Alaska's Energy Desk

Scientists are wondering if the carbon released from interior fires is traveling all the way to Juneau — potentially speeding up glacial melt.

Walker’s DNR commissioner seeks balance between federal and private interests in state’s resources

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.

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.

The Juneau Icefield Research Program has been around for 70 years. First, exploring the icy expanse. And later, tracking the rate Southeast glaciers are shrinking.

Anchorage just recorded its warmest month on record. July was four degrees above normal, with an average temperature of nearly 63 degrees.