In his annual address to the Alaska Legislature, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan did not say much about President Donald Trump, and he did not bring up the issues that drove demonstrators to the steps of the state Capitol on Friday: Trump’s policies on immigration and refugees, and what Congress intends to do about the Affordable Care Act.
Energy & Mining
Juneau’s electric utility says natural gas not in the plans anymore
Tim McLeod, AEL&P’s president, says the company thought heating with natural gas could save customers money but circumstances have changed.
Ice in Cook Inlet likely to delay fix to Hilcorp gas leak for weeks
Hilcorp recently informed state regulators that the company is unlikely to begin repairs on a gas leak in Cook Inlet until mid- to late March, according to a letter obtained by Alaska’s Energy Desk through a public records request.
Murkowski says Trump policies on Arctic, climate still unclear
At a meeting in Anchorage Friday with elected officials from around the Arctic, Murkowski said she’s fielding questions about potential changes in U.S. policy.
Industry pushes back against proposed changes to state’s oil tax system
As lawmakers in Juneau consider changes to the state’s oil tax credit system, they’re facing stiff opposition from oil companies. Several industry representatives testified before lawmakers this week. Those representatives are calling the changes proposed in House Bill 111 a tax increase. And they also say it could affect their investment decisions.
House Science Committee asks EPA to drop Pebble Mine veto
In a letter Wednesday to new EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, the chairman of the House Science Committee asked that the agency rescind its 2014 veto of the Pebble Mine.