The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was created by President George W. Bush. Now President Obama is quadrupling it in size — making it the biggest marine reserve in the world.
Energy & Mining
State takes control of gas line megaproject; consultant warns of major risks
After months of mixed signals, Gov. Bill Walker’s administration and the state’s three current partners – ExxonMobil, BP and ConocoPhillips — told lawmakers this week that the state will take the lead on the megaproject as soon as this fall.
New Attorney General weighs in against ExxonMobil’s tactics fighting climate change investigations
Company seeks to shut down state subpoenas in federal court
Report catalogs contaminated land conveyed to Native corporations
Scattered throughout Alaska are hundreds of pieces of land that have been transferred to Alaska Native Corporations by the federal government.Some came with contamination. Getting them cleaned up has been a decades long process, and a new report catalogs those contaminated sites, but leaves some questions about who will orchestrate cleanup – and when.
Mineral exploration near Haines given green light to expand
A Canadian company conducting exploration for a potential mine about 35 miles north of Haines was recently granted permission to grow its project.
Uptick in oil prices helps Alaska’s bottom line, but not much
Current oil price higher than projected, but more is needed to balance the state’s budget
Tribal leader optimistic after State Department, EPA meeting
Southeast Alaska’s largest tribal organization says this month’s meetings with the U.S. State Department and Environmental Protection Agency were productive.
Southeast Alaska tribes share mining concerns with feds
State tribal groups have met with federal officials to discuss concerns that Canadian mining projects could divert potentially toxic water to southeast Alaska watersheds.
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