Air quality in Fairbanks, Alaska is worse than in Beijing, according to some sources. The culprit appears to be wood burning stoves. Wood is abundant in Alaska while oil costs $4.50 a gallon, so people chop down a tree to heat their homes rather than suck it up and pay a utility bill. Alaska could benefit from buildng an infrastrucure of wind and thermal energy, but without major prompting at the federal level, that infrastructure is unlikely to be developed.
A number of environmentalists are so desperate for cleaner air in Fairbanks that they are suing the Environmental Protection Agency--which is supposed to enforce clean air standards. Unless the EPA takes appropriate action, Alaska's home owners will continue to deforest the state rather than pay for oil. Please join me in asking the EPA to enforce clean air standards in Fairbanks.
Dear Environmental Protection Agency:
The air quality in Fairbanks, Alaska is abominable. And the problem appear to be largely an issue of wood burning stoves. Unfortunately, people can be cheap. Given the opportunity, people will continue to heat their homes by chopping down trees rather than paying for oil. Alaska needs to move in the direction of renewable energy, but you have an important part to play. It is your duty to enforce the standards of the Clean Air Act. Please do so, and hold Fairbanks strictly accountable for its poor air quality.
