It’s the first oil exploration in Arctic federal waters since Shell abandoned its campaign in 2015. The company, Eni, aims to begin drilling in December.
Energy & Mining
Alaska-bound fuel barge runs into trouble in Canadian waters
A fuel-laden barge bound for Alaska ran broke free from its tug in stormy seas. Canadian officials say the U.S. vessel is back under control but the incident reignites a debate over petroleum shipments in the Inside Passage.
Mental Health Trust to continue exploration at Icy Cape
The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority will spend $3 million on additional exploratory drilling next year on trust land northwest of Yakutat.
Juneau Assembly to expand controversial mining panel
Four new names are slated to be added to the Juneau Assembly’s mining subcommittee. The panel is tasked with overhauling the city’s mining review powers.
State releases agreement signed with China on gas pipeline venture
State gas corporation head says Alaskans will see significant progress on the pipeline project in 2018
With both cheers and tears, Alaskans react to big energy policy changes under Trump
At two recent gatherings in Anchorage, Alaskans expressed very different feelings about the big shift in Washington on development issues.
State, delegation push feds on transboundary mining
Alaska leaders want Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to push Canadian officials to better protect Southeast fisheries from British Columbia mine projects.
U.S. House passes tax plan, the bill will open ANWR, Young says
The U.S. House on Thursday passed a tax cut package. Like all but 13 Republicans, Alaska Rep. Don Young voted for the bill.
Alaska regulators make permanent AEL&P’s temporary rate hike
State regulators agreed to make permanent a nearly 4 percent electric rate hike enacted by Alaska Electric Light & Power a year ago. But state lawyers were able to wring some concessions out of Juneau’s electric utility in return.
Keystone Pipeline oil spill reported in South Dakota
The oil leak occurs just a few days before Nebraska state regulators will decide on the fate of TransCanada’s controversial sister project, the Keystone XL Pipeline.