Ask a Climatologist: Clear and cold on repeat
For most of the state the weather forecast has been pretty simple for the entire month of March: cold and clear. But how unusual is that? Listen now
Fish and Game says crab counts were low this season, fishermen disagree
The Bering Sea Bairdi (or Tanner) crab fishery stayed closed this year, for the first time in four years. State biologists decided there were too few crab to safely harvest. But fishermen are questioning that decision. They say there were plentiful Bairdi when they were fishing for other species. Listen now
Video: Generating power from pollock
Hoisted up from the Bering Sea, Alaska pollock finds its way into products that are distributed around the world. Sometimes, part of the fish doesn’t make it that far. Mark Hoffman, supervisor at the UniSea power plant, explains how the company uses some of its leftover fish oil.
Hilcorp shuts down oil platforms to address Cook Inlet gas leak
Hilcorp announced Saturday (March 25) that after discussions with Alaska Governor Bill Walker, it’s shutting down two oil platforms in Cook Inlet in response to an ongoing leak from a gas line. The pipeline carries natural gas from shore to power four oil platforms in Cook Inlet. Two of the platforms have already been shut down. Listen now
Alaska lawmakers, industry, grapple with oil subsidies
Lawmakers took public comment Saturday (March 25) on a bill that would make major changes to the way the state pays credits to oil companies on the North Slope. Listen now
Anchorage businesses grapple with sudden electricity bill increase
Many businesses in Anchorage aren't happy with the sudden increase in electric bills. Some are taking their case to state regulators, while others are trying more creative solutions to cut back on electricity costs. 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
Beyond believers and deniers: for Americans, climate change is complicated
On Tuesday (March 28), President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at rolling back many of the Obama administration’s efforts to curb climate change. The order comes as surveys show Americans remain divided over global warming’s causes and consequences. Listen now
Ask the Energy Desk: What about wave and tidal energy in Alaska?
When you think about renewable energy in Alaska, what comes to mind? Probably wind, which contributes to about 3 percent of the state’s power generation. And maybe solar panels, which are starting to gain momentum. But there’s also the potential for what lies along 6,500 miles of coastline. Listen now
Video: Can we harness the power of Cook Inlet?
Cook Inlet has some of the most dramatic tidal shifts on the planet. From scientists to startups, many have speculated how this fast-flowing water could be harnessed to produce electricity. Professor Tom Ravens (University of Alaska Anchorage) and Chris Rose (Renewable Energy Project Alaska) discuss the potential and challenges of tapping hydro-kinetic energy.
Unalaska teen: If you like sushi, you better take care of the environment
Across the state, there’s a cohort of young Alaskans raising awareness for the rapidly changing Arctic environment. Cade Terada is one of 22 Arctic Youth Ambassadors. Growing up in Unalaska, America’s largest fishing port, he was immersed in the seafood industry. Listen now
Hilcorp reports another leak in Cook Inlet; this time it’s oil
The dominant oil and gas producer in Cook Inlet has shut down production at two of its platforms after discovering an oil spill.
Crude oil leak in Cook Inlet halted successfully; spill volume still unknown
State regulators on Monday said a leak from a crude oil pipeline in Cook Inlet was halted successfully.
Cook Inlet leaks draw more scrutiny for Hilcorp and its aging infrastructure
State regulators on Monday announced an oil leak from an underwater pipeline owned by Hilcorp in Cook Inlet was halted successfully. Listen now
Could the Alaska Sea Grant program go away this year?
Sea Grant knew the Trump administration wanted to eliminate its budget for next fiscal year. But those cuts could come much sooner. The organization said the White House is asking Congress to slash this year’s funding, too. That could mean the end for dozens of Alaska programs, focusing on fisheries and climate change. Listen now
Oil company fined $10 million for illegally transporting a drill rig to Alaska
An oil company operating in Alaska will pay $10 million for violating federal law that prohibits foreign vessels from transporting merchandise within the United States. Listen now
State confident less than 10 gallons of crude leaked into Cook Inlet, continues investigation
Ten gallons or less: that’s how much crude oil state regulators think leaked from a pipeline in Cook Inlet last weekend. Listen now
In Tyonek, celebration as a coal mining company backs down
Residents of the tiny Cook Inlet village of Tyonek are celebrating after news that a company attempting to develop a massive coal mine near their village has shelved the project. Listen now
Climate change hits Alaska’s rural water and sewer systems
For decades, Alaska has struggled to get running water and sewer systems to its rural communities. An estimated 3,000 households — or about 10,000 people — still lack both. Now, that job may be getting harder, as climate change exacerbates old problems and creates new ones. Listen now
Scientists agree starvation killed hundreds of puffins, but did PSP play a role?
What caused more than 300 puffins to wash up dead in the Pribilof Islands last fall? Starvation. At least, that’s the consensus among most scientists. Listen now