# PRIORITY CLIMATE ACTION

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Avillage_solomon%3A272088077cc3e9e5

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

2024

PRIORITY CLIMATE ACTION
PLAN

KING ISLAND
PREPARED FOR:
State and Local Climate and Energy
Program
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Tribal partnerships

NOME ESKIMO
COMMUNITY
NATIVE VILLAGE OF
COUNCIL
VILLAGE OF SOLOMON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................2
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING............................................. 4
WHAT IS CPRG ........................................................................................9
WHO IS CPRG .........................................................................................9
APPROACH TO DEVELOPING PCAP ...................................................9
Methodology & Data Overview .................................................10
EMISSIONS BY SECTOR ......................................................................11
GHG REDUCTION MEASURES SUMMARIZED .................................13
EMISSIONS FORECAST ......................................................................15
................................................................................................................ 24
................................................................................................................ 25
CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING COMMITTEE ................................... 25
REVIEW OF AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT ..................................... 26
GHG Reduction Targets ...................................................................... 27
KING ISLAND........................................................................................30
NATIVE VILLAGE OF COUNCIL .........................................................33
NOME ESKIMO COMMUNITY ...........................................................35
VILLAGE OF SOLOMON .................................................................... 37
NOME JOINT UTILITY SYSTEM .........................................................44
NEXT STEPS ..........................................................................................46
APPENDIX A: Inventory Methodology ...............................................47
1 | Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Recognizing the land in which this document is referring to, is a
wide variety of tribal people enrolled with various federally recognized tribal entities primarily
Inupiat peoples.
The PCAP will help Tribes and Territories to: 1. Improve their understanding of current and
future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 2. Identify priority strategies to reduce these emissions
and the potential other benefits of those strategies, and 3. Engage a variety of stakeholders in
an emissions reduction planning process.
The PCAP will inform the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), which is due at the close
of the grant period for Tribes and Territories. This outline document pertains to both required
and suggested content for the Tribal and Territorial PCAP only.
The EPA encourages Tribes and Territories to collaborate with each other and other entities
(states, municipalities, etc.), explore opportunities to leverage other federal funds, and
prioritize durable and replicable GHG reduction measures.1 If you have any questions regarding
this outline, please contact CPRG@epa.gov.
Key Definitions and Acronyms
Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP): a narrative report that includes a focused list of near-term,
high-priority, and implementation-ready measures to reduce GHG pollution and an analysis of
GHG emissions reductions.
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP): a narrative report that provides an overview of the
Tribe or Territory’s significant GHG sources/sinks and sectors, establishes near-term and longterm GHG emission reduction goals, and provides strategies and identifies measures that
address the highest priority sectors to help the Tribe or Territory meet those goals.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory: a list of emission sources and sinks and the associated
emissions quantified using standard methods. The PCAP must include a “simplified" inventory
(see Section 3.1). The CCAP must include a comprehensive inventory of emissions and sinks for
the following sectors: industry, electricity generation/use, transportation, commercial and
residential buildings, agriculture, natural and working lands, and waste and materials
management.
VOS: Village of Solomon
KINC: King Island Native Community
NVC: Native Village of Council
NEC: Nome Eskimo Community
NJUS: Nome Joint Utility System

2 | Page

A JOINT PLAN BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF SOLOMON, NOME ESKIMO
COMMUNITY, NATIVE VILLAGE OF COUNCIL & KING ISLAND NATIVE COMMUNITY

FUNDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY; CLIMATE POLLUTION
REDUCTION GRANT PROGRAM
Jointly Approved on March 15, 2024

3 | Page

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF SOLOMON, KING ISLAND NATIVE COMMUNITY,
NATIVE VILLAGE OF COUNCIL, AND NOME ESKIMO COMMUNITY
TO ADDRESS MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE, POLLUTION AND EMISSIONS
This agreement (“Agreement”) is hereby made between the King Island Native Community
(“King Island”), Village of Solomon (“Solomon”), Native Village of Council (“Council”), and the
Nome Eskimo Community (“Nome Eskimo”) (collectively “the Parties”).
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The four federally recognized tribes located within the municipal boundaries of Nome, Alaska,
as listed above, are dedicated to addressing pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions
where each tribe is currently headquartered. The Environmental Protection Agency Climate
Pollution Reduction Grant Program addresses this ultimate goal by providing resources, funding
and guidance in developing a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP).
Each tribal partner will nominate a point of contact to sit on the Climate Action Planning
Committee to ensure appropriate representation for each tribal community moving forward in
planning, implementing and gathering resources to address the overall climate change efforts.
This EPA CPRG Planning grant is made available by the Inflation Reduction Act, allocating $25
million to tribes and tribal consortia.
Fall 2023, EPA will announce their Implementation Grant, made available by the Inflation
Reduction Act providing $4.6075 billion for grants to implement measures from the GHG
reduction plans developed with the planning grant funding.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Funding through the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program; each respective party to
this agreement shall have the following responsibilities which include working with Village of
Solomon’s staff, providing an appointee onto the Climate Action Planning Committee who will
meet regularly in developing all climate action plans, brainstorm action items to mitigate
climate change, decrease pollution, pollution prevention and funding opportunities to
implement plans. Within the plan; improving and understanding of current and future
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions so that tribal governments can prioritize actions that reduce
such emissions and harmful air pollution where the parties reside, work, play, subsist, go to
school and to adopt and implement ambitious policies and programs to reduce GHG emissions
and accelerate decarbonization across multiple important sectors.

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Village of Solomon’s Responsibilities
Village of Solomon shall serve as the fiscal agent, point of contact and Lead organization
for purposes of the EPA Grant management, reporting, and facilitating meetings.
● The Village of Solomon Traditional Council shall appoint one (1) member to serve on the
Climate Action Planning Committee who works directly with the Council.
● VOS shall provide staff support for grant writing to explore additional funding avenues
for implementation.
●

King Island’s Responsibilities
●

King Island shall appoint one (1) member to serve on the Climate Action Planning
Committee, who represents the Council and directly reports to the Council. Should a
representative be unavailable to sit on the CAPC, VOS Staff will/can attend King Island
meetings for input, feedback, questions and reporting interim a Council representative
becomes available.

Council’s Responsibilities
●

Council shall appoint at least one (1) council member or staff member to serve on the
Climate Action Planning Committee. Should a representative be unavailable to sit on the
CAPC, VOS Staff will/can attend Council meetings for input, feedback, questions and
reporting interim a Council representative becomes available.

Nome Eskimo’s Responsibilities

●

Nome Eskimo shall appoint at least one (1) council member or staff member to serve on
the Climate Action Planning Committee. Should a representative be unavailable to sit on
the CAPC, VOS Staff will/can attend NEC meetings for input, feedback, questions and
reporting interim, an NEC representative becomes available.

Mutual Responsibilities
In order to properly plan and coordinate for the development of a Climate Action Plan, the
parties agree to form a Climate Action Planning Committee. This committee shall provide
guidance on steps needed to ensure each tribal partner is well represented in the developed
plans. The goal of this committee is to promote collaboration among all the tribes of Nome in

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developing a successful Climate Action Plan that will serve the tribally diverse community of
Nome.
The Climate Action Planning Committee (“CAPC”) shall be composed of representatives from
each party to this MOU, with discretion to add additional members from other organizations
upon a majority vote of approval from the existing CAPC members. Each party shall have at
least one seat on the CAPC, with the ability to request additional staff or council members be
allowed to join upon approval from the existing CAPC members. If a party is designating more
than one initial CAPC member, it is noted in the respective party responsibilities above.
The CAPC shall meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings being called at the discretion
of the CAPC and EPA Deadlines, or by VOS staff facilitators. Members of the CAPC shall be
tasked with working with EPA and identifying and implementing the steps needed to establish
both climate plans
● Tackle damaging climate pollution while supporting the creation of good jobs and
lowering energy costs for families
● Accelerate work to address environmental injustice and empower community-driven
solutions in the Nome area, directly affecting all parties
● Deliver cleaner air by reducing harmful air pollution, such as offsetting diesel fuel for
heating their homes, work, public facilities, schools, etc.
● Identifying funding sources
● Complying with any grant reporting
● Creating timelines
● Doing community outreach and education to their respective communities
Additional duties may be taken on by the CAPC at their discretion.
AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
The parties may amend this agreement upon mutual consent and in writing.
This agreement will be in effect once signed by all parties, and shall remain in effect
indefinitely unless the parties agree in writing to modify or dissolve parts or all of this
agreement.
Parties wishing to terminate their involvement in this agreement should provide one (1) month
notice to all other parties of their intent to withdraw.
ASSIGNMENT
The parties may not assign, transfer or pledge this agreement without prior written consent of
all parties.
SIGNATORIES

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The following individuals are authorized by their respective tribal councils to sign onto this
agreement, and hereby agree to the terms as set forth above.
KING ISLAND NATIVE COMMUNITY

c fs.spec (Apr 4, 2024 10:17 AKDT)

NATIVE VILLAGE OF COUNCIL

Barbara Gray

Barbara Gray (Apr 4, 2024 10:29 AKDT)

CHIEF

CHAIRMAN

NOME ESKIMO COMMUNITY

VILLAGE OF SOLOMON

Allison Johnson (Apr 4, 2024 11:18 AKDT)

PRESIDENT

Kirsten Timbers (Apr 4, 2024 09:16 AKDT)

PRESIDENT

7 | Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There are four Nome Based Tribes to be served within this Priority Climate Action Plan. With
careful planning, collaboration and partnering, this plan has been developed. As displaced
tribes, with the exception of Nome Eskimo Community, the three other tribal communities
reside in Nome year-round and seasonally within their villages.
To cover the larger section of the GHG emissions inventory, would cover all of the tribal
citizens residing in Nome, Alaska. Collectively, this equates to 70% of the Nome, Alaska
population.
VOS had the staff capacity when the EPA announced a funding opportunity to plan for
mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and developing prevention strategies in devastating
climate change impacts, especially to a region that is still recovering from the detrimental
effects of the September 2022 Typhoon Merbok. Because VOS’ Environmental Dept. has
already focused and prioritized on renewable energy, energy efficiency measures and
partnerships to achieve education, outreach and resources to the VOS tribal community, and at
the time, the local tribal consortia was not planning to apply for the CPRG program. Given this,
the VOS environmental dept decided to reach out to the 3 surrounding Nome based tribes and
ask if they would like to partner in a grant application to include and serve all 4 Nome based
tribes in developing climate action items to target decreasing GHG’s in the shared geographic
location of Nome, Alaska. It only made sense to partner and share resources to understand, and
set a specific goal to decrease the pollution that we all live with in Nome as a subarctic climate,
all citizens rely on heavy heating resources, which is 90% heating fuel to heat commercial and
all residential buildings. VOS’ knowledge is that it is realistic, feasible and achievable to
implement efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies. This funding opportunity,
partnering with surrounding tribes and developing such a planning document is the path
forward in a cleaner living environment for all sectors of the City and providing the resources
for future generations to have mitigated devastating climate tragedies, giving our future leaders
the tools to educate and maintain such operating systems, building envelopes and clean
technologies as we begin to implement these action items given forth within this document.
In having discussions with a Chairwoman of a Nome Based Tribe, understanding the need for all
tribal community members be served for the purposes of this planning document.
Acknowledging that, each tribal citizen should be served if given the opportunity under the
umbrella of our partnership, capacity in developing our priority climate action plan and
educating ourselves in the efficiency of our communities. If each tribe so chooses, can and will
serve each tribal citizen through the approval of this PCAP.

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WHAT IS CPRG
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) provides grants to states, local governments,
tribes, and territories to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and other harmful air pollution. It is an opportunity to develop your tribal climate mitigation
plans to reduce pollution and open the door to new available funding for implementation.

WHO IS CPRG
The Nome based tribes have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop climate action
plans through this funding opportunity, conducting a greenhouse gas emission inventory for all
public facilities, residential and commercial sectors in order to develop the action plans to
address and mitigate pollution as a rural cold climate census area in Nome, reliant upon fuel for
heating all sectors. Basing the priority climate action plan and comprehensive climate action
plan on existing tribal plans, such as the Village of Solomon’s Tribal Resolution adopting and
supporting the Paris Agreement, Renewable Energy Plan, Integrated Solid Waste Management
Plan and all of the tribe’s Local Economic Development Plans will be reviewed and dissected as
a framework for the PCAP and CCAP. Each tribe will have a representative committed to the
Climate Action Planning Committee to develop new policies collaboratively, working directly
with the local utility to understand the demand for energy use, the primary sources of energy
demand and how we can mitigate the GHG’s in providing the demand. The Committee will
reach out to their respective communities and facilitate joint community gatherings for
updates, feedback and input to include on top of meeting with their Tribal Council’s for updates
and input. There will be transparency between all the stakeholders, to ensure the development
of both climate plans are sufficient in addressing each community, each stakeholder and every
community member.

APPROACH TO DEVELOPING PCAP
VOS’ Environmental Dept. was tasked with facilitating discussions with all of the tribal
representatives to ensure appropriate input was provided in representation of each tribal
partner. Including educating each tribal rep and tribal stakeholders, in understanding exactly
what CPRG is, GHG inventories are, mitigation measures and concerns of their own for their
people in climate change and pollution. After educating stakeholders and representatives, it
was smooth sailing in discovering the action items to develop and put down in a document for
each tribe to utilize as a resource tool in moving forward in acquiring appropriate funding in
order to implement their action items to better serve their communities. In order for a
successful and whole approach to developing action items in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and mitigate climate change in a geographic location that has huge negative impacts
from extreme weather events, it only made sense to include and collaborate with the only
utility serving the Nome based tribes, Nome Joint Utility Systems. Because NJUS is the only
utility serving the City of Nome, NJUS’ aim is to decrease the heavy reliance on fuel for
electricity, heating and water needs within Nome. The overarching goal of this PCAP, is to
establish all the ghg reduction measures that will ensure the future of the subarctic climate

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geographic location to be healthy, renewable, efficient and sustainable for all entities within
the City of Nome.
In order to achieve, approaching in a collaborative effort is the only way to achieve the
reduction of GHG’s.
Conducting surveys, input and meeting for collaborative discussion in developing energy action
items to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from each tribal community.

GHG INVENTORY
With the tribal partners signing and agreeing to the MOU, all parties have agreed upon having
representation on the establishment of a Climate Action Planning Committee which will meet
quarterly. The CAPC will be working directly with the local NJUS utility manager, Ken Morton,
on all electrification within Nome in preliminary GHG inventory data collection over a period of
seven months, completed by December 2023. Preliminary GHG inventory data collection will
include the identified tribes, their inventory year, baseline measurements, as well as emissions
based on ICLEI’s Global Protocol for Community-Scale GHG Emissions Sectors for the following
Scopes 1, 2, and 3 defined below.
Methodology & Data Overview
GHG emissions are quantified in two ways:
1. Measurement-based methodologies refer to the direct measurement of GHG emissions
(from a monitoring system) emitted from a flue of a power plant, wastewater treatment
plant, landfill, or industrial facility.
2. Calculation-based methodologies calculate emissions using activity data and emission
factors. To calculate emissions accordingly, the basic equation below is used:
Activity Data x Emission Factor = Emissions

Scope 1 - Stationary Fossil Fuel Combustion, Mobile Fossil Fuel Combustion, Solid Waste
Management, Wastewater Treatment
Scope 2 - Electricity Consumption
Scope 3 - Agriculture & Land Management, Forestry, Waste Generation (offsite disposal), Water
Use (offsite disposal), Water Use (offsite supply/treatment), Additional Sources
Meeting with the CAPC on a quarterly basis, will give the development of the PCAP all tribal
priorities, goals, action items, specific to the tribes they represent. Collectively, the overarching

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goal will be to mitigate pollution, to get there; the CAPC will address their concerns and the
committee will create short term and long term implementation plans. The CAPC will include
any and all existing climate actions, energy plans, environmental plans that each tribal partner
already has and tie in specified priorities as they correlate to climate action planning. Additional
required and recommended elements include, GHG planning, measuring, benefits analysis,
outline, a final draft approved by Tribal Partners, as well as the final PCAP publication.
This vision can be met with goals that are realistic and consistent with Alaska’s current
conditions and aspirational future. The State of Alaska’s goals are to:
Leverage available federal funding to achieve a widespread and impactful transformation at the
residential, commercial, and public sector levels, and across sectors.
Deliver equitable benefits such that disadvantaged communities have access to resources that
decrease their vulnerability and improve resilience.
Align activities with beneficial economic impacts that include improving job quality, increasing
workforce opportunity, and strengthening business development.
Achieve corresponding environmental and public health benefits, including improving air
quality.
Significantly diversify power generation with an emphasis on local, reliable, and affordable
energy.
Support and incentivize energy efficiency, renewable energy, decarbonization, and beneficial
electrification across all sectors.
Sustainably increase value-added economic activities (e.g., fisheries, transportation, agriculture,
mariculture) that leverage clean energy and maximize in-place opportunity for residents.

EMISSIONS BY SECTOR

Sector

Fuel or Source
Electricity

Residential
Energy

Fuel Oil #1

2022 Usage

Usage Unit

5,568,972 kWh

305,849 Gallons

2022
Emissions
3,160

3,126

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Fuel Oil #2

1,387,275 Gallons

Residential Energy Total:
Electricity

14,254

20,540
3,397,379 kWh

1,928

Fuel Oil #1

118,187 Gallons

1,208

Commercial/Publi
c Buildings Energy Fuel Oil #2

535,997 Gallons

5,507

Commercial Energy Total::
Gasoline
Transportation &
Mobile Sources Aviation

8,643
63,587,913 VMT

25,735

1,592,786 Gallons

15,495

Transportation and Mobile Sources Total:
Solid Waste

Waste Generation

41,230
1,820 Tons

Solid Waste Total:

2,887
2,887

Water supply
electricity

546,025 kWh

310

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Wastewater
electricity

N2O Emissions

494,006 kWh

280

3,500 people

33

Water & Wastewater Total:

622

Community Emissions Total

73,922

GHG REDUCTION MEASURES SUMMARIZED
1. Energy Efficiency Education
2. Renewable Energy Education
3. Energy audits
4. Weatherization guidebook development
5. Household weatherization
6. HRV/Ductless Heat Pump installation
7. Upgraded efficient boilers for all households
8. Weather stripping for all doors
9. Insulation on all homes and buildings
10. SMART Meter installations
11. Solar panels to scale on buildings and homes
12. Battery storage for all buildings and homes

Summarizing Narrative Action Items
● Establish programs to finance and support energy efficiency retrofits for residential,
commercial, and public buildings.
● Support and incentivize energy efficiency, renewable energy, decarbonization, and
beneficial electrification across all sectors.
● Sustainably increase value-added economic activities (e.g., fisheries, transportation,
agriculture, mariculture and marine biotechnology, and petrochemicals) that leverage
clean energy and maximize in-place opportunity for residents.

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● Improve electric generation efficiency in rural Alaska through optimized power
generation
● maintenance, improved renewable integration strategies, and reduced line loss.
Benefits flowing to disadvantaged communities will be realized via:
● a decrease in energy burden and utility costs with community dependent reductions in
home heating of up to 75%
● increase in access to low-cost capital through both energy savings and financial
assistance programs
● decrease in environmental exposure due to less use and storage of diesel or heating
fuel and improvements in indoor air quality
● increase in high-quality jobs through disadvantaged and local hire and workforce
● development training, and equipment operations and maintenance in each community
● increased access to clean energy and home retrofit technologies such as high-quality
heat pumps, ventilation, insulation
Weatherization, energy efficiency measures, and beneficial electrification of Alaska’s public,
non-residential facilities like schools, universities, and state and city/tribal office buildings has
great potential to provide emissions reduction and broader community benefits through money
saved on energy expenses. Importantly, these measures are among the short list of efforts that
can be undertaken with expedience and expertise by resource-limited governmental entities. In
Alaska, the government is one of the largest economic sectors. This is reflected in many small
communities where public facilities, such as schools, are critical to human infrastructure,
serving a changing role as lodging for out-of-town guests, emergency shelter, and community
gathering space. AHFC’s 2014 Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings, among other evidence,
points clearly to the economic and environmental benefits
These facilities are also a major driver of costs for governments that are already fiscally
distressed or lack access to sufficient revenue to meet growing costs, especially when the
buildings are not energy efficient and use expensive heating oil, which in some communities is
priced as high as $13/gallon.
The proposed actions support programs by public entities that promote greater energy
efficiency through weatherization, energy efficiency measures, and beneficial electrification in
public facilities across Alaska. Other public assets, like vehicle and equipment fleets, may be
considered as part of this measure as well. They would be implemented by the University of
Alaska, Department of Transportation; Public Facilities, Department of Education and Early
Development, municipal school districts, and other public entities like municipal and tribal
governments.
Reduced fuel consumption can mean big differences for rural communities in Alaska. First of all,
revenue for municipal governments in rural Alaska can be quite limited as communities can
have a very restricted tax base; by reducing a reliably costly expense like heating oil, these
essential governments may have greater fiscal resilience to economic shock and they may have
more flexibility to invest in other needed areas. Reduced fuel use also may mean that fuel
deliveries do not need to happen as regularly, resulting in greater resilience to freight
disruption by weather and disaster that might delay fuel shipments. Over the long-term

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reduced residential dependence on diesel may mean that bulk fuel systems in some rural
Alaska communities will not need to maintain as much capacity. This reduced reliance on
importation of fossil fuels can make a huge difference for the most remote communities in
Alaska.
Upgrades are anticipated to significantly reduce line losses, improving energy efficiency and
environmental impact. Reduced reliance on diesel generators will lead to lower emissions,
better air quality, and lower costs at the local and only utility serving the Nome based tribes.
A distinguishing feature of this initiative is its unwavering commitment to directly benefit lowincome and disadvantaged households. With no financial burden imposed on participants, the
program becomes readily accessible to such low-income and disadvantaged households,
granting access to the transformative potential of renewable energy to those who might
otherwise never have the opportunity. For an average participating household, the program is
projected to yield approximately a 40% reduction in their annual electricity bills, making it a
compelling proposition for those seeking economic relief from rising energy costs.
Beyond the immediate cost savings, installing Community Solar PV and Battery projects will
play a pivotal role in bolstering the reliability and resilience of aging and isolated microgrids
scattered throughout the Nome census area. The risk of damage to associated community
infrastructure for microgrid-communities face significantly increases when blackouts occur,
especially during the harsh winter months when rapid freeze-ups can damage the fragile aboveground water and sewer systems. Integration of Solar PV and Battery systems into the existing
diesel grid will be a game-changer, significantly diminishing the frequency, duration, and
impacts of these disruptive events. In essence, this program serves as a lifeline for communities
in dire need of enhanced energy stability.
Furthermore, the Residential solar program is set to cultivate a local Alaskan-grown solar
workforce. This endeavor is provided for by substantial investment in workforce development
programs and a surge in demand for solar installations. This dual approach not only promises to
expand and augment the expertise and capacity of the domestic Alaskan solar industry but also
paves the way for future solar development opportunities that extend beyond the scope of the
program. It is an endeavor that not only promises immediate benefits but also lays the
foundation for future sustainable growth and innovation in Alaska’s energy sector.

EMISSIONS FORECAST
Community emissions were projected using the following variables for business-as-usual (BAU):
● Projected Population Growth: Population was projected based on historical
population data from the US Census. The 2010 population for Nome was reported as
3,598 and the 2020 population was reported as 3,699, for 2.8% growth in one decade.
Projecting 2.8% growth per decade forward results in a 2030 population of 3,803, and a
2050 population of 4,019.

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● Electricity emissions intensity projections: For business as usual, it was assumed that
the NJUS generation mix of 92% diesel generator and 8% wind would remain constant,
resulting in a constant emissions intensity (lbs CO2e/kWh) for electricity.
● On-Road Transportation Fuel Efficiency Standards[1] (CAFE Standards): Fuel efficiency
standards are used to project the reduction of emissions intensity for each mile driven
by gasoline on-road vehicles. Fuel efficiency standards decrease emissions due to
federally mandated improvements in vehicle fuel economy. ICLEI developed variables
from fuel efficiency projections provided by the Center for Climate and Energy
Solutions[2] (C2ES).
Nome’s 2022 emissions were estimated at 73,922 Metric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
(million MT CO2e). Based on the above growth rates and emissions intensity factors, 2030
emissions are projected to be 72,014 MT CO2e, and 2050 emissions at 68,781 MT CO2e.
Emissions decrease in the BAU case because the efficiency gains from federal vehicle CAFE
standards outweigh the effects of population growth.

[1] Default Fuel Efficiency Standards:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WwVVIpNBxY8vkbN1zVqv5J2JOtYld4CV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114957718777074117
870&rtpof=true&sd=true

16 | Page

[2] Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: https://www.c2es.org/content/regulating-transportation-sector-carbon-emissions/

Table reflects no reduction measures implemented.

17 | Page

Table: Strategies with net reduction (MT CO2e) and level of impact in 2030 and 2050
Action

MTCO2e reduced
in 2030

MTCO2e reduced
in 2050

Clean electricity - 20% wind

676

715

Clean electricity - 40% wind

1,132

1,196

Clean electricity - 80% wind*

0

2,392

Building efficiency and electrification - new
construction of community center and housing

79

107

Building electrification - existing houses

1,994

11,369

Building electrification - existing commercial
buildings

773

4,408

*Reduction from 80% wind is zero in 2030 because it is modeled to be implemented in 2035.

Funding Analysis
For many of these proposed measure action items, funding avenues will come from the EPA
implementation grant application awards, partnering with the State of Alaska from their state
programs to assist and spread the funds further in serving, if not all, at least 80% of the
residential and community buildings within Nome.

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Alaska Energy Authority - Solar For All
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation - Weatherization assistance
Nome Joint Utility Systems EPA implementation general competition
Village of Solomon Tribal Consortia Tribal Implementation for tribes competition

Within this table, is a list of soon to be new programs to serve the
Nome census area with the new Home Electrification and Rebate
program development
Measure Title
Residential New
Construction or
Retrofit Incentives
and Programs
Residential New
Construction or
Retrofit Incentives
and Programs
Residential New
Construction or
Retrofit Incentives
and Programs

Measure
Subtitle

General Notes

Calculator to use

Residential AllElectric

High impact
General approach is to electrification
action of all end uses in housing unit - >
residential
electrifying 5% of housing units = 5%
efficiency and
of gas demand
electrification

Residential
HVAC Heat
Pumps

High impact
Can be separated if there is data on action portion of gas used for space heating, residential
otherwise included in all-electric
efficiency and
electrification

Residential
Water Heating
Heat Pumps

Can be separated if there is data on
portion of gas used for water
heating, otherwise included in allelectric

High impact
action residential
efficiency and
electrification

Would need to know % savings for
stretch compared to base code

High impact
action residential
efficiency and
electrification

Residential New
Construction
Incentives and
Programs

Voluntary
Stretch Code
and Incentives

Residential Retrofit
Incentives and

Residential
Need estimate of percent of housing High impact
Weatherization units affected. ACEEE reports 10%
action -

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Programs

typical savings for a 'light' retrofit and residential
29% savings for a 'medium' retrofit. efficiency and
electrification

Based on the historical performance of the Weatherization Assistance Program, households
that go through weatherization experience an average reduction of energy consumption of an
equivalent of 6,740 lbs of carbon dioxide a year, a 21 percent reduction. A reduction of 61.7
million BTU;s or 453 gallons of fuel oil per year representing an average of 29% energy cost
savings per household.
The Weatherization Assistance Program has historically delivered substantial benefits to lowincome and disadvantaged communities.

Alaska Weatherization Assistance Program Statistics
Median household income $28,263
Households in rural Alaska communities 42%
Alaska Native households 38%
Households with elderly members 34%
Households with children under 6 24%

A life-cycle cost analysis of the program shows a Savings to investment ratio of 1.5, so energy
cost savings from Alaska's weatherization program will earn back the money spend plus 50
percent over the course of the improvement’s life. During the 2008-2018 period when the
weatherization program had a state surplus of funds to work with, the program created an
estimated 5,460 annual jobs.
These savings are especially significant in rural Alaska, where in Winter 2023 heating fuel in 92
unsubsidized communities had an average cost of $6.72 per gallon 33 in contrast to the
national average of $4.60 during the same period. In Alaska’s Western region, which has some
of the lowest average household incomes in the country, the 2023 average heating fuel price
rises to $7.50. While diesel use for electricity is supported by Power Cost Equalization (PCE)
funds, this is not the case for household heating fuel. Given these statistics, it’s evident why
reducing the residential fuel needs in rural Alaska has such a disproportionate impact in
reducing the economic burden of energy on individual households.
An important function of properly-done residential weatherization is making homes more
livable and comfortable for its residents. Residential weatherization can help prevent moisture
management issues that, left untreated, can lead to mold growth, poor indoor air quality, and
worse health outcomes.

20 | Page

Less fuel consumption also means that fuel deliveries do not have to happen as regularly,
resulting in greater resilience to freight disruption by weather and disaster that might delay fuel
shipments. Over the long-term reduced residential dependence on diesel may mean that bulk
fuel systems in some rural Alaska communities will not need to maintain as much capacity.
Information provided and content provided by the State of Alaska Ak Priority Sustainable
Energy Plan.
An NREL study on distributed renewables for Arctic energy 67 , found that community buy-in
and ownership is essential, as this extract demonstrates and the project anticipates and
responds to. DEC knows that projects must be community-driven and supported, with
community members understanding and participating in the value proposition of moving to a
stronger reliance on renewable energy. It is critical to include and receive buy-in from key
stakeholders like utility managers, operators, project champions, and local government
officials. Beyond project development, community engagement must be ongoing, and continue
after the project is deployed to maintain community support and ownership. Long-term
engagement is an essential element of sustainability.
The recent 200-page report by ANTHC and DCRA, ”Unmet Needs of Alaska’s Environmentally
Threatened Alaska Native Villages” makes a number of recommendations with relevance to
state and federal policymakers. There are many particular findings, including agency
programmatic and legislative barriers such as required match, that are currently preventing
needed investment for climate adaptation.
Fuel transportation to remote Alaska communities is becoming more susceptible to weatherrelated disruptions. In these communities, fuel is typically delivered by barge, which for inland
communities is only available during the summer when the rivers are free of ice. Changes in
river paths, low water levels, increasing sediments, or unexpected storms can put shipments at
risk, leaving a community without the energy stores needed to meet high heating loads during
the long winter. Alternative methods of delivery, such as ice roads and winter-based overland
routes, are becoming less secure. The emergency alternative—flying diesel in on small planes or
even by helicopter—increases costs exponentially, with some communities paying over
$16/gallon . Burning diesel also releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, reducing local
air quality. The effects of severe weather are being experienced acutely in Arctic regions like
Alaska, as melting permafrost further reduces transportation options and puts building
foundations at risk.
Remote Alaska communities have and will continue to lead in community-based renewable
energy development, serving as an example for similar communities throughout the world.
Many communities have excellent wind, solar, hydropower or biomass resources waiting to be
utilized. Sixty-nine Alaskan communities have so far integrated some form of renewable energy,
and between 2014 and 2018, 5,210 households 82 in rural Alaska received building energy
efficiency improvements to reduce overall energy demand. A variety of funding sources and
programs are available to support communities in the complex transition to renewable energy
Remote locations may be rich in renewable energy sources, but the intermittent nature makes
their integration into the power grid a challenge.

21 | Page

Energy planning can offer enhanced protection against the threats of natural disasters and
terrorism to make our communities more resilient, sustainable and livable for generations to
come, which lowers the price of mitigation for building owners. The many challenges to public
health and safety and Environmental sustainability in our increasingly complex global society
calls for a holistic approach to public policy development and business models, including how
we construct buildings. Thoughtful consideration of performance goals prior to taking action is
important for budget planning and for establishing priorities, such as: public health and safety;
protection of ecosystems and the important functions they serve; accessibility and mobility for
all citizens; affordable housing; and economic sustainability. Implementation of new policies
and practices should start by identifying the intersections and synergies that will achieve the
performance goals (which may change) in the most responsible and cost-effective way possible.
Alaska has the potential for some of the most significant transformations from diesel power
generation to renewables in the nation, and already has communities that have taken these
steps. While overall adoption is high and the EIA identifies 33% of Alaska’s electricity generation
comes from renewable sources, the isolated nature of its microgrids makes transformation a
community-by-community effort.
Funded projects under this award will use technology that has been deployed with success in
Alaska, with proven innovation that is adapted to remote, isolated systems that face
challenging weather and operational extremes. The following section describes renewables that
are applicable to and proven for rural microgrids, battery systems that complement their use,
and integration expertise that has been demonstrated by project partners.
(Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Division of Community and Regional Affairs, 2024)
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/rural-alaska/2022/05/18/fuel-in-the-alaska-village-of-noatak-was-16-a-gallonthe-costs-are-more-than-just-money/
https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84391.pdf

22 | Page

23 | Page

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CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING COMMITTEE
Joint Collaboration between Village of Solomon (VOS), King Island Native Community (KINC),
Nome Eskimo Community (NEC) and Native Village of Council (NVC)
The Climate Action Planning Committee (CAPC) is composed of nominated and/or appointed
representatives for the Nome based tribes described above. In order to be provided the
stipends for participation during facilitated CAPC meetings the duties of each member are as
follows;
Responsibilities of CAPC Members:
● Bring forth climate change concerns from each of their respective communities
● Report directly to their respective Tribal Councils regularly
● Attend quarterly meetings with CAPC members, facilitated by VOS staff

25 | Page

● Guide the development of two main deliverables of the EPA CPRG grant; Priority Climate
Action Plan & Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
● Brainstorm action items with CAPC to address GHG inventory baseline
● Attend joint community gatherings annually
● Assist VOS staff in outreach and education to each of the tribal communities included in
the MOU and CAPC

*Subject to change at the direction of VOS staff, Tribal Councils and/or CAPC members to
adhere to member/council/staff turnover and/or due to EPA reporting requirements.
CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
DEILAH JOHNSON- VILLAGE OF SOLOMON
KEVIN BAHNKE - NOME ESKIMO COMMUNITY
BARBARA GRAY - NATIVE VILLAGE OF COUNCIL
LEONA MAYAC - KING ISLAND
Collaborations
● Individual tribal citizens
● Community organizations
● Local, state government and federal government
● Private businesses
● Nome Joint Utility Systems
● Nome Public schools
SUPPORTIVE MEMBERS: Dr. Kristen Cetin Michigan State University; Cristina Poleacovschi;
Kenneth Morton (NJUS), Jacob Pomeranz, Electric Power Systems; Trish Perryman, Electric
Power Systems; ICLEI technical staff and member support staff

REVIEW OF AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT
Nome Eskimo Community has the authority to implement their own specific GHG reduction
measures for their community, as a federally recognized tribal entity with elected leaders.
Native Village of Council has the authority to implement their own specific GHG reduction
measures for their community, as a federally recognized tribal entity with elected leaders.
King Island Native Community has the authority to implement their own specific GHG reduction
measures for their community, as a federally recognized tribal entity with elected leaders.
Village of Solomon has the authority to implement their own specific GHG reduction measures
for their community, as a federally recognized tribal entity with elected leaders.

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NJUS has the authority to implement their reduction measures through their approval process
with the Utility Board and the City of Nome elected Common Council.

GHG Reduction Targets
Collectively, all 4 Nome based tribes have decided to target at minimum 40%- aiming for 60%
GHG reduction by 2032.
The biggest benefit of having such a targeted GHG reduction, is understanding that lowering
the cost of heating in cold climates for comfortability, air quality and healthy homes is also
contributing the mitigating the GHG atmosphere and pollution that our community members
are breathing in, relying on our land/environments for eating, surviving and culturally thriving.
With the CPRG grant funding for planning, the funds have been utilized to budget an annual
ICLEI membership, with access to ClearPath in measuring the 2022 year of GHG inventory vs.
another year after implementation actions in various sectors to re-measure the difference.
All 4 tribes have the authority, as their own self governing bodies, to implement all listed GHG
reduction measures and climate action priority activities.
Using ICLEI, their member support staff have made it clear that they will be there for assistance,
feedback, suggestions and support in acquiring further inventories.

BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Action Descriptions and Modeling

Clean Electricity: Nome is not connected to any larger electric grid, so must rely entirely on local
generation. Nome Joint Utility System (NJUS) reports generation is currently 92% from diesel
generators and 8% from wind. Use of diesel generation not only produces significant GHG
emissions, but the fuel is expensive, reflected in electric rates per kWh several times those
typical in the lower 48. Based on studies conducted by NJUS, wind generation would be the
most cost effective potential resource to replace diesel. At higher percentages of wind
generation, battery storage would also be needed in order to align the timing of supply with
demand. Three levels of increased wind generation are modeled:

27 | Page

➔ 20% wind generation. NJUS has identified the ability to achieve this by
adding two 1 MW turbines to the existing turbines on Baner Ridge, which
would be the maximum possible for the space at Banner Ridge.
➔ 40% wind generation. NJUS has identified the ability to achieve this by
adding four 1 MW turbines along the north side of Cape Nome, 12 miles
east of the city.
➔ 80% wind generation. NJUS does not specifically examine this scenario,
but they do note the Cape Nome wind site would have room for
additional expansion, which would allow enough wind turbines to meet
this level of generation. A larger amount of battery storage would be
needed, with diesel generators used to meet times of high demand or
multi-day lulls in wind. 100% wind generation is not modeled as that
would likely require longer term energy storage. In the longer term,
emerging technologies such as wave energy may be available to
complement wind generation.
For modeling purposes we assume that 20% could be achieved in 2028, 40% in 2030, and 80%
in 2035.

Building Efficiency and Electrification - New Construction of Community Center and Housing:
This project would construct a community center building that includes a two-bedroom
apartment, and would also construct nine new single family homes. All buildings would be built
following the Energy Efficiency Building Standards for New Construction development by NREL
and the Village of Solomon in 2022. The Building Standards document estimates a 60%
reduction in heating energy demand compared to typical construction. In addition, we model
buildings with cold climate heat pumps as the primary heat source, providing 74% of annual
heating needs, with heating oil providing backup for the remaining 26% (see discussion in
community-wide building electrification action).

Building electrification - community wide: Cold climate heat pumps can effectively produce heat
down to about -15F. Low temperatures in Nome typically drop below -15 for about 20 days per
year, so some backup heat source is needed, which could be fuel oil, electric resistance heat, or
wood stoves. For modeling, we assume the existing heat source is fuel oil, and that fuel oil will
continue to be used as backup. The Alaska Mini-Split Heat Pump Calculator shows a heat pump
meeting 74% of annual heating demand in Nome, with a coefficient of performance 2.2
(meaning for every 1 kWh used, 2.2 kWh of heat is delivered to the home). This efficiency
creates the potential for significant cost savings for households and businesses adopting heat
pumps, especially in light of the high cost of heating oil.

28 | Page

We model heat pump adoption based on the lifetime of existing heating equipment, which
typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Based on this, we model 5% (1/20) of existing buildings per year
(starting in 2025) being electrified, and an additional 5% receiving an efficiency retrofit that
produces a 20% reduction in heating energy demand. This continues until 100% of buildings
have been retrofitted and electrified in 2044 (the 20th year after the start of implementation).
Based on this gradual process, the emissions reduction in 2050 is more than twice the reduction
in 2030 (2030 being less than halfway through the time needed to reach all buildings). This is
the standard rate of adoption that ICLEI models throughout the US. With educational programs,
deployment of financing and/or incentives for up-front cost, and development of a local
contractor base, it is possible this transition could occur more quickly in Nome, in light of the
significant fuel cost savings noted above.

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TRIBES

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskan-natives.com%2Fwpcontent%2Fuploads%2Fking-island-map1280x720.jpg&tbnid=sp63SfLTEz3lOM&vet=12ahUKEwiq6YTN_O6EAxUzPEQIHagRBa0QMygAegQIARBR..i&imgref
url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskan-natives.com%2F627%2Fking-island-nativecommunity%2F&docid=QaYLigwvHIhbiM&w=1280&h=720&q=king%20island%20native%20community&ved=2ahU
KEwiq6YTN_O6EAxUzPEQIHagRBa0QMygAegQIARBR

KING ISLAND
King Island is located in the Bering Straits, approximately 40 miles due south of Cape Prince of
Wales and the village of Wales. The village site on King Island which is located on the south side
facing Russia, is called Ukivok (OO-Q-Vok).
King Island was located and named by Captain James Cook in 1778, although no mention is
made in a history of the regions of any inhabitants on the island at that time. Photography of
King Island in the late Nineteenth Century indicated a settlement of walrus-skin dwelling lashed
to the face of King Island’s cliffs.
By the early Twentieth Century, King Island was reported as the winter home of 200 Eskimos,
proving a good base for walrus and seal hunting. Each summer the entire population voyaged

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by kayak, and umiak to the Alaskan mainland for a few months of fishing and, later, to sell
traditional handicrafts. After Nome was founded, they summered near the town, where they
sold intricate ivory carvings and seal skin sewing to tourists and locals.
In 1937 there were 190 residents, 45 houses, a Catholic church, and a school in the village. In
the early 1960’s, social and economic pressures and opportunities persuaded island residents
to relocate to Nome. In Nome, King Islanders have maintained a distinct community identity.
Former residents visited King Island in the spring and summer months to hunt walrus, pursue
other subsistence activities, and maintain dwellings.
Although vacant most of the year, King Island is recognized as a distinct village corporation
under the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act
(ANCSA), has an operative
IRA Council, and conducts
itself as a community
organization based in Nome,
Alaska. The King Island
Native Corporation has 206
shareholders and owns
several businesses.
Source: State of Alaska DCRA

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wixstatic.com%2Fmedia%2Ff93d50_b57423a38ab74077bfeafcb966
5c0e10~mv2.jpg%2Fv1%2Ffill%2Fw_640%2Ch_808%2Cal_t%2Cq_85%2Cusm_0.66_1.00_0.01%2Cenc_auto%2Ff93d50_b57423a38ab7
4077bfeafcb9665c0e10~mv2.jpg&tbnid=QozLzBN46pJxqM&vet=12ahUKEwiq6YTN_O6EAxUzPEQIHagRBa0QMygDegQIARBX..i&imgre
furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingislandnativecommunity.org%2F&docid=Rn720KUPF8oDaM&w=640&h=808&q=king%20island%20n
ative%20community&ved=2ahUKEwiq6YTN_O6EAxUzPEQIHagRBa0QMygDegQIARBX

“King Island’s biggest concern is the rising cost of heating fuel and utilities/electricity. If there’s
a way to decrease that, whether working with NJUS on subsidizing costs or working with
individual homeowners on different projects (solar, geo-thermal, and/or other).

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Energy goals = overarching is making Nome a more manageable place to live (we’ve
consistently heard the fuel surcharges on utility bills are a backbreaker)” - Chief Heather
Payenna
Demographics:
King Island has a community office building and tribal hall located in Nome, as a displaced tribal
community, many of their members reside in Nome yet much like the other tribes in this
partnership, their community members are scattered with headquarters in Nome.
KINC has also been working with the Village of Solomon on affordable housing development, on
undeveloped land on the east side of Nome. With this collaborative work, both tribes have
been able to successfully secure funds to expand the utility to reach their plots of land, hire a
project management company, construct gravel pads for all 10 lots and prioritize the building
envelope and design of the future homes to include all efficiency measures, renewable energy
aspects and support VOS in their advocacy to develop and distribute renewable energy as
backup power to the line of homes on the E. 6th generated through their mini microgrid,
constructed on their largest lot at the end of the road.
King Island also recognizes the affordability of a home, is not the upfront construction cost,
whereas the affordability of being a homeowner, is the operation and functionality of the home
that also brings comfort and meets the needs of the occupancy.
KINC Priority Action Items to mitigate GHG’s
➔ Energy efficiency and renewable energy education
➔ Widespread energy asssessments on all residential and commercial buildings
➔ Upgraded and efficient appliances for all spaces i.e. hot water boilers, ductless heat
pumps/HRV’s, energy star rated refrigerators, freezers, washer/dryers, dishwashers and
heating systems with programmable thermostats.
➔ Weatherization recommendations to implement efficient building envelopes including,
but not limited to; meeting high R-value insulation standards, appropriate efficient
exterior doors, efficient windows and sealing leaking gaps
➔ Installation of solar panels, battery storage and to serve the future KINC residential
homes, including the King Island Tribal Hall
➔ Smart Metering installation on residential homes in Nome

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https://earth.google.com/web/search/council,+alaska/@64.97863284,-163.76021922,274.51409243a,199107.7094705d,35y,6.52035337h,47.53852452t,0r/data=CnoaUBJKCiUweDU3MzFmNDQzYjY2ZmQ2YzM6MHhmMzhjODBhNjA4NTIyZGIzGTragu9HOVBAIaqOZnand
WTAKg9jb3VuY2lsLCBhbGFza2EYASABIiYKJAncakgl0ZNQQBHuP-8voxJPQBmgxpdSVXhkwCFnBhT3x6llwA

NATIVE VILLAGE OF COUNCIL
Council is located at the terminus of the Nome/Council road, 60 miles northeast of Nome. It lies
on the left bank of the Niukluk River.
Historically, this was a fish camp for the Fish River Tribe, who originally lived 12 miles
downstream. Council’s history is synonymous with the gold rush period. Gold was first
discovered in the area by Daniel B. Libby and party in 1897. By 1898 there were 50 log houses.
The gold found at Ophir Creek was the second richest claim in the world. During the summers
of 1897-99, the population of “Council City” was estimated at 15,000. It had a hotel, wooden
boardwalks, a 20-bed hospital, a post office, and numerous bars.

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The discovery of more gold at Nome in 1900 caused many of the boomers to leave Council.
However, the population in 1910 was 686. The depletion of gold, the flu epidemic of 1918, the
depression, and World War II all contributed to the decline of the population. By 1950, only
nine people remained. The post office closed in 1953. Today, the community is not occupied
year-round. The community is primarily a summer fish camp site for Nome residents.
Council is a seasonal fish camp. Several Nome residents have homes in Council, used for
summer subsistence food-gathering activities. Council is connected by road to Nome. There is a
state-owned 3,000′ long by 60′ wide gravel airstrip, but it is not maintained in the winter. Air
charter services are available from Nome. Dogsleds and snowmachines are the main means of
transportation during the winter.
Source: State of Alaska DCRA
Energy Concerns:
Cost of electricity, heating fuel expenses all within the geographic location of a subarctic
climate
Decreasing the pollution and including recycling, reducing and reusing approaches to the
community. Reducing waste within the community
Energy Action Items:
● Development and adoption of energy efficient building standard recommendations for
all future construction of residential and commercial buildings
● Efficient bathroom appliances; toilets, showerheads, bathtubs, sinks to reduce the
water flow and water consumption
● Widespread Energy efficiency and alternative/renewable energy education
● Energy Audit Weatherization audit recommendations
● Upgraded energy star rated appliances included but not limited to; washer/dryer
appliances, freezer, refrigerators, ductless heat pump systems, hot water
heaters/boilers, eskimo vents
● Installation of solar panels, battery storage and scaled inverters to meet the loads after
evaluating the energy audit
● Conducting feasibility studies on alternative and renewable energy resources to serve
the Native Village of Council’s geographic boundaries in order to serve all citizens and
community buildings
● Hiring staff with expertise that can facilitate, manage and monitor the efficiency and
energy program for Native Village of Council

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NOME ESKIMO COMMUNITY
Who We Are
As an organization, Nome Eskimo Community’s origins date back to 1939 when it was formed
under the Indian Reorganization Act as a federally recognized tribe. NEC’s members, however,
have roots in the region that extends back over millennia.
Initially, NEC operated in a political manner, functioning as the tribal governing body for the
area. As we have grown, our focus has expanded to provide social services and programs to
improve the quality of life for our tribal members, Alaska Natives, and Native Americans who
reside in Nome.
NEC now offers a multitude of services organized under the following service programs: Family

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Services, Tribal Services, Youth Services, Tribal Resources, and Housing Program. Learn more
about these programs and their specific offerings.
One Organization, Many Communities
As NEC grows, so does our role in the community. While maintaining and expanding our
services to tribal members, NEC is also branching out through partnerships with other
organizations. These collaborative efforts benefit both our membership and the community as
a whole.
NEC’s partnerships with organizations such as the Nome Recreation Center, Nome Community
Center, Nome Public Schools, Kawerak, Inc., Nome Youth Facility, and Norton Sound Health
Corporation have broadened our reach into the community and provided positive activities for
our youth. With our partners, we have organized basketball camps, cultural outings, summer
camps, and after-school study programs for those attending grades K-12. NEC is also working
with the local school district to establish a program to provide culturally-based education.
NEC’s Tribal Transportation Program serves the community as a whole, helping to safeguard the
resources on which we all depend.
As NEC looks to the future, we will strive to continue to improve the community’s well-being
while honoring and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the area’s Native peoples.
Facts At A Glance
ESTABLISHED: 1939
ENROLLMENT: 2,900+ members
WHAT WE REPRESENT: The political, social, and cultural interests of Native peoples in the
community of Nome and the Bering Strait region
SERVICE PROGRAMS: Family Services, Tribal Services, Tribal Youth, Tribal Resources
(Environmental Activities), and the Housing Program
MISSION STATEMENT: Nome Eskimo Community is a federally recognized tribal government
improving the quality of life of those we serve.
VISION STATEMENT: Nome Eskimo Community will be a proud, active, functional, and leading
tribal government that provides a broad spectrum of services that benefit our tribal members
and community.
https://www.necalaska.org/about/
NEC Priority Action Items to mitigate GHG’s
➔ Continued energy efficiency and renewable energy education
➔ Widespread energy audits on all residential and commercial buildings

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➔ Upgraded and efficient appliances for all spaces i.e. hot water boilers, ductless heat
pumps/HRV’s, energy star rated refrigerators, freezers, washer/dryers, dishwashers and
heating systems with programmable thermostats.
➔ Weatherization recommendations to implement efficient building envelopes including,
but not limited to; meeting high R-value insulation standards, appropriate efficient
exterior doors, efficient windows and sealing leaking gaps
➔ Installation of solar panels, tesla battery storage and scaled inverters to meet the loads
after evaluating the energy audit, estimated at 15 existing residential homes, 10 future
residential homes and 2 community buildings, that include 2 apartment rentals.
➔ Smart Metering installation on residential homes in Nome

VILLAGE OF
SOLOMON
The Village of Solomon was
originally settled by
Eskimos of the Fish River
Tribe, and was noted on
the map as "Erok" in 1900.
The original site was at the
mouth of the Solomon
River Delta, where it
became a miners camp and
later moved to the present
location on Jerusalem Hill.
The gold rush of 1899-1900
brought thousands of
people to the Solomon
area. By 1904 Solomon had
seven Saloons, a Post
Office, a ferry dock, and
between 3 and 7 big land
dredges along the Solomon
River. It was also the
terminus of the Council City
and Solomon River Railroad
that serviced miners from Solomon to Council. In 1913 the Railroad was washed out by storms
and in 1918 the flu epidemic struck. In 1940 the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) built a school, but
it was shut down in 1956 in a cost saving effort. The Post Office shut down in 1958. Families
relocated to Nome or Anchorage so their children could continue their education. Pete Curran

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operated the Roadhouse until the 1970s and it served as a checkpoint for the Iditarod sled dog
race, during its first few years.
The Village of Solomon (VOS) is a federally recognized tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act
of 1993. The Solomon Traditional Council is the governing body of the Village of Solomon. The
primary purpose of the Village of Solomon is to design and implement programs to increase the
quality of life and well-being of its tribal membership while protecting their environment.

range from -30 to 56 degrees.

Solomon is located on the
west bank of the Solomon
River, one mile north of the
Norton Sound, 34 miles
east of Nome on the NomeCouncil Highway. It lies at
64.560830 North Latitude
and -164.43917 West
Longitude. Solomon is
located in the Cape Nome
Recording District. The
climate is both continental
and maritime. Summers are
short, wet and mild.
Winters are cold and
windy. The temperatures

In 2010, the Village of Solomon tribal membership and Solomon Native Corporation together
completed their Local Economic Development Plan (LEDP) with the help of Kawerak, Inc. With
this plan, the Solomon Traditional Council creates a list of village priorities and meets as a
community every 5 years for strategic gatherings to update the list and plan. The first LEDP was
written in 1998 and had not been updated until 2010.
The VOS’ Environmental Dept. has been building capacity through an Environmental Protection
Agency Indian General Assistance Program since 2012 and has been able to develop an
Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, Water Quality Assurance Project Plan, Tribal
Environmental Plan, Renewable Energy Plan and worked with the Council and tribe on
supporting and adopting the Paris Agreement Climate Accord in a 2019-02 Tribal Resolution.

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While all these plans have been developed through the VOS Environmental Dept., it has taken
many partners, collaborations, support and grant writing to implement projects within these
plans.
Examples include;
●
●
●
●
●

the erection of a meteorological tower in Solomon to collect solar and wind data,
a Community Center energy audit,
Solomon’s Energy Efficiency Standards (SEES)
Distribution of custom weatherization kits to households
Installation of a 7kW rooftop solar panel system at the Community Center in Solomon

Demographics
The Village of Solomon has about 197 tribal citizens, scattered throughout Alaska, a few in the
contiguous 48 states and 40% residing in Nome. As a seasonal village, many of the citizens
travel out to Solomon through the entire summer. Additionally, each August the Council applies
for various grants to provide airfare for those outside of Nome to attend the annual Youth &
Elder Camp at the Community Center. During the summer season however, the Community
Center is a source of income for the tribe as a Bed and Breakfast. Aside from the Community
center, there are 3 dwellings, families camp in without running water or electricity. The
Community Center has a solar panel system, battery storage and a generator should any
Solomon citizens want to utilize the kitchen space, common areas or restrooms, as long as the
building is open, they are welcome to use the building.
VOS would like to construct all new buildings, homes, facilities green utilizing the highest
efficiency building envelopes using Building Standards and Codes, renewable energy
technologies and backup heating systems.
VOS would also like to see home and building energy audits, with a table of prioritized
recommendations in energy efficiency progressing toward installing and replacing inefficient
appliances/heating systems, and to install renewable energy to offset GHG’s in all buildings.
VOS has been long time supporters of utilizing renewable energy and have been eager to
implement renewable energy technologies within all sectors of the community.
In 2010, the VOS community decided in their 2009 Strategic Planning gatherings, that
prioritizing renewable and alternative energy was how they envisioned moving forward in their
community goals, therefore, Alternative and renewable energy (backup power) has sat on their
village priority lists in their 5 year Local Economic Development Plans since 2010.
VOS Priority Action Items to mitigate GHG’s
➔ Continued energy efficiency and renewable energy education
➔ Widespread energy audits on all residential and commercial buildings

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➔ Upgraded and efficient appliances for all spaces i.e. hot water boilers, ductless heat
pumps/HRV’s, energy star rated refrigerators, freezers, washer/dryers, dishwashers and
heating systems with programmable thermostats.
➔ Weatherization recommendations to implement efficient building envelopes including,
but not limited to; meeting high R-value insulation standards, appropriate efficient
exterior doors, efficient windows and sealing leaking gaps
➔ Installation of solar panels, tesla battery storage and scaled inverters to meet the loads
after evaluating the energy audit, estimated at 15 existing residential homes, 10 future
residential homes and 2 community buildings, that include 2 apartment rentals.
➔ Implementing the SEES document; Solomon Energy Efficiency Standards which was
developed under a DOE Technical assistance request, contracted with Cold Climate
Housing Research Center. Please see table for referenced screenshot of the table in the
SEES document on the following page.
➔ Smart Metering installation on residential homes in Nome
➔ Utilizing the NREL overview of the new construction on the Affordable Housing
Development on the property lots at E. 6th avenue in Nome for renewable and efficient
energy for the vertical construction. Screenshot is also on the following page

Photo of inverter screen at the Solomon Community Center taken Fall 2023

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NOME JOINT UTILITY SYSTEM
NJUS is a component unit of the City of Nome, responsible for electric generation, electrical
distribution, water and wastewater utilities in Nome. NJUS is the only utility in the City of Nome
providing these services, therefore serving all 4 Nome based tribes. Having the ability to
collaborate and partner with the local utility, is one of the only ways to support the decreased
reliance upon greenhouse gas emissions within the boundaries of Nome, Alaska.
NJUS is managed by the elected Utility Board members, all of which represent the city of Nome
as a whole, including Larry Pederson who is a Native Village of Council elected council leader.
As NJUS is the local utility, the partnership between the utility and this Priority Climate Action
Plan representing the 4 Nome based tribal partnership is integral toward implementing and
planning for a cleaner, healthier, sustainable future electrification and water/wastewater
alternatives to fuel consumption. The tribal partnership within this PCAP, fully supports and
encourages NJUS to achieve any and all efforts to implement renewable energy solutions,
tackling the decreased use of fuel.
CURRENTLY AT NJUS
The City of Nome’s electric power utility – Nome Joint Utility System (NJUS) – operates four
diesel generators and two wind turbines to generate electrical power for Nome’s energy needs.
The diesel generators are two 5.2 MW capacity Wartsila models in the new power plant, and
one 3.7 MW capacity Caterpillar and one 1.9 MW capacity Caterpillar in the old power plant.
The wind turbines are two EWT DW52-900 models (1.8 MW combined capacity) on Banner
Ridge, the site of a previous 0.9 MW capacity 18-turbine wind farm that was decommissioned
and removed several years ago to make way for the larger and more efficient EWT turbines. In
a 2022 report to Alaska Energy Authority, NJUS documented generation of 32.6 GWh of
electricity, with 30.4 GWh from the diesel generators (93% of total) and 2.2 GWh from the wind
turbines (7% of total). The 12.5% capacity factor of the wind turbines is a consequence of a lack
of battery energy storage to buffer periods of high winds and low power demand, requiring
curtailment of the turbines to maintain stable system frequency. Modeling indicates 21,700
MT/year of CO2 generation from this baseline system and 1.93 million gallons/year of diesel
fuel usage.
ENERGY GOALS AT NJUS
NJUS’ near-term (by year 2030) vision is to replace 50+ percent of its diesel fuel usage for
electricity generation and to help offset heating fuel usage in the Nome school with an electric
boiler to make use of excess energy production. This will be accomplished with an additional
wind turbine and 3 MW of solar PV capacity on Banner Ridge, four wind turbines at Cape Nome
with an 8-mile power distribution connection to the Cape, and installation of a 5 MWh storage
capacity/5 MW converter capacity battery energy storage system (BESS) at the powerplant. The
wind turbines will be new generation EWT DW58-1 MW models, yielding a total of 6.8 MW

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wind power capacity. With enhanced wind turbine utilization from use of a BESS, modeling
indicates 64 percent renewable energy penetration, displacement of nearly 1 million gallons of
diesel fuel per year, and a decrease of 11,900 MT/year of CO2 emissions (to 9,800 MT/year).
Modeling also predicts that 1.2 GWh/year of excess electrical energy not needed to meet
electric load demand or necessary to charge the BESS will be diverted to an electric boiler in the
Nome school hydronic system to offset 38,000 gallons of the school’s 400,000 gallons of annual
heating fuel usage.
NJUS’ Priority Action Items to Mitigate GHG’s:
➔ Integration of wind turbines and battery systems into the existing diesel grid to bolster
the reliability and resilience of aging infrastructure.
➔ Divert excess renewable energy to the school to offset annual heating fuel usage.
➔ Route excess renewable energy to homes use to offset home heating fuel usage.
➔ Reduce emissions associated with generating electricity with diesel generators within
the City of Nome and continue to encourage beneficial electrification.
➔ Maintain dependable and affordable energy access and availability to our entire
community, including those with limited financial resources.
➔ Advance water and sewer initiatives that will help address a critical housing shortage for
tribal members.

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NEXT STEPS
The first priority is to ensure this PCAP document is approved by all tribal partnerships. Once all
partners sign the PCAP, an application for the EPA CPRG Implementation funding opportunity
will be applied for on behalf of the tribes that sign on for the sequel of this planning project.
The tribe’s will also gather to discuss and review the GHG inventory data to discuss a timeline
for implementation and assuring each household has the opportunity to sign up for a home
energy audit through the MSU/Iowa energy assessment sign up throughout the 2024 year. This
will not only collect additional information for data collection, it will also provide more
information on recommendations for a collective way to decrease GHG’s in each household
representing the measures within the Residential sector.
Data collection will be an ongoing process throughout the life of the CPRG planning grant and
afterward, with additional funding resources as they become awarded and/or available.
Continue to work with NJUS in mitigating the demand for more diesel as affordable housing is
also addressed locally in Nome.
Apply for funding in development of a mini microgrid and learn how to manage a mini
microgrid for the construction of a micro grid in the Village of Solomon, isolated from the
existing Nome grid.
Developing the Home Electrification and Rebate tribal allocation to address the residential
home program for installation of energy star rated appliances.
Utilize the Grid Resilience tribal allocations from each Nome based tribe to address storm ready
enhancements for the grid, in partnership with NJUS.
Once funding has been awarded to implement measures/actions within this PCAP, measuring
the GHG to compare datasets.

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APPENDIX A: Inventory Methodology
TABLE 3: Transportation & Mobile Sources

Activity/Source

Data Source

Methodology/Data Gaps/Assumptions

Email from Sanwar
Sunny with
Constellation

Constellation provided VMT, broken down by
vehicle types. The area covered may not exactly
align with the Nome city boundary.

On-Road
Transit

Transit agency

Transit agency provided gallons of diesel fuel
and VMT. This data is recorded but emissions
are not included in the GHGI total because the
total on-road VMT above includes transit buses.

Aviation

Crowley Fuels
Alaska

Crowley provided gallons of aviation gasoline
and jet fuel

On-Road

Waterborne

Not included

OffRoad/Mobile

Not included

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Emissions
factors

EIA's Annual Energy
Review, Bureau of
Transportation
Statistics Average
Fuel Efficiencies,
and EPA's Emission
Factors for
Greenhouse Gas
Inventories

n/a

TABLE 4: Grid Electricity
Activity/Source Data Source

Methodology/Data Gaps/Assumptions

Residential
Electricity

Nome Joint Utility
System (NJUS)

NJUS provided residential kWh consumed

Commercial
Electricity

Nome Joint Utility
System (NJUS)

NJUS provided commercial and public office kWh
consumed

Nome Joint Utiilty
System (NJUS)

NJUS provided gallons of diesel fuel. This data is
recorded but emissions are not considered in the
GHGI total because electricity generation emissions
are captured in the residential and commercial
electricity emissions.

Calculated

Emissions factor calculated using electricity
generation emissions as described above, and NJUS
reported total generation of 32,500 MWh/yr. NJUS
reports diesel generators produce 92% of electricity
and wind turbines produce 8%.

Electricity
Generation

Emissions
factors

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TABLE 5: Stationary Combustion
Activity/Source
Residential
Stationary Fuel

Commercial
Stationary Fuel

Data Source

Methodology/Data Gaps/Assumptions

Sitnasuak Native
Sitnasuak Native Corporation and Crowley are the
Corporation and
two fuel providers to the community. Both provided
Crowley Fuels Alaska
total gallons of No. 2 fuel oil distributed to
customers; Crowley also provided gallons No.1 fuel
oil. Consumption may include some customers
outside the Nome city boundary. Since the
Sitnasuak Native
companies did not provide data broken out by
Corporation and
Crowley Fuels Alaska residential and commercial customers, the usage was
divided between residential and commercial based
on the percentage of kWh consumed by each.

TABLE 6: Solid Waste
Activity/Source
Waste Generation
(Open Landfills)

Data Source
US EPA

Methodology/Data Gaps/Assumptions
Waste collected is not weighed, so we used the
national average per-capita waste disposed of 0.52
tons per person, calculated from EPA waste facts and
figures for 2018.

The landfill operator reported that there is no landfill
gas collection present. US Average moisture was
assumed.
Emissions factors

EPA's
Documentation for
Greenhouse Gas
Emission and Energy

n/a

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Factors Used in the
Waste Reduction
Model (WARM)

TABLE 7: Water and Wastewater Treatment
Activity/Source

Data Source

Water Treatment
Energy

Nome Joint Utility
System (NJUS)

NJUS provided kWh used for water treatment

Wastewater
Treatment energy

Nome Joint Utility
System (NJUS)

NJUS provided kWh used for wastewater treatment

Wastewater
Treatment

Nome Joint Utility
System (NJUS)

Process and effluent N2O emissions calculated using
population based methods. NJUS reports serving a
population of 3500. NJUS reports that
nitrification/denitrification is not used, and effluent
discharges to the ocean.

Wastewater
Treatment
Emissions Factors

IPCC Methods for
Greenhouse Gas
Inventories

n/a

Methodology/Data Gaps/Assumptions

Development of the Priority Climate Action Plan was funded by the Environmental Protection
Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Program grant awarded to the Village of Solomon (VOS),
VOS partnered with King Island Native Community, Nome Eskimo Community and Native
Village of Council.
Special thanks to Heather Payenna, Leona Mayac, Barbara Gray, Kirsten Timbers, Allison
Johnson, Amy Johnson.
Subcontractor ICLEI - Eli Yewdall for the work on the analysis and GHG inventory, Alyssa Wilbur
on assisting VOS staff to customize templates when seeking the datasets for the GHG inventory
all across the Nome grid.
Nome Joint Utility Systems: Kenneth Morton, Jacob Pomeranz, Trish Perryman.

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Sitnasauk Native Corporation for fuel data. Crowley Fuel. Nome School District for
transportation. State of Alaska PCAP and Griffin Plush. Lynden Transportation. State of Alaska
Dept of Conservation. Michigan State University/Iowa State University Research Team. City of
Nome, Jeremy Jacobson.
EPA CPRG Program Officer, Rebecca Derr. DeerStone Consulting through Kawerak, Inc.
Signature:
Email:

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Avillage_solomon%3A272088077cc3e9e5. Public record. Not legal advice.