Cooperation across the Bering Strait was strengthened this week when the United States and Russia signed a joint wildlife agreement.
Federal Government
Supreme Court sides with Sturgeon in case challenging NPS authority
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a partial victory Tuesday to Alaska moose hunter John Sturgeon in his case against the National Park Service. The high court voted 8-0 to reject a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision against Sturgeon.
Defense secretary on board with keeping JBER unit
“I think that that is an important part of our force posture in the Pacific,” said Secertary of Defense Ashton Carter about JBER’s 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division.
Tanana Chiefs recognize Denali and other interior name changes
“That means so much to us to have the original names come back to the areas that we have lived in forever,” said Tanana Chiefs Conference President Victor Joseph.
Feds offer millions for Alaska rural energy efficiency competition
Pelican, Saxman, Haines, Klawock, Yakutat, Kasaan and Angoon have applied, along with 65 other communities.
Public testimony pushes against ‘politicizing’ water protection decisions
Should the decision to grant a body of water the highest level of protection be up to the Alaska Legislature? Bills working their way through committees in the House and Senate would give lawmakers that power. But in public testimony this week, Alaskans spoke against ‘politicizing’ decisions on Outstanding National Resource Water nominations.
Push to label GE food, including salmon, has staunch opponents
Food manufacturers and agribusiness fiercely oppose labeling laws for genetically modified food. They say the label would suggest the food is unsafe.
Bill Blocking GMO Labels Stalls In Senate, But Battle Is Far From Over
The bill would have created a national voluntary labeling standard — and prevented Vermont’s mandatory labeling law from going into effect July 1. A compromise might yet be reached.
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.
BLM director visits North Slope to cap wells, transfer lands
The director of the Bureau of Land Management is visiting the North Slope this week. Over the next two days, Director Neil Kornze will meet with Native corporations, local government officials, and community leaders in the region.