It was revealed at a Juneau Assembly meeting that local investors want to bring AEL&P back under local control. The Juneau utility’s parent company is itself being acquired by the Canadian energy firm Hydro One.
Energy & Mining
New capital budget is much lower than previous budgets
Observers note the state has largely stopped funding its own construction projects. Now most of the capital budget comes from federal spending.
Legislature passes capital budget in one-day special session
The vote allows road projects and other construction to move forward. It was the only piece of business for the six-hour special session.
After Trump targets Murkowski, Interior Secretary reportedly warns Alaska’s senators
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke reportedly called Sen. Lisa Murkowski and her fellow Alaskan, Sen. Dan Sullivan, to say their state could run into trouble with the Trump administration.
Lawmakers agree on capital budget funding for oil and gas tax credits, Kivalina school
Lawmakers plan to spend as little as one day in Juneau, as they meet Thursday for their third special session this year.
Capital budget compromise unlikely to restore PFDs, address oil and gas tax credits
“Clearly those are going to be the most difficult issues that have to be solved going forward,” said Republican Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, a leader in the Senate. “I don’t think they’re going to happen in this bill.”
Juneau Assembly mining task force to add members
The three-member Juneau Assembly mining task force is seeking to add two planning commissioners and two members of the public. The group is studying a proposal to streamline the city’s mining review process.
With budget, U.S. House inches toward ANWR
A budget blueprint in the U.S. House is reviving hopes for Alaskans who want to see the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge open to oil drilling.
Motor fuel tax stalls in a year of few bills
Lawmakers have passed fewer bills in 2017 than any year in the state’s history, but it seemed that Senate Bill 25 stood one of the best chances of passing.
Walker says future special sessions depend on progress
Walker said he’s optimistic that Saturday’s agreement on oil and gas taxes means lawmakers can reach agreement on other issues.