Start-up gambles time is right for Alaska solar power
Alaska’s solar industry lags far behind many other states. But with prices dropping dramatically around the world, some entrepreneurs see a new opportunity. Listen now
BSEE employee claims whistleblower protection
A federal agency that protects whistleblowers is supporting an Alaska employee who says the Interior Department took shortcuts in its environmental review of Royal Dutch Shell's Arctic offshore drilling program. Listen now
State finalizes purchase of Fairbanks Natural Gas
Interior Alaska residents are expected to see a drop in their energy bills this winter now that the state has purchased Fairbanks Natural Gas.
Scientists propose plan to help refreeze melting Arctic
The Arctic could see its first ice-free summer as soon as 2030 as the region continues to warm faster than the rest of the planet. Some scientists think we’ve reached a point of no return, where no amount of reducing carbon emissions will save the Arctic, and a small group of scientists think it’s time for an intervention to help Mother Nature out. Listen now
Conoco hopes to crack open off-limits North Slope land
Beyond its current developments, the ConocoPhillips sees even more opportunity further west. But in that direction lies the off-limits Teshekpuk Lake Special Area.
Increase in observer fees has people in the fishing industry questioning how their dollars are being spent
Observer fees are going up for Alaska fishermen and processors. In Kodiak, fishermen aren’t too worried about the modest increase, but some would like to see improvements made to the decades-old program.
Alaska businesses find a niche: helping oil companies cope with climate change
Alaska’s oil industry has specially designed its operations for freezing conditions. But as temperatures rise, companies are starting to pay a price for climate change — and some Alaska businesses are making money off of it. Listen now
ConocoPhillips announces three new oil discoveries on the North Slope
Conoco didn’t release many details about the discoveries, including how much oil was found. But in a press release, the company called the results of this winter’s drilling season “promising.” Listen now
Ask a Climatologist: How the jet stream affects Alaska
In Alaska, big fall storms are often associated with the jet stream. Listen now
Alaska lawmakers are trying to fight crime by toughening prison sentences. Not everyone agrees that will work.
People who work with released prisoners say the best way to combat crime is enhancing access to programs that target mental health problems and drug addiction -- not increasing prison terms.
BLM responds to tribes’ criticism over planning process for draft resource management plan
The Orutsararmiut Native Council is calling the federal planning process for how 13 million acres of public land is managed in the region “woefully inadequate.” BLM says that they are taking more steps to reach out.
Hilcorp CEO steps down
Hildebrand is known for being among the wealthiest people in the world, with a net worth of $7.6 billion, according to Bloomberg. Listen now
ConocoPhillips to begin work on $1 billion North Slope oil development this winter
ConocoPhillips today announced the company has made the final decision to build a new, roughly $1 billion drill site on the North Slope. Listen now
Alaska LNG representatives visit Homer Rotary
The Rotary Club of Homer-Kachemak Bay hosted representatives of the Alaska LNG Project Thursday. Alaska LNG is a co-venture between the state and other stakeholders: Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, BP and TransCanada. The project representatives said they want to give Alaskans a clearer picture of what Alaska LNG will mean for their communities.
BP’s Alaska exit no surprise, say experts and industry insiders
BP's exit from Alaska was rumored long before it was officially announced on Tuesday. But that's not the only reason the company's $5.6 billion deal with Hilcorp is far from surprising, experts and industry insiders said.
With Alaska LNG project, how secret is too secret?
The Alaska legislature officially gaveled out of its third special session this year. The House and Senate united behind Gov. Bill Walkers bid to buy out TransCanada. But the session was also marked by divides, especially over how much of the project should be kept secret.
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Ask the Energy Desk: What happens when our hydropower sources are frozen?
Parts of Interior Alaska, like Fairbanks, have been seeing record cold temperatures this winter. But in Southeast Alaska, the frigid conditions have had a direct impact on the way people power their homes. Listen now
As Dunleavy’s budget looms, two Alaskans see diverging futures for Mat-Su
Alaskans on both sides of the budget debate weigh in on the proposal to dramatically cut state spending to pay full Permanent Fund dividends.
A potential neighbor to the Pebble Mine sees both sides
At least one resident who lives in a community near where Pebble would be developed is still deciding whether the mine is a good idea. Listen now
Conoco buys BP’s stake in Alaska’s No. 2 oil field
Conoco is already the biggest oil producer in Alaska, but buying BP’s interest in Kuparuk adds to its growing presence west of Prudhoe Bay.