ConocoPhillips shuts down North Slope drilling over coronavirus concerns
The impacts of the coronavirus continue to reverberate across Alaska, including its oil fields.
Walker, Chenault spar over AK LNG session agenda
Later this month, state lawmakers will convene for their third special session of the year -- this time to discuss the Alaska LNG project. But with just two weeks to go, they have yet to see the legislation they'll be discussing - Gov. Bill Walker hasn't released it.
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A warming Arctic means a change of plans for offshore drilling project
As the Arctic warms, Hilcorp is already having to tweak its proposal to accommodate climate change. And future companies looking to drill offshore in the Arctic may have additional changes to plan for. Listen now
Some Anchorage hotels are transforming from tourist havens to quarantine sites
Other hotels have decided to close, and many have laid off a bulk of their employees.
Supreme Court says bearded seal still threatened, despite legal battle
The Alaska Oil and Gas Association and the American Petroleum Institute challenged the Endangered Species Act listing decision. Listen now
State’s latest water quality report has bad news for popular Kenai River
Each time the state puts out its water quality report, there’s good news and there’s bad news. Listen now
For methane researcher, golf course bubbles are a first
“It’s an area that I and some other colleagues have started thinking about: can you get methane forming in terrestrial environments? But it’s a very new area of science,” carbon scientist Katey Walter Anthony said. Listen now
BLM projects ‘insignificant’ impact from seismic work in ANWR
Officials from the Bureau of Land Management expect "no significant impact" from a 3d seismic survey in the Arctic Refuge. They expect to approve the request in time for work to begin this winter. Enviros say the work could disturb denning polar bears. Listen now
Murkowski asks for longer Pebble comment period
The current 90-day public comment period ends on May 30. The senator wants the Army Corps of Engineers to give the public an additional 30 days to weigh in.
Alaska law says lobbyists can’t fundraise for candidates. But the invitations keep coming
Some of Alaska’s most prominent lobbyists are boosting the fundraising efforts of political candidates, prompting questions about whether they’re breaking a state law that’s designed to limit lobbyists’ influence over the legislative process. Listen now
Walker’s trade mission highlights links to China, opportunities for Alaskans
Representatives from more than 20 business, along with state officials and politicians will leave for China this weekend. There, they’ll peddle everything from baby food to seafood to tourism to Chinese consumers. Listen now
This woman came all the way to Alaska from the Pacific Islands to talk climate change
Climate change is threatening remote Alaska villages. It’s also hitting other low-lying places around the world, from Bangladesh to the Pacific Islands. Local leaders from those places are at a conference in Girdwood this week. Listen now
Gas line team reshuffle puts scrutiny on high salaries
As the state prepares to take a larger role in the Alaska LNG gas line project, its leadership team is once again in flux. The changes are bringing new attention to the salaries involved -- including one negotiator who has been paid about $120,000 a month since June.
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State gives Italian oil giant six more months to make $2.7M rent payment on Alaska leases
It’s the third such extension granted by DNR in the past three months. The department cited the coronavirus pandemic’s dire impacts as the reason to give companies more time to pay.
Is Alaska’s climate risk, a credit risk?
State investment officer says the areas most affected by climate change don't affect the state's ability to pay its bills. Listen now
VIDEO: Tony DeHaven can’t afford to lose his job
Alaska has lost more than 2,000 jobs in the oil and gas industry since last year, as the state faces its first real recession in nearly three decades. This week, Alaska’s Energy Desk is spotlighting those who have been affected by the downturn, as part of the series An Uncertain Future.
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
VIDEO: A recent college grad lands a job but worries about the future
The last decade saw a remarkable run-up in oil and gas employment as high oil prices led to record numbers of energy industry jobs in Alaska. That meant young people had an easier time getting started in oil and gas. Hannah Vuppula was lucky enough to land an engineering job last year at an Anchorage firm that works on the Trans Alaska Pipeline.
ConocoPhillips’ big new find on the North Slope could help replenish pipeline
On Jan. 13, ConocoPhillips announced a major oil find in the National Petroleum-Reserve Alaska (NPR-A). The company is calling it the Willow Discovery. Experts say coupled with several other recent big discoveries in the region, it could portend a new wave of oil development on the North Slope. If developed, it could go a long ways toward replenishing the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Listen now
Can courts force action on climate change? Sixteen young Alaskans hope so.
An Anchorage judge heard arguments today in a lawsuit brought by 16 young Alaskans who are suing the state over climate change. Listen now