One of the strongest El Ninos on record ended in May. A strong La Nina would normally follow. But that isn’t a sure bet this time around.
Alaska's Energy Desk
Fire Island Wind sees expansion on the horizon
After years of talks and setbacks, there’s momentum to expand the Fire Island Wind project. The first turbines started spinning on the island near Anchorage four years ago, but a planned expansion has been stalled ever since.
Q&A: DNR commissioner talks about background, Alaska’s resource issues
Andy Mack seeks to lead Alaska through complex, responsible resource development
After challenge from their own party, two rural Democrats could lose state House seats
Rural state House incumbents losing as primary results return
Cleaner electricity for Peninsula village to arrive by way of Anchorage
The Native Village of Perryville on the Alaska Peninsula has a new power generator. It will help the village use more renewable power and save on costs. Contractors have almost finished putting it together –- but at the moment, it’s almost 500 miles away from its destination.
On the scene with the Crystal Serenity
The cruise ship Crystal Serenity cast off from Seward Tuesday for a first-of-it’s kind trip through the Arctic’s Northwest Passage to New York City. It’s the first luxury liner to attempt the route — and the largest passenger ship by far. Many people are wondering if it’s a sign of what’s to come, as the Arctic sees increasingly ice-free summers.
As wildfires blaze, Southeast glaciers could be feeling the melt
Scientists are wondering if the carbon released from interior fires is traveling all the way to Juneau — potentially speeding up glacial melt.
At DNR, new leader tackles ‘maze’ of oil and gas development on federal land
Walker’s DNR commissioner seeks balance between federal and private interests in state’s resources
Walker’s new oil and gas advisor wants to put some ‘grit’ in the system
When Gov. Walker announced the creation of a new cabinet position, he framed it as a way to improve his administration’s often rocky relationship with the oil and gas industry. But John Hendrix is proposing a tough love approach.
State fund for renewable power falls prey to budget woes
Since 2008, the state has set aside a pot of money for renewable energy projects like small dams and wind turbines. Called the Renewable Energy Fund, the projects it’s backed have replaced tens of millions of gallons of expensive diesel in communities from Skagway to Nome. But with the current budget crisis, that money has disappeared.