U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski traveled with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. She said Alaskans innovate because they have to, because they need sustainable energy generation to survive and because they have requirements that may be specific to their area.
Energy & Mining
Dunleavy won’t appeal judge’s ruling that state must fund program for lower energy costs
Dunleavy said in a statement that the ruling provided clarity and that the Power Cost Equalization program provides an essential service.
Mendenhall Glacier’s retreat is exposing new land. The Forest Service doesn’t want it to be mined.
In 1952, the Forest Service took the land around the Mendenhall Glacier off the table for mining. Now there’s a strip of land exposed by the shrinking glacier.
Judge orders EPA to update rules for dispersants used on oil spills
Cleanup crews used dispersants in large quantities after the 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill and 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
State allows Donlin Gold to lease land for 315-mile pipeline
DNR has granted land-use rights for a proposed 315-mile long pipeline that would stretch from Cook Inlet to the proposed mine site.
Biden administration goes back to drawing board on oil leasing in Arctic Refuge
The announcement calls for a new study that will be a supplement to the 2019 environmental impact statement conducted by the Trump administration.
Plan to lease land near Ester for mine draws ire from residents, recreators
The Ester Community Association is opposing the plan, saying it would have broad impacts on the many Fairbanks-area residents who come to enjoy the area’s underdeveloped forestland and maze of back trails.
Federal fisheries officials raise concern over Kensington Mine expansion
The Kensington Mine is one of the region’s largest private sector employers with around 360 employees. But in order to stay open through 2033, the mine needs to expand its footprint.
Man says bear attacked him, harassed him for a week at mining camp outside Nome
Officials say the Kodiak-based helicopter crew was flying from Kotzebue to Nome when they saw an SOS sign on top of a shack near a remote mining camp.
State grants 12 water rights permits for proposed Donlin gold mine
Six tribes opposed the water rights permits, saying that removing that much water from the area could hurt the region’s water supply and ecosystem.