Alaskans are well aware of the crucial importance of a resilient power grid, especially as extreme weather continues to challenge its reliability.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Alaska faced the most power interruptions in the nation last year due to its harsh climate.
Rural communities often rely on isolated power systems that are even more vulnerable to outages.
David Newman, a physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a scientist focusing on power grid functionality, is raising alarms over potential cuts to federal research funding.
Newman serves on the board of Alaska’s newly formed Electric Reliability Organization, applying his research to model more efficient and reliable grids adapted for the state’s unique climate demands.
However, he warns that this vital research could be jeopardized if the proposed cuts to federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE SC) move forward.
Next year’s preliminary federal budget suggests steep cuts of over 55% to the NSF’s funding and a 14% reduction to DOE SC’s budget.
Newman highlights the potential devastation these cuts would have on scientific research and innovation across the United States, particularly in Alaska.
The U.S. has long been a leader in complex infrastructure and fusion energy research, but international competition is intensifying, especially from countries like China, South Korea, and various European nations, which have already advanced in these fields.
Newman underscores that slashing federal funding would further widen the gap, hampering American scientists’ ability to compete in global innovation.
Cuts to research funding would also impact Alaska’s academic institutions, particularly the University of Alaska Fairbanks, renowned for its contributions to scientific research.
As of 2022, approximately 29% of UAF’s operating revenue came from federal funding, which supports critical research that bolsters American scientific excellence.
Throughout his 27 years teaching and researching at UAF, Newman has organized numerous conferences, attracting hundreds of international scientists to Fairbanks.
This not only spotlights Alaska’s stunning natural beauty but also its potential as a hub for innovative research.
Such events have significantly contributed to the state’s tourism sector, valued at around $5.6 billion.
However, Newman warns that without continued federal funding, these opportunities for attracting top scientific talent could dissipate.
The significance of federal funding extends beyond just power grid improvements.
It plays a crucial role in natural disaster mitigation and enhancing nuclear national security, as well as supporting the research endeavors of hundreds of students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
These students are not just researchers; they symbolize the future of American science.
Newman has observed many of his former students transition into roles as engineers, public servants, and educators in Alaska.
Federal funding allows these students to gain critical hands-on experience and build foundational technical research skills essential for groundbreaking innovation and a robust STEM workforce.
In light of these potential cuts, Newman expresses his gratitude towards Senator Lisa Murkowski for her unwavering support of scientific funding.
He commends her commitment to prioritizing the needs of Alaskans and the American populace, recognizing that cuts to federal research funding are counterproductive to the state’s and country’s interests.
Newman urges that Sen. Murkowski continues her advocacy against proposed cuts to the NSF, DOE SC, and other related agencies.
He also calls for Senator Dan Sullivan and Representative Nick Begich to join her in supporting substantial federal investment in scientific research.
As Alaska looks to the future, Newman emphasizes that just as reliable electricity is vital for sustaining its communities, federal funding is essential for supporting research that ultimately enriches daily life and cultivates the next generation of American innovators.
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