The federal government is tapping the Denali Commission as the lead agency to address the relocation of coastal communities across the state.
Arctic
Arctic leaders outline local priorities in letter to President Obama
The letter covers a lot of ground — outlining the need to develop a deep-draft port above the Arctic Circle and advocating sharing federal revenue from offshore oil drilling with local residents.
Kotzebue prepares for a presidential visit
Everyone from fishermen to local leaders are getting ready for the president’s visit — and have their own hopes for what he takes away.
Industry and interest groups both displeased with Obama’s words on climate
Nobody seems totally happy with the president’s speech on climate change: too vague, too bleak, goes too far, doesn’t go far enough.
Even with another icebreaker, US fleet pales against its Arctic neighbors
Obama proposed to speed up construction of a heavy icebreaker by two years. He wants the new ship to be polar-ready by the year 2020, rather than 2022.
Arctic shipping updates offered at commission meeting in Nome
Aside from a lack of routing measures, the Bering Sea’s nautical charts are outdated, presenting serious safety risks to vessels of all kinds.
Obama to announce icebreaker program in Seward
Obama also wants to work with Congress to plan for an expanded icebreaker fleet, “To ensure the United States can operate year-round in the Arctic Ocean,” he said.
GLACIER conference ends with vague, dire tones
As President Obama continues touring Alaska, the aims and outcomes of Monday’s GLACIER Conference are still being sorted out.
200 gather to protest Arctic drilling during GLACIER conference
“I feel pretty strongly that the way to look at this topic is through science, and I just find it super disappointing that so many people chose to ignore or dismiss solid science,” said one protestor.
Walker joined Obama on flight from D.C. to Alaska
“I’ve arrived in Alaska a lot of ways and I’ve gotta say that was the most enjoyable,” Walker said. “It was really fun, a good experience, a good opportunity for me to have some very meaningful discussions with the president.”