Some lawmakers are questioning whether the fund, now worth $900 million, should be committed to benefit only about one in nine Alaskans.
Energy & Mining
Offshore leasing plan leaves door open to Arctic drilling – for now
The Obama administration Tuesday released its draft plan for offshore oil and gas drilling over the next five years. The proposal keeps the door open to more drilling in the Arctic Ocean — for now.
Senate cuts $63 million more from budget than House
The Senate voted for $100 million in executive branch cuts that aren’t allocated.
Legislative houses near votes on different budget versions
The Senate Finance Committee’s current budget includes $215 million in cuts. But Committee Co-Chairman Fairbanks Republican Sen. Pete Kelly said he’s aiming for a total of $500 million in reductions.
Walker orders effort to streamline public authorities
Walker signed an administrative order requiring the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Energy Authority and Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to find opportunities to become more efficient or consolidate.
PFD cuts could cause big ripples in Alaska economy
As lawmakers grapple with a mammoth budget deficit, it’s becoming increasingly likely that the solution will require tapping Permanent Fund earnings — and reducing the dividend.
Prudhoe Bay rig count to drop by more than half
BP has announced it will cut the number of drilling rigs operating at Prudhoe Bay, from five to two, as a result of low oil prices.
Update: Citing low oil prices, Apache to pull out of Alaska
Apache is slashing spending for the coming year by 60 percent and halting work in several regions, including Alaska.
House committee may quintuple Gov. Walker’s state budget cuts
The House Finance Committee is considering a budget bill that would cut state government spending $418 million more than the $100 million in cuts Gov. Bill Walker proposed.
In rural Alaska, building wind power means building people power
When it comes to energy innovation in rural Alaska, technology is only half the story. The real necessity is people power.