North Slope

As impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic linger around the world, it’s unclear if or when prices will be high again.

The recent lawsuits over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and National Petroleum Reserve are a lot to keep track of. Casey Grove spoke to Tegan Hanlon to try to sort it all out.

The attorneys general of the 15 states argue that they have standing to sue because what happens in the Arctic Refuge affects their fish, wildlife and physical environment.

In the order, mayor Harry Brower said he’s imposing the measures in response to “increasing numbers of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Utqiaġvik.”

Two lawsuits filed Monday argue that the BLM’s environmental review process failed to follow numerous laws meant to protect wildlife, land, water and people.

State and oil company officials confirmed 13 cases of COVID-19 between two different North Slope oil fields, as Alaska reported 86 new cases of the virus Thursday.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski called today’s action a “capstone moment.”

The Anchorage man was in his 70s, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. He’s the 25th Alaskan whose death is linked to the infectious disease.

The two workers who tested positive for COVID-19 were flown to Anchorage from the Alpine oil field, near Nuiqsut.

It’s the third time DNR has granted such an extension in the past three months, citing the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the oil industry.