Peter Granitz, NPR- Washington DC
pgranitz (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | 202.488.1961 | About Peter
Shell Gets Permission To Begin Chukchi Operations
The U.S. Department of Interior has granted Shell Oil the go-ahead to begin operations in the Chukchi Sea. While both parties are deeming the move a success, it does not allow Shell to drill for oil just yet, and the calendar is working against them.
Native Communities Worry About New Consultation Policy for Native Corporations
The Bureau of Indian Affairs recently announced that Alaska Native Corporations now enjoy consultation across the Department of Interior. Many hailed the move, but some Natives worry it will diminish their bargaining power with the government.
Congress Considering Reversing Earmark Ban
There is political chatter in Washington, D.C. that Congress may alter its self-imposed ban on earmarks in January. Earmarks are the local pet projects of lawmakers that the federal government pays for. It’s unlikely that lawmakers will revert back to the large allocations seen in the earlier part of this century.
Alaska To Receive $20 Million From DoT
The U.S. Department of Transportation says it has found hundreds of millions dollars which went unspent over three years. Alaska will receive $20 million of previously allocated money for transportation projects.
State Will Accept $20 Million for Transportation Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation found hundreds of millions dollars which went unspent over three years. Alaska will receive more than $20 million of previously allocated money for transportation projects.
Hawaii Gas Applies For Permit To Import LNG
A Hawaii-based utility is applying for a federal permit to import liquefied natural gas. It’s unlikely to encourage development in Alaska anytime soon.
‘Violence Against Women Act’ Reauthorization Slows In Congress
A reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act has slowed in Congress. The House and Senate have passed their own versions of the bill, and if the two chambers want to reconcile the two bills, they’ll need to address issues of native sovereignty and tribal courts.
ANCSA Amendment Would Recognize Alexander Creek As Alaska Native Village
A U.S. House Committee passed an amendment to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act this morning that would force the government to recognize Alexander Creek as an Alaska Native village under ANCSA.
Marine Debris Program Funding Bill Held Up In Senate
The U.S. House passed a bill today to fund the Marine Debris Program – the federal entity that will coordinate the tsunami clean up as trash washes ashore. The bill is stalled in the Senate.
Outlook Bleak For Law of the Sea Ratification
The outlook for ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea this term in Congress is not good. Opponents have long said they worry about the treaty’s infringement on the nation’s sovereignty. Specifics to what that means are hard to come by.
US House Passes Bill Speeding Up Alaska Oil Lease Sales
The U.S. House passed a bill this morning that would replace President Barack Obama’s outer continental shelf drilling plan. The bill would speed up existing lease sales in Alaska.
Rep. Young Endorsing Hirono In Her Democratic Primary
Congressman Don Young is crossing the aisle. And despite that difference in party, Young is endorsing Hirono in her Democratic primary for the United States Senate.
Lawmakers Ponder Options For More Natural Gas-Powered Cars
Lawmakers in Washington are considering what it would take to use natural gas in more cars. There’s some potential for using Alaska’s gas, though there are huge barriers.
Environmental Groups Urge EPA To Block Shell’s Clean Air Act Waiver Request
Environmentalists are urging the EPA to block Shell’s request for a waiver from the Clean Air Act for its Discoverer vessel. Groups have collected hundreds of thousands of signatures opposing the compliance order.
Groups Push EPA Over Clean Air Waiver for Shell
Environmentalists are urging the E.P.A. to block Shell’s request for a waiver from the Clean Air Act for its Discoverer vessel. Groups have collected hundreds of thousands of signatures opposing the so-called compliance order.
Native Leaders Urge Lawmakers To Pass Climate Change Legislation
Alaska Natives are in Washington, D.C. – urging lawmakers to pass climate change legislation. Some believe that’s the best way to get federal money for relocating several villages.
Native Leaders Seek Federal Help In Dealing With Climate Change
Alaska Native leaders are in Washington, D.C. They’re advocating for federal help to deal with the effects of climate change.
Senators Say More Money Needs To Be Allocated For Debris Cleanup
The federal government is allocating a quarter of a million dollars to Pacific states to deal with debris washing ashore from the Japanese tsunami. Alaska’s senators say the amount is astonishingly low, and more needs to be on the way.
‘Law of the Sea’ Opponents May Have Enough Votes To Block Ratification
Opponents of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea believe they have the necessary votes to block ratification. Supporters say election year politics are slowing the process.
Congress Reignites Tax Debate
Weeks before it takes more than a month off to campaign, Congress is reigniting the debate over taxes. Lawmakers are taking votes to bolster campaign talking points.