Economy & Environment
Alaska House contemplates a multibillion-dollar gamble on oil prices to pay $5,500 per Alaskan
Leading members of the Alaska House of Representatives said on Thursday that the House appears ready to approve a Senate-passed budget that would pay $5,500 this year to eligible Alaskans. They cautioned that the situation remains in flux and could change quickly. On Wednesday and Thursday, Speaker of the House Louise Stutes canceled scheduled votes […]
Alaska U.S. House candidates use industry forum to try to stand out in crowded field
The nine candidates at the forum, seated in alphabetical order, faced their own common challenge: distinguishing themselves from other contenders in the very crowded field.
Action needed to address Alaska’s stagnant demographic trends, economist says
More people are leaving Alaska than coming, too few babies are being born to make up the population gap and the state workforce is withering. That presents a tough challenge that demands aggressive policy responses, a university economist argues. “In 2010, essentially, Alaska stopped growing. That’s not the Alaska we all know,” said Ralph Townsend, […]
Democrats from the West push update of 150-year-old federal mining law
Democrats in Congress are hoping to overhaul the nation’s 150-year-old system for mining the elements needed for battery manufacturing, as high gas prices and Russia’s war in Ukraine underline the need to transition from oil and gas to renewable energy sources. U.S. House Natural Resources Chairman Raúl Grijalva of Arizona and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich […]
Alaska Senate approves $5,500 payout to Alaskans, but it’s not final yet
Alaskans will receive $5,500 and could get it as soon as July if the Alaska House agrees with a budget proposal approved Tuesday afternoon by the state Senate. Senators voted 15-5 to approve what would be the fifth-largest budget in state history and sent the draft to the House for agreement. If the House rejects […]
Recent earthquakes may raise risk of Alaska tsunami, study finds
The dual earthquake action deep underground appears to have increased the risks of future tsunamis in that region, the study said.
Biden administration vows to speed up environmental permits needed for infrastructure projects
President Joe Biden’s administration will seek to hasten construction of roads, bridges, wind farms and more by tweaking the federal review process for environmental and other permits, administration officials said Tuesday. On a press call, administration officials said they were seeking to make permitting easier without sacrificing environmental standards. The permitting plan is meant to […]
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy planning trip to East Asia, letters show
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is planning a trip to East Asia, accompanied by the president of the state-owned corporation backing a trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline, according to letters released in a public records request. The two men are seeking support for the pipeline project, known as Alaska LNG. “All conditions permitting, I plan to travel […]