Economy

All Alaska economy and business news, including the Alaska Economic Report.

Gov’s Arctic advisor discusses climate change, subsistence regs at convention

Alaska communities could better adjust to climate change if hunting and fishing rules become more flexible.

Unalaska’s Geothermal Hopes Stall Without City Backing

A years-long effort to bring geothermal power to Unalaska may be on its last legs. The city government is draining its accounts for exploring Makushin Volcano, saying the project is too expensive and risky to pursue any further. Download Audio

Crowd Rallies Attention Toward Climate Change

Sen. Lisa Murkowski barely talked about climate change in her annual speech to the Alaska Legislature Wednesday. And outside the Capitol, a small group rallied to bring attention to climate change and to demand more action on the issue from Murkowski. Download Audio

As Alaska Warms, Climate Change An Awkward Subject For Lawmakers

When it comes to climate change, Alaska is seen as a bellwether. Temperatures have risen nearly 4 degrees over the past 50 years, double the national average. But even though Alaska figures in discussion of climate change nationally, it’s rarely a major topic of conversation in Juneau. Download Audio

Climate Change, Weather Variability Challenge Yukon Quest Personnel, Mushers

The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog race starts Saturday. For more than 30 years, the race course has followed an old Gold Rush era trail that took advantage of the frozen Yukon River. But recently, there have been places where the river hasn’t frozen up. That’s starting to raise question about the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s state sport. Download Audio

Murkowski Says Obama Plans 3 Gut Punches to Alaska Economy This Week

Alaska’s governor and congressional delegation are furious over President Obama’s announcement this weekend that he’s seeking wilderness status for the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. That would put the area off-limits to oil and gas development. Permanent wilderness designation would require congressional approval, and this Republican-led Congress is unlikely to grant it. But that's just the start of what Obama has in store for the state in the coming days. Download Audio

Winter Sports and Climate Change

If winter defines us as Alaskans, as skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, what happens when we start to lose winter? Strange weather is becoming the new normal and we’re forced to adapt to climate change, because we don’t have a choice. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we'll look at what that means from scientific and a practical perspective. KSKA: Thursday, Jan. 22, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen Now:

Solar Energy from the Ocean

Solar energy technology has greatly improved over the last few years, but who would have thought that the ocean could be used as a solar collector? And who would have installed the technology to do so? That’s what’s now being done at the Seward Sea Life Center. And now they’re seeking to spread the energy. APRN: Tuesday, 5/27 at 10:00am Download Audio

Nome To Make Decision On Geothermal Energy

If Nome wants geothermal power, the city has to decide by next week if and how it is going to pay for that energy. Download Audio

Akutan Volcano’s Geothermal Power Potential Increases

A new study says Akutan Volcano could be an even more promising source of geothermal energy than previously thought. Download Audio

Geothermal Test Well Drilling Begins Near Nome

Drilling for a geothermal test well began today north of Nome at the Pilgrim Hot Springs. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power estimates two megawatts of sustainable power can be generated from the site. If the estimates are true, Nome residents may soon see the benefits of tapping into the resource. Download Audio

AVTEC Wind Turbine Provides Training Opportunity

There's a fresh breeze blowing in Seward, and this time it's turning the blades on a new wind turbine on the campus of the state's vocational training school.

Outside Forces Present Challenges For Alaska Economy

Outside forces – like the European debt crisis and turmoil in the Middle East – present both challenges and potential for Alaska’s economy.

Geothermal Energy Interest Grows in Alaska

Several Alaska communities are making plans for geothermal generation of electricity. They’re also learning from existing projects – and mistakes.

Naknek Electric, Deep in Debt, Outlines Geothermal Plan

The Naknek Electric Association has released a plan explaining where they’re going with their geothermal project. The member-owned electricity cooperative filed for bankruptcy last year after problems with the more than decade-old geothermal exploration.

Experiment Harnesses Solar Wind

Jacob Resneck, KMXT – Kodiak A NASA experiment sent from the Kodiak Launch Complex and given up for lost has suddenly started functioning, exciting...

Two Interior Communities May Gain River Turbines

Tim Ellis, KUAC – Fairbanks Two communities in the Interior may soon have harness an abundant form of green energy to generate electricity...

Begich Middle School Gains Support for Wind Turbine Project

Earlier this month, Begich Middle School teacher Scott McKim went before the Anchorage School Board to get its support for a school...

Geothermal Energy Project Continues Project in Akutan

Alexandra Gutierrez, KUCB –Unalaska The City of Akutan continues to make progress on its geothermal energy project. For more than a year, the city...

Akutan Seeks Geothermal Energy

Alexandra Gutierrez, KUCB – Unalaska For years, the Aleutian village of Akutan has seen the energy potential in its hot springs and fumaroles. Now,...