HB 20 : Fisheries Loans: Energy Efficiency/Amount News & Activity

HB 20 : Fisheries Loans: Energy Efficiency/Amount

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:00:02 -0800

Sponsors : Rep. Edgmon, Rep. Buch

Relating to commercial fishing loans for improving fuel efficiency and increasing the maximum amount for certain loans under the Commercial Fishing Loan Act; and providing for an effective date.

Version : SCS CSHB 20(FIN)
Status : PASSED (S) >> AWAIT TRANSMIT GOV : 2010-04-16
Contact : Timothy Clark, 465-2839

HB 20 provides technical fixes to the Commercial Fishing Loan Act in order to make low-interest loans for energy efficiency upgrades available to a larger number of Alaska's commercial fishers. Volatility in fuel costs continues to have a worrisome impact on our commercial ...

Legislature Widens Eligibility for Low-Interest Loans to Repower Commercial Fishing Boats - Edgmon Legislation Allows More Fishers to Boost Fuel Savings

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:29:56 -0800

Contact : Timothy Clark, 465-2839

The Alaska State House tonight concurred in Senate changes to House Bill 20, legislation that makes low-interest loans for fuel-efficient engines and generator sets available to more of Alaska's commercial fishers. The Alaska State Senate unanimously passed the bill today. The Alaska State House passed the bill unanimously in April 2009. Representative Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, sponsored the bill.

HB 20 significantly broadens eligibility requirements for repowering loans under the Commercial Fishing Loan Act. Providing for lending at two-percent below the prime rate with a floor of three percent, HB 20 will help more resident fishermen switch out old, outdated engines for new fuel-efficient ones.

"High diesel and gas prices have cut into profits and are threatening the productivity of fishers all over the state," Edgmon said. "Repowering with engines that take advantage of the latest technologies can potentially save a fishing operation thousands of dollars a season. Commercial fishing is one of Alaska's most important industries. We should do all we can to keep it profitable and competitive."

HB 20 Gives Low-Interest Loans for Energy Efficiency Upgrades - Edgmon Legislation Allows More Fishers to Boost Fuel Savings

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:39:37 -0800

Contact : Timothy Clark, 465-2839

The Alaska State House today passed House Bill (HB) 20, legislation sponsored by Rep. Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, to make low-interest loans for energy efficiency upgrades available to more of Alaska's commercial fishers.

HB 20 passed the House unanimously.

Commercial fishers across the state are eager to take advantage of technological developments that include advancements in diesel and outboard engine technologies, alternatives to diesel and gasoline generator sets and fuel-saving modifications to vessel hulls. The modifications that HB 20 proposes in the Commercial Fishing Revolving Loan Fund, which has been self-sustaining since its creation in the 1970s, will allow more skippers to make improvements sooner.