On this day honoring his birthday, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the question: What can we learn from that legacy for the work we have laid before us?

This future doesn’t depend on the fossil fuel industry currently destroying our shared natural communities. The steps required to advance this just transition from an unsustainable economy to one that is regenerative are numerous, but they begin with a reevaluation of the state’s relationship to fossil fuel extraction and a reclamation of Alaska’s resources for Alaskans.

As Fairbanks North Star Borough residents, we are seeing the effects of climate change in sharp relief and have made our desire for climate action measures clear through broad public engagement in the process of developing a common-sense Climate Action and Adaptation Plan over the past year. Now, despite the popularity of the plan, fringe members of the assembly who are publicly opposed to climate action have taken control of the Climate Action Committee, abruptly dismissing all 6 of the highly qualified Climate Action Committee members and replacing them with a group of people who have an unclear level of commitment to seeing the plan through. This is an extremely unprecedented move and is disrespectful to the work and expertise of the former committee members.

The Golden Valley Electric Association Board met Monday evening, voting to decommission Healy 2, the largest coal plant in Alaska, and invest in a wind and battery project that will be the largest of its kind in the state due to grassroots community organizing!

The State of Alaska is opening a land sale to privatize public land under the guise of “food security” even though it likely won't impact actual food supplies for three decades. Many local residents are asking that the Nenana-Totchaket land sale pause until appropriate land analysis and Tribal consultations can be completed.