Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, has signed Administrative Order 238, which establishes a subcabinet to prepare a climate change strategy. According to the governor's office, the Climate Change Sub-Cabinet will examine ways to develop, support and expand renewable energy resource programs and to promote aggressive development of renewable energy sources such as geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, tidal and in-stream energy.
In addition, the Sub-Cabinet will consolidate the state's knowledge about the expected effects of global warming in Alaska, recommend measures and policies to prepare communities and residents to respond to expected effects, and guide the state's participation in local, regional and national efforts to curb and respond to global warming.
Under the administrative order, the Sub-Cabinet will be required to consult with the president of the University of Alaska, the governor's office adds.
Members of the Sub-Cabinet include the commissioners of the Departments of Commerce, Community and Economic Development; Environmental Conservation; Natural Resources; Fish and Game; and Transportation and Public Facilities. It is chaired by the commissioner of Environmental Conservation.
