Crew maps polar bear dens on Alaska’s North Slope
Each winter, when the tundra freezes, the North Slope gets busy. It's the travel season, the time of year when oil producers can put in ice roads and move heavy vehicles over the frozen ground. But before any of that can happen, one task comes first: looking for polar bears. Download Audio
S&P calls proposed Permanent Fund plan ‘favorable’
The credit rating agency Standard & Poor's has awarded good marks to Gov. Bill Walker's proposed changes to how the Alaska Permanent Fund is used.
Agency overseeing BP-Hilcorp deal will hold public hearing, denying companies’ request
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska, which is overseeing Hilcorp's purchase of BP's stake in the trans-Alaska pipeline, plans to hold a six-hour public hearing on the deal next month.
Alaska state budget runs risk of a deficit this spring as oil prices stay below forecasts
A leading senator says there’s no cause for worry right now, and the problem could resolve itself.
Lawmakers: TransCanada buyout likely, but is state ready?
Lawmakers say it’s all but inevitable they'll approve the governor’s request to buy out TransCanada and take a larger stake in the Alaska LNG project. But they are raising concerns about the state’s ability to take the company’s place.
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New revenue estimate for Willow project presents rosier picture for Alaska treasury
Changed assumptions about tax credits, oil prices and other factors resulted in an estimate of early cash losses over a shorter period.
The challenges of being the only woman on a pipeline crew
Diane Schenker had recently graduated from Reed College and was living in Fairbanks when she heard a rumor that Welding Union 798 had been forced to hire women to help build the trans-Alaska pipeline. A 21-year-old with no experience in construction, Schenker convinced the union office manager to let her work with an all-male crew of welders from the South. Listen now
Scientists use ice wedges to chart climate change in the Arctic
For years scientist have known permafrost can act as reliable gauge to chart climate change in the north. A new study in the journal Nature Geoscience reveals the wide extent and speed in which ice wedges are degrading and altering the landscape. Download Audio
The man with the plan: Can Keith Meyer sell the gas line?
As the state of Alaska takes the lead in the effort to build a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope, it finds itself taking responsibility for what would be one of the largest, most complex projects in the world. The man in charge is Keith Meyer, the new president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp.
Alaska natural gas promoter floats new plan: Send North Slope gas to Southcentral first
The Alaska Gasline Development Corp. suggests supplying the Cook Inlet region with natural gas as a phased prelude to Asia-bound LNG exports.
Energy lobbyist denounces Walker’s oil and gas tax changes
The top energy industry lobbyist in Alaska denounced Governor Bill Walker’s proposed oil and gas tax changes on Monday. Alaska Oil and Gas Association President Kara Moriarty told the House Resources Committee that companies can’t afford higher costs when oil prices are low.
Hilcorp is sole bidder in controversial Cook Inlet lease sale
Hilcorp Alaska offered $63,983 on one 2,304-acre tract in Lower Cook Inlet, a small sliver of the nearly 1 million acres posted in the federal sale.
Geothermal Energy Drawing Interest
A form of geothermal energy that's seldom tapped Alaska is drawing interest in Fairbanks and some interior contractors are proving that "heat pump" technology...
State labor department forecasts modest job growth in 2024 fueled by infrastructure and energy spending
A new report predicts the state will add 5,400 jobs in 2024, a 1.7% increase, with bright spots in construction, mining and oil and gas.
On warming North Slope, one flood response last year cost pipeline operator $10 million
As Alaska's North Slope gets wetter and warmer, its rivers have been running at record high levels -- prompting questions about whether similar events will become more frequent as Alaska's climate warms.
Railbelt electric utilities are facing a major energy crunch. Renewables may be the answer.
The region’s electric grid needs to find a replacement for Cook Inlet natural gas. One study suggests over the long term, the cheapest option is to ramp up renewable energy.
“Alaska’s Global Economy: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going”
Featuring Margie Brown, former President & CEO, CIRI; Larry Cash, President & CEO, RIM Architects; and Dr. Rashmi Prasad, Dean, College of Business & Public Policy, University of Alaska Anchorage. Moderated by Dr. Paul Dunscomb, professor of East Asian history at UAA.
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Alaska lawmakers eye bills on neighborhood solar, green bank and renewable energy benchmarks
There are at least three bills to watch this coming legislative session that are aimed at growing Alaska’s renewable energy production.
Our reporter is trying to learn more about Hilcorp. Here’s how you can help.
Alaska's Energy Desk reporter Nat Herz is exploring Hilcorp's company culture as it's set to become one of the biggest players in Alaska's oil industry. He's written an open letter to Hilcorp employees asking for their help.
Walker proposes Permanent Fund overhaul to cover deficit
Gov. Walker wants to overhaul the way Alaska uses the Permanent Fund. His plan would turn the state’s various savings accounts into a kind of endowment, using their earnings to fund state operations.
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