Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska's Energy Desk - Juneau
Why a Bahamas tanker is carrying North Slope crude
A foreign-owned tanker is expected to transport North Slope crude to Asia in the coming weeks. BP has shipped its oil overseas before, but it’s been decades since it was on a tanker built and managed outside the U.S. Listen now
Hollis French appointed to AOGCC by Walker
Governor Bill Walker has appointed Hollis French to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission or AOGCC. French, a Democrat from Anchorage, served in the Alaska Senate for 12 years. Now he'll oversee regulation of the state's oil and gas industry. Listen now
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.
Juneau utility installs $22 million diesel turbine
Juneau’s privately owned electric utility, AEL&P, has already broken ground to build an industrial diesel plant to meet growing demand. And for the city’s residents that means the price for electricity is likely to go up. Before the development goes any further, some community members are asking the state’s regulatory commission to take a closer look. Listen now
Oil on exhibit: What Alaska’s past says about its future
The State Library, Archives and Museum opened recently in Juneau with a new display that includes a piece of the trans-Alaska pipeline as part of an exhibit on the oil industry. But the drama of the state’s current fiscal crisis puts that history in a new light. Listen now
Why some Alaska workers turn down pay increases
A pay increase should be a happy event in a person’s life, but for some it can evoke fear. That’s because more money earned could mean less money overall when public assistance programs get cut off. Listen now
Tagging baby seals for science near Yakutat’s glacial fjords
Summer is an important time for seal pup development. So the federal government is asking vessels — like cruise ships — to stay farther away from harbor seals in glacial fjords. Biologists are tracking the population in Disenchantment Bay near Yakutat to see how the new guidelines are working. Download Audio
Scientists urge Obama to end offshore drilling leases in Arctic
388 scientists sent a letter to President Barack Obama today, asking for an end to offshore lease sales in the Arctic. Download Audio
Juneau charges ahead with electric vehicles
With its limited road system, Southeast doesn’t seem like a paradise for car lovers. But it might be the perfect spot for Travis McCain.
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Energy audits, a possible solution to elevating Southeast electricity costs
In remote Southeast communities, electricity costs for local businesses can be through the roof. Businesses don’t qualify for power cost equalization -- a state program that subsidizes energy costs for private residents. But a small federal grant could help businesses identify some simple ways to save. Download Audio
These sailing drones can teach us about life in the Bering Sea
Orange drones were launched in Dutch Harbor last summer to measure sea ice retreat. Now Saildrones are back in the Bering Sea with a new mission and new features. Download Audio
Forest Service reminds tourists why Mendenhall glacier is shrinking
On a busy summer day, thousands of people -- mostly cruise ship passengers -- visit Juneau's Mendenhall glacier. The U.S. Forest Service wants those tourists to take in the dramatic views, but also consider why the glacier is shrinking. Visitor center director John Neary is making it his personal mission.
Haines and Hydaburg receive grant to jumpstart biomass renewable energy projects
Two Alaska communities are receiving a federal grant to jumpstart renewable energy projects. Haines and the village of Hydaburg were selected from 77 applicants nationwide. Download Audio
BP announces sale of midtown Anchorage building
BP announced Monday that it’s selling its midtown Anchorage building. In a statement, the company says the sale will “reduce costs and free up capital, allowing BP to focus on its core business.” BP will become a tenant in the building rather than the owner, in what the statement describes as a “real estate transaction.” Download Audio
New tribal court programs aim to reduce recidivism
Two new tribal court programs are getting off the ground at Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. They’re focused on reducing recidivism. Download Audio
Juneau Assembly approves new pot licensing rules
The Juneau Assembly approved new guidelines for a city pot license on Monday. Those seeking to cultivate commercial marijuana will have to apply for the $250 license, in addition to state’s.
With ‘stuck’ housing market, a Juneau family lives aboard
Alaska’s capital is one of the most expensive places to live in the nation. With no roads in or out, the city has been dealing with a “stuck” housing market. A report commissioned by the City and Borough of Juneau says 1,000 affordable rental units are needed to keep up with the demand. Juneau’s housing market is especially tough for people living on low incomes. But one Juneau family is taking matters into their own hands and challenging the convention of what makes a house a home.
Alaska cities brace for reduced state funding
Alaska’s larger cities could see a drop in state funding as Community Revenue Sharing is scaled down. Anchorage takes the biggest hit. Juneau could lose over a million dollars in the next few years. Meanwhile, some rural communities could receive more. But as legislators squabble about how to fill the state’s budget void, the uncertainty has some municipalities wondering if they’ll be fine, or have to close entirely.
Delta cuts Juneau back to seasonal service
If you’re planning a trip to Seattle after August, the price of plane tickets may go up. Delta Air Lines is stopping all flights to Juneau next fall, to return in May of 2017. Download Audio
Wrangell-Angoon plane crash leaves 3 dead
A plane crashed on Admiralty Island Friday morning southeast of Angoon after departing from Wrangell. Download Audio