Cash from Congress will boost Alaska-based system that protects planes from volcanic ash
A $12 million budget boost from Congress will help modernize the instruments that protect transcontinental jet planes from threats posed by volcanic ash. Listen now
Donlin Gold says they can clean up their proposed mine, and pay for it too
Cleaning up a mine is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. Listen now
ConocoPhillips executive: more land around Teshekpuk Lake should be available for drilling
His statements come a week after the Trump administration announced it is overhauling the management plan for the 22-million-acre Reserve where Teshekpuk Lake is located, a decision spurred by a series of recent large oil discoveries in the region.
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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Alaska Christmas trees: backyard charm or out-of-state beauty?
This year, the Governor’s Mansion is decorated for the holidays with a Sitka spruce tree from the Tongass National Forest. But Alaskans in the capital city aren’t just decking the halls with local greenery. Listen now
In Angoon, a rural water system gets help from beavers
The village of Angoon’s drinking water comes from a lake held up by a beaver dam. That might sound sketchy. But the beavers are one of reasons the city has public water. Not all Alaska towns do. Listen now
State responds to two oil spills at Drift River in Cook Inlet
State regulators are monitoring the cleanup of two small oil spills at a storage site on the west side of Cook Inlet. Listen now
Inupiat leaders say offshore drilling proposal ‘ignored’ local concerns
In a recent letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, VOICE wrote, “with respect to the Arctic [Outer Continental Shelf] announcement on the [Draft Proposed Program], we feel the concerns of local organizations were ignored and that deeply disturbs us.” Listen now
As sea ice changes in a warming Arctic, new challenges for polar bear research
“There’s probably going to be a greater amount of uncertainty with some of the information that we’re able to provide, because it’s simply not going to be as precise as it used to be,” said wildlife biologist Todd Atwood.
Ask a Climatologist: How the jet stream affects Alaska
In Alaska, big fall storms are often associated with the jet stream. Listen now
Lawmakers scrutinize risks, rewards of TransCanada buyout
Buying out TransCanada puts the state on the hook for $7 billion more in construction costs if the Alaska LNG project ends up going forward. But the governor and his team argue it’s worth it to get more control -- and perhaps more revenue down the line.
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Lawmakers take oil tax debate down to the wire
The Senate passed its version of the oil tax bill Wednesday, handing it off to the House with less than twelve hours left in the session. But the Senate legislation left out key elements of the House bill that passed last Friday. Download Audio
BLM director visits North Slope
The director of the Bureau of Land Management is visiting the North Slope this week. Over the next two days, director Neil Kornze will meet with Native corporations, local government officials, and community leaders in the region. On Tuesday, Kornze was helping cap two legacy wells south of Barrow. The Simpson Core and Iko Bay were both drilled by the U.S. Navy in the 1950s. They’re among 18 legacy wells the BLM plans to clean up this year.
Walker administration looks for panelists to discuss controversial Roadless Rule
The governor’s office is requesting applications from Alaska Native regional corporations and tribes, local governments, environmental groups, and interests from tourism, mining, energy, timber and fishing. Listen now
Oil company deal postpones North Slope drilling
Two oil companies say they are shifting their ownership split on an oil field development project in Alaska and will delay work planned for this winter.
Walker seeks to deepen trade ties with China
In a press conference in Anchorage on Monday, March 5, Governor Walker detailed trade trip and other opportunities for partnership with China. Listen now
Of 140,000 comments, most favor keeping the Tongass Forest Roadless Rule
Back in August, the U.S. Forest Service said it would consider the state’s ask for an exemption that would make it easier to build new roads through the federal land.
New analysis out on renewable energy costs in rural Alaska
"It shouldn't be used as a manual but it is a good place to start," lead researcher Erin Whitney said.
How bold? Governor’s climate action team talks emissions reduction goals and education
Governor Bill Walker’s Climate Action Task Force met Wednesday to discuss a draft document that could influence the state’s climate change policy in the future. Listen now
Why does a barrel of Alaska oil cost less than a pizza?
Economists at the state’s Department of Revenue were working to identify what drove the price down and what they could expect going forward.