The U.S. Senate tax bill would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil lease sales and split revenues with the state 50-50. Some Alaskans insist the state should get 90 percent, as promised in the statehood act. But if the tax bill passes, some opponents warn the state’s actual revenues from ANWR, no matter how much the oil companies bid, could be zero.
Economy
In Russia, a competitor for Alaska’s gasline project comes online
The $27 billion Russian project is heavily funded by partners in China. When completed, it will be almost as large as the Alaska LNG project.
Summer ferry schedule adds Cordova sailings
The Alaska Marine Highway System summer schedule released Monday fills in a few sailing details that weren’t in an earlier draft.
Thane Road reopens after bluff washes out
Alaska’s Energy Desk reporter Rashah McChesney reports that a portion of the bluff along Thane Road has washed out onto the road.
As Alaska’s gasline corporation pushes for Asia deal, legislators push for more information
Heading into a busy year for the state corporation, questions linger about financing and project structure.
Juneau’s Fred Meyer intersection under scrutiny
The intersection at the Fred Egan is notorious for its high rate of injury collisions. State highway planners are accepting public comment through Jan. 12 as it looks at alternatives.
Drilling foes see bids, request redo on Arctic Refuge estimate
Three Congress members opposed to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are challenging the revenue projections for that endeavor, and they have fresh evidence on their side.
Forecast for Taku king salmon at historic low
The Taku River’s pre-season terminal run is forecast at 4,700 fish. The state requires at least 19,000 fish for a healthy fishery.
How would the salmon ballot initiative impact development in Alaska?
If Alaskans are confused about what the ballot initiative would actually do, that’s understandable. That’s because both sides can’t seem to agree on how it would affect future development in Alaska.
Canada rejects transboundary mine permit protest
An Alaska environmental group has lost its appeal of a large Canadian mine planned for just across the border.