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How Long Will The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Be Viable?
Anne Hillman, APRN – Anchorage
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is the 800-mile long backbone of the state’s energy infrastructure. It’s built to transport up to 2 million barrels of oil per day, but these days it carries only about a quarter of that. With oil production at lower levels, how long will the pipeline be viable? Alyeska Pipeline Service Company is exploring new ways to keep the system up and running.
Tesoro To Begin Construction Of Cook Inlet Pipeline Next Year
Shaylon Cochran, KDLL – Kenai
Construction on a subsea pipeline to bring crude from the west side of Cook Inlet to Nikiski could start as early as next February.
Crews Remove Fuel From Grounded F/V Arctic Hunter
Annie Ropeik, KUCB – Unalaska
The fishing vessel Arctic Hunter is still on the rocks outside Unalaska after running aground Friday morning. The vessel’s weathered a series of storms without spilling any oil.
State Wrestles With $12 Billion Pension Shortfall
Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau
When it comes to retirement benefits, the state is looking at a $12 billion shortfall. Just how that’s going to be paid off is expected to be a big issue for the Legislature next session. The Parnell administration is thinking about putting hundreds of millions of dollars into the state’s retirement funds to help close the gap.
Judge Dismisses Complaints Challenging NPS Authority
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A federal judge has dismissed complaints challenging National Park Service regulation of waters inside park boundaries. This week’s ruling is the latest volley in a long running battle between the state and federal government.
Book Makes Case For US, Canada Merger
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The United States and Canada are friendly neighbors with many common cultural and business interests. A new book suggests that partnership should be formalized. The title: Merger of the Century-Why Canada and America Should Become One Country, succinctly defines the premise. Author and dual citizen Diane Francis says because Canada has vast, undeveloped resources but scant population and military, it needs the U.S. to help develop and protect what America also needs.
Tree Buried By Volcanic Eruption Could Reveal Seismic Secrets
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
You probably already know about mountain ash trees. They’re all over Southeast, known for their red berries that attract flocks of birds. Here’s a story about a different kind of ash tree, one recently discovered in a big pile of volcanic debris.
