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Feds Outline Chukchi, Beaufort Sea Drilling Regulations For ConocoPhillips
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
Federal regulators said today that ConocoPhillips will need to meet the same standards they set for Shell for drilling in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea. At an Anchorage field hearing of Senator Mark Begich’s Oceans Subcommittee today, Tommy Boudreau, head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, was asked if that means a containment dome for blowouts, such as the one BP used at the Macondo Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Speaking by teleconference due to federal budget constraints, Boudreau told Begich the same standard would be used.
Arctic Winter Sea Ice Extent Is Sixth Lowest On Record
Emily Schwing, KUAC – Fairbanks
The National Snow and Ice Data center based in Colorado report arctic sea ice reached its maximum extent for the winter on March 15.
Senator Murkowski Speaks On DOMA
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
Senator Lisa Murkowski says her opinion on gay marriage is still evolving. Murkowski addressed the topic today at a chamber of commerce luncheon in the Anchorage suburb of Eagle River.
Fewer Alaska Kids May Have Access To Pre-School
Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau
Education advocates have long promoted pre-school as a way of closing the achievement gap between rich and poor students, and this year the president named expanding early education programs as one of his top priorities in his State of the Union address. But here in Alaska, fewer kids could have access to pre-school due to budget cuts.
SEARHC To Close Bill Brady Healing Center As Sequester Hits
Ed Ronco, KCAW – Sitka
The Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, or SEARHC, is closing down its residential drug and alcohol treatment program. The closure of the Bill Brady Healing Center was announced on Tuesday.
Oil Companies Testify On Tax Reform Legislation
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
The major oil companies in Alaska testified last night to the state House Resources Committee about the latest version of Governor Sean Parnell’s oil tax reform legislation. The bill passed the Senate last week. It represents a major tax break for the oil companies. The state estimates it will cost Alaska at least four billion dollars in tax revenue over the next five years.
Anchorage Assembly Narrowly Passes Labor Ordinance
Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage
The Anchorage Assembly passed a rewrite of municipal labor law by a vote of 6 to 5, at their regular meeting last night.
Girl Scout Troop Uses Cookie Funds For Unique, Futuristic Purpose
David Waldron, APRN – Anchorage
It’s Girl Scout cookie time. The troops sell the cookies to raise money for all kinds of activities. APRN’s Dave Waldron found a troop in Anchorage that uses the funds for a unique and futuristic purpose.
