Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is planning a three-day trip to Alaska. Salazar is preparing to decide whether to issue final drilling permits to Shell Oil, which hopes to drill exploratory wells this summer in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas.
Federal Government
Murkowski to hold health care forum
Murkowski says good health care should be more accessible for Alaskans but she says this law isn’t the answer for providing that.
Juneau Airport seeks $2-million in left over FY ’12 FAA funds
The city-owned airport already has $1-million for the project, but Airport Manager Jeannie Johnson says that only pays for three lights, when ideally there should be at least eight.
Groups sue EPA over oil spill dispersants
Environmental groups in five states are suing the federal government, claiming Environmental Protection Agency rules on chemical dispersants used in oil spills do not meet clean water requirements.
EPA reaches agreement with Alaska shipper on fuel standard
The federal government has reached agreement with one of Alaska’s largest shipping companies, providing a conditional waiver for new fuel standards while Totem Ocean Trailer Express converts to cleaner-burning fuel.
Still no decision on Douglas Post Office
It may be some time yet before a decision is made on closing the Douglas Post Office.
Native Leaders Urge Lawmakers To Pass Climate Change Legislation
Alaska Natives are in Washington, D.C. – urging lawmakers to pass climate change legislation. Some believe that’s the best way to get federal money for relocating several villages.
State of Alaska sues over maritime fuel regs
The state of Alaska is suing to block the federal government from enforcing regulations for emissions from cruise ships and marine cargo carriers.
Senate panel to hear issue of legacy wells
The issue of cleaning up abandoned wells in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska is coming before a U.S. Senate committee.
Murkowski seeks road access to POW mines
Murkowski says the Niblack and Bokan Mountain mines could provide stable, well-paying jobs for hundreds of people. But with no roads to either site, workers would have to be boated or flown to and from the mines.