No oil companies oppose bonds for tax credits, commissioner says
State payments for the credits slowed as oil prices fell. But companies have said the delayed payments have hurt development. Listen now
Trump administration kicks off process for oil development in ANWR
The Department of Interior released a notice saying it will hold “no fewer than two” oil lease sales in a 1.6-million acre portion of the refuge, known as the 1002 area or the Coastal Plain. Listen now
Anchorage officials certify vote-by-mail results
About 79,295 ballots were cast, pushing turnout to just over 36 percent, a high figure relative to Anchorage’s normal local election returns. The vote certification upholds preliminary results. Listen now
Murkowski suggests taxing outdoor rec gear to help fund park projects
Senator Lisa Murkowski used a mudslide prone stretch of the Denali National Park Road to point to the need for more funding to address major maintenance at parks. Listen now
Sitka Tribe to co-manage interpretation at Sitka National Historical Park
After a year of negotiations, Sitka Tribe of Alaska will partner with the National Parks Service to begin co-management of historical interpretation at the Sitka National Historical Park — the first compacting agreement of its kind in U.S. history. Listen now
At crucial moment, Denali Commission faces leadership gap
The top job at the federal agency tasked with coordinating help for Alaska villages threatened by climate change will soon be vacant. Listen now
At USACE scoping meetings in Iliamna Lake region, locals express concerns about Pebble
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers solicited public comment on the proposed Pebble Mine plan at five scoping meetings last week. At the two meetings on the shores of Iliamna Lake, near the Pebble deposit and proposed mine infrastructure, locals turned out to ask the Army Corps to consider possible effects a mine could have on their way of life. Listen now
ConocoPhillips announces three new oil discoveries on the North Slope
Conoco didn’t release many details about the discoveries, including how much oil was found. But in a press release, the company called the results of this winter’s drilling season “promising.” Listen now
Senate Medicaid budget cut may overstate savings
Federal and state law require certain Medicaid funding. The Senate’s Medicaid funding levels fall short of state projections for that obligation. Listen now
Murkowski: Mueller investigation must continue
"I think it is so important, it is so imperative, that this investigation be allowed to go forward," Murkowski said. "And it will take the course that it will take." She didn't commit to supporting a bill to protect Mueller from dismissal. Listen now
House Judiciary chair says there won’t be a gun control law this session
“The bottom line was the National Rifle Association wasn’t willing to support a bill that allowed the ex-parte order to seize weapons,” Rep. Matt Claman said. Listen now
Senate passes its version of state budget after charged debate
The vote came after the Senate defeated 24 proposed amendments, including one that would have raised permanent fund dividends to the full amount. Listen now
Army Corps addresses criticism of environmental review process for Pebble
Sheila Newman, with the Army Corps’ Alaska District, said the agency recognizes that Pebble is not an average project proposal — it has a long history in Alaska, so the agency is trying to make adjustments for that. Listen now
Draft Walker climate policy urges Alaska to transition away from fossil fuels
The first recommendations from Gov. Bill Walker’s climate task force run the gamut — from putting a price on carbon to supporting a more diversified economy and improving how climate change is taught in schools. Listen now
Former climate official says details surrounding his reassignment look “damning” for Trump admin
Joel Clement resigned in October after being ousted from his position working on issues like coastal resilience and village relocation in Alaska. Listen now
Alaska Senate set to debate state budget on Thursday
The biggest difference from the House budget is that the Senate bill does not include $1.28 billion for school funding. The Senate would provide that money in separate legislation.
Former Planned Parenthood worker rejected for midwives board
Opposition to Linden’s appointment to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives was centered on Planned Parenthood’s role in providing abortions. Listen now
Facebook CEO dodges Sullivan’s softball
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was contrite in a U.S. Senate hearing. But he wouldn't play along when Sen. Dan Sullivan wanted to make a point about regulation. Listen now
After Prop 1 vote, groups look to Anchorage ahead of midterm elections
Results on Proposition 1 came as a surprise to many, and has implications for the upcoming midterm elections in other states. Listen now
Slow-paced session could end with a sprint
It’s not clear which bills lawmakers will pass in the remaining days, other than those related to the budget. Listen now