ConocoPhillips to resume normal production in July in Alaska
ConocoPhillips plans to resume normal production operations on Alaska’s North Slope in July, a spokesperson said, after a reduction this month that the company attributed to low prices and a global oversupply of oil.
Walker’s oil & gas advisor leaves for job at NANA
John Hendrix will head NANA Regional Corporation’s commercial group. Listen now
Rep. Olson bill would tax Permanent Fund dividends as budget stopgap
Representative Kurt Olson, a Soldotna Republican developed a plan to tax Permanent Fund dividends back in February. But he didn’t introduce it at the time, because he wanted to see how the debate over plans from Governor Bill Walker and others unfolded. Download Audio
Pipeline Promises: Alaska’s quest for a natural gas line
For more than forty years, the state has tried, and failed, to bring natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to market.
In all, there have been at least ten different versions of the pipeline mega project. And not one has come close to breaking ground.
This week, Alaska's Energy Desk is examining some of the reasons why the state has struck out in its efforts to bring it's substantial natural gas reserves to market.
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UAA goes solar, panel by panel
The power generated by the solar panels go directly to the building. They'll provide around 3 to 7 percent of the building’s power in the summer. Listen now
Washington congresswoman will likely lead Trump’s Interior Department
Multiple national news outlets are reporting President-elect Donald Trump is set to pick Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican congresswoman from Washington state to lead the Department of Interior. She’s seen as friendly to industry, drawing criticism from some environmentalists. But others think she’s a relatively moderate pick. Listen Now
Ask a Climatologist: Arctic sea ice drives climate around the globe
Arctic sea ice extent hit a new record low in March for the third year in a row. That sea ice, or lack of it, drives climate patterns around the globe. But how? Listen now
$50 million budget cut latest indicator of waning support for state gasline project
The head of Alaska’s Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) is in China this week, working to attract buyers and woo investors into supporting a state-run LNG export project. Meanwhile, political support in Alaska for the ambitious project is waning. Listen now
Young Alaskans sue the state, demanding action on climate change
The plaintiffs argue that by encouraging oil development and permitting projects that emit greenhouse gases, Alaska is actively making climate change worse – and violating their constitutional rights. Listen now
Alaska’s draft climate action plan includes carbon tax on page 43
Governor Bill Walker’s Climate Action Leadership Team has been discussing a robust draft plan to tackle climate change. Listen now
Largely insulated from COVID-19, Unalaska is watching its wastewater for signs of trouble
As part of its mitigation strategies, in July the island began testing its wastewater for traces of COVID-19, mirroring efforts by universities and municipalities across the country.
Railbelt utility overhaul could mean more renewables, cheaper power
Utilities from Homer to Fairbanks are in discussions to overhaul the way electricity is generated and transported across the region. The goal is cheaper electricity -- and more renewable power.
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Alaska oil tax initiative has enough valid signatures to appear on ballot, election officials say
When the initiative would appear on a ballot depends on when the Alaska Legislature wraps up its work.
Where does the soot come from that peppers Juneau Icefield?
Scientists this year started sampling the snow and ice above Southeast Alaska’s glaciers for the particles left from over from forest fires, diesel engines and industrial activity. The particles of black carbon can accelerate warming of glaciers and the atmosphere. The big question is: where does this carbon come from? Listen Now
Why did Shell walk away from Alaska?
Shell’s announcement left the state wondering what to blame -- low oil prices? Tough regulations? Better prospects elsewhere? In other words, is it us -- or is it Shell?
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Lawmakers press on North Slope marketing request
At a Senate Resource Committee meeting on Tuesday, lawmakers pressed state officials eabout why the administration is trying to obtain gas marketing information from North Slope oil and gas producers. Gov. Bill Walker has yet to sign off on the oil companies’ 2016 development plan for Prudhoe Bay.
A hydro license brings district heating one step closer in Juneau
After years of waiting, Juneau Hydropower Inc. was recently awarded a federal license for Sweetheart Lake Dam. It gives the company the go-ahead to start serious planning for a new multi-million dollar hydro facility. It could power a gold mine and supply heat to the downtown core of the capital city with an innovative system. Listen now
A new inventory of old growth trees could be coming. Will it be too late?
A proposed exemption from the federal Roadless Rule means prohibitions on logging could be removed for millions of acres of old growth trees in the region.
Juneau schools leave room for debate in climate change curriculum
New science standards being considered don’t shy away from attributing it to an increase of human activity. But how that’s taught in the classroom could be up to interpretation. Listen now
Anchorage Petroleum Wives Club welcomes new era with new name
The Anchorage Petroleum Wives Club has been around longer than Alaska's been a state. Founded after the first big oil discovery in Alaska, its purpose was to welcome the wives of the oil workers flooding into the state. But a lot has changed since then, so the Anchorage Petroleum Wives Club recently decided it's time to rebrand. Listen now