It’s a big road in a state with not that many of them. Proponents say it will enable growth of the mining industry, and create jobs. Detractors worry about impacts to subsistence.
Energy & Mining
From Aniak to Bethel, Y-K Delta residents discuss the risks of Donlin Gold Mine
State regulators met with the public in Anchorage last Friday to discuss the permits for the proposed Donlin Gold Mine. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has released two draft permits that tackle one of the mine’s thorniest issues: how the company plans to dispose of chemicals like arsenic next to a river of subsistence fishermen.
Delegation to Zinke: Thanks, but no thanks, for huge leasing plan
Alaska’s congressional delegation has asked Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke to exclude most of the state from his draft plan for offshore oil and gas leasing. Earlier this month, Zinke had proposed opening 14 of Alaska’s 15 offshore planning areas, all but the North Aleutian Basin in Bristol Bay.
EPA head reverses course on Pebble, saying it may pose ‘unacceptable’ risk
EPA administrator Scott Pruitt said the agency is suspending its effort to reverse an Obama-era proposal to put restrictions on the mine.
University of Alaska Southeast program trains students for mining careers
Employment opportunities mining was one of several topics discussed during last week’s Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Governor asks Trump administration for more public meetings on offshore drilling proposal
The Department of Interior is aiming to reverse Obama-era offshore drilling policy, which largely blocked oil development in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.
Walker calls for timely action on budget in annual address
Republican lawmakers reacted coolly to the speech by Walker, an independent.
Watchdog group calls for tougher training standards for oil spill response
A citizens watchdog group is concerned new oil response crews coming to Prince William Sound aren’t being trained in rough weather conditions they might have to operate in.
Top Republican, Democrat in Alaska Senate differ on income tax
Senate President Pete Kelly said his caucus was right to oppose an income tax last year. Anchorage Democratic Sen. Berta Gardner, the minority caucus leader, said a broad-based tax is still needed.
State-ordered investigation following BP leak finds no additional problem wells
The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission found no additional wells that could lead to a similar accident, according to commissioner Cathy Foerster.