New federal report: Climate change is going to be expensive in Alaska and impact every household in the state
The latest National Climate Assessment, released today, devotes an entire chapter to Alaska and describes the state as one of the fastest warming places on earth.
Anchorage earthquake put new mapping tool to the test
The Nov. 30 Anchorage earthquake was one of the first big tests of a new computer model aimed at quickly estimating how significant landslides and other ground failures will be following an earthquake.
Can an Anchorage start-up lure renewable energy investors to rural Alaska?
Most renewable energy projects in rural Alaska have been funded with state and federal grants. But as state money dries up, an Anchorage start-up wants to bring private investors to the table. Listen now
Obama’s last chance to weigh in on Arctic drilling has industry worried, enviros hopeful
In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s upset election victory, President Barack Obama still has two months left in office to close out policy decisions and try to cement any final pieces of his legacy. One open question is offshore oil and gas leasing. Listen Now
Geology gets political as federal scientists pursue new ANWR oil assessment
David Houseknecht works for the U.S. Geological Survey, and he's trying to figure out two key questions: How much oil is in the Arctic Refuge, and where is it? The answers could decide ANWR's fate, no matter how the politics play out. Listen now
Southeast Alaska researchers get rare opportunity to study a sperm whale
The species has been spotted in the Inside Passage before. But sightings are infrequent. A whale found recently near Juneau is thought to have died from a vessel strike.
Finding local seafood is getting easier at America’s top fishing port
Unalaska may be the top fishing port in the country, but finding fresh, local fish is a challenge. Fishermen occasionally sell their catch from the docks and now some restaurants are making a point to serve fresh seafood whenever it’s available. Listen now
Arctic Energy Summit focuses on both fossil fuels and renewables
Representatives from across the circumpolar North are meeting this week in Fairbanks for the Arctic Energy Summit.
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State puts out list of companies that got $75 million in cashable tax credits last year
These cash-for-credits recipients used to be kept confidential, but a law passed in 2016 now requires that the state report them. Listen now
Alaska regulators say they need more time to weigh Hilcorp’s request to keep its finances confidential
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska has extended its deadline to March 12.
As sea ice melts, fish are showing up farther north off Alaska. A federal fishing trip will investigate if they’re sticking around.
Two summers ago, federal scientists discovered something shocking: The Northern Bering Sea was teeming with cod and pollock. Those two commercially valuable species had never been found in such large huge numbers that far north.
State agency could offer public comment period on fracking projects
The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC) is proposing a ten-day comment period for applications to use hydraulic fracturing on an oil or gas well. The proposal falls in between what environmental groups and the industry say is sufficient opportunity for public input before a well can be fracked in Alaska. Listen now
An international airplane feud could crimp one of Alaska’s most lucrative fisheries
A new twist in a decade-long trade war over airplanes could crimp one of Alaska's most lucrative fisheries: The European Union is threatening new import taxes on Alaska pollock.
‘Life is going to spring back to us’: the sun returns to Utqiaġvik
“Life is going to spring back to us,” said Robin Mongoyak. “Spring is coming, summer is around the corner. Birds when they come in big flocks, it’s like thousands of people coming to greet us.”
Hearing ends 26 years of litigation over Exxon Valdez oil spill
The state and federal governments have decided not to pursue a final $100-million from ExxonMobil over its 1989 oil spill in Prince William Sound.
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Donlin Gold to begin drilling program
It’s going to be a busy year for Donlin Gold. The company is gearing up for another round of geotechnical drilling, its first in two years.
Point Thomson gas development begins production on North Slope
The Point Thomson gas development on the North Slope has started production. In a web release, ExxonMobil states it will initially produce 5000 barrels per day of gas condensate and 100 million cubic feet per day of recycled gas that will be re-injected for future recovery. Download Audio
Democrats demand Trump administration stop offshore oil leasing work during shutdown
It was spurred by Interior's decision last week to bring in 40 employees to work on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's national offshore oil leasing plan. That plan, as initially drafted, would open up far more of Alaska's federal waters to oil development.
As Alaska’s climate team floats carbon pricing, not everyone jumps on board
Governor Bill Walker’s Climate Action Leadership Team met yesterday in Anchorage to discuss its draft climate action plan, which recommends Alaska consider a carbon tax. But the plan is not a consensus document, and not every member of the team thinks pricing carbon is a good idea. Listen now
What caused the Blob? Scientists conclude, we did
In 2014, a warm water system — known as the Blob — wreaked havoc in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Listen now