to share more about the gathering in the coming weeks. Our team just got back from taking some well-earned time to rest, recalibrate, and celebrate the incredible effort it took to bring this event together. For now, here’s a small glimpse into a truly special few days.
Crypto ATM Fraud Protections Signed into Law! 🎉
Huge news for Alaska: After passing UNANIMOUSLY in the Alaska State Legislature, Governor Dunleavy signed SB 249 into law on July 1!
Crypto kiosks are becoming more common in Alaska, and are easily used to scam people. Prior to the passage of this law, kiosk operators had no responsibility to detect fraud or return any money to someone who was scammed. People lose thousands of dollars from these scams with Elders suffering the most.
This new law protects Alaskans from the financially devastating consequences of Crypto ATM fraud. Effective October 1, Alaskans can get full refunds for proven fraud and Crypto ATM operators will be responsible for detecting and preventing scams.
It’s a huge win for our communities and our economy. Big thanks to Senator Cathy Titlon, AARP Alaska, and all the advocates who made this happen!
Do you have a story about an experience with Crypto ATM fraud? Share it with us here:
Apply to be a Census Field Representative in Alaska!
Preparations for the 2030 Census are already underway, and the U.S. Census Bureau is hiring Field Representatives across Alaska.
Census data determines how more than $800 billion in federal funding is distributed each year, supports schools, hospitals, and emergency services, shapes legislative districts, and helps businesses and communities make informed decisions about the future.
The Census is incredibly important for Alaska communities. Apply to be a Field Representative and help make sure Alaska's Census data is as accurate as possible so our communities get the funding, representation, and resources they deserve!
Welcome Gratia to Team AKPIRG! 👋
This summer, we welcomed Gratia Rowell to our team as the Energy Policy Analyst!
Gratia was born and raised on Abenaki lands in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Gratia holds a B.A. in Political Science from Simmons University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Alaska. Previously, her work at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power as a research assistant included conducting policy research on possible impacts of the Power Cost Equalization program on renewable energy deployment in rural Arctic villages and a program evaluation of the Renewable Energy Fund. Gratia enjoys hiking, biking, and reading in her free time.
We are so excited to have Gratia on our team. Join us in welcoming her to AKPIRG!
