Industries

Appeals court backs decision giving Shell OK to drill in Arctic

An appeals court has sided with the federal government in giving the go-ahead to Shell Oil Co. to move forward with drilling in the Alaska Arctic this year, according to a ruling issued Friday night.

Hilcorp looks to resume oil storage in shadow of volcano

Hilcorp Alaska plans to resume storing oil at the Drift River tank farm on the west side of Cook Inlet. In fact, the company already has obtained interim permission to fill one of the enormous tanks at Drift River.

Group to evaluate how to advance oil tax cuts

Supporters of changes to Alaska's oil production tax structure have called for a meeting to discuss how best to advance the debate after another legislative defeat.

BP shareholders attempt revival of suit against firm after spill

Lawyers for some BP shareholders are trying to revive a stalled lawsuit filed in an Alaska court in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

2012 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Prospects look grim for oil tax cut proposed by governor

No one in the Legislature seems to like Gov. Parnell's latest proposal to cut oil taxes, which would cost the Alaska treasury $1.5 billion to $2 billion a year, about the same as Parnell's earlier proposal.

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Chukchi Sea depths hold vast environmental complexities

Hidden beneath the surface of the Chukchi Sea off Northwest Alaska is a remarkably varied environment, according to industry-funded researchers working in areas of planned drilling by Shell, Conoco Phillips and Statoil.

Valdez rated better for LNG line than Cook Inlet

Port Valdez would be a better choice than Cook Inlet for loading giant tankers to export liquefied natural gas from Alaska, a new study concludes.

Energy costs, jet fuel drop combine to close refinery

Decreased jet fuel sales in Anchorage were a secondary factor into the decision to shut down a crude oil refining unit at the North Pole Refinery, which will cost 35 to 40 jobs, according to a spokesman for refinery owner Flint Hills Resources.

2012 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Oil tax bill advances; special session looms

The Senate Finance Committee has advanced a bill changing Alaska's oil tax structure, virtually guaranteeing a special session on the issue. Earlier Wednesday, Gov. Sean Parnell said he'd call a special session if the Senate passed an oil tax bill by Sunday.

Special session hinges on oil tax bill

Senate passes $2.6 billion capital budget

Lawmakers pay tribute to late Rep. Gatto

Politics blog: Autism bill may be dead

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North Pole refinery to idle equipment, lay off workers

Operators of the Flint Hills refinery in North Pole say they are taking steps to idle their No. 1 crude oil refining unit, which will mean the loss of 35 to 40 jobs over five months.

Senate consultant says oil tax plan could hit industry harder

A legislative consultant acknowledges oil companies could pay more in taxes under the Senate's tax plan.

Threat to federal funding hits Alaska Railroad credit rating

Moody's Investors Service has lowered the outlook for Alaska Railroad bonds from stable to negative, saying the U.S. Senate's move to gut the railroad's budget could leave it short of money to pay off debt.

2012 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Oil tax argument may send lawmakers into overtime

As the Alaska Legislature approaches the end-of-session crunch, leaders of the House and Senate said Monday they may not have enough time to resolve the oil-tax standoff by the April 15 deadline.

Senate Finance Committee releases oil tax plan

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2012 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Senate may unveil long-awaited oil tax plan this week

This could be the week the Senate releases its long-awaited oil tax plan. Finance committee co-chair Bert Stedman said it won't be a totally new bill but there will be significant changes.

Deals announced on Point Thomson leases, gas line partnership

2012 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Gas pipeline bill remains iffy despite passing House

A bill to develop a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska passed the state House early Wednesday despite efforts of Democrats to kill or revamp the measure.

Senator seeks answers on delayed oil company tax audits

A co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee laid into Revenue Commissioner Bryan Butcher on Monday over the yearslong lag in audits of oil company tax returns.

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2012 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Legislature mulls two gas line projects

House Speaker Mike Chenault's bill to create a natural gas pipeline from Alaska's North Slope to Southcentral is moving through the Legislature even as oil producers talk about moving ahead on a $40 billion project that would make the small line all but irrelevant.

2012 ALASKA LEGISLATURE

Oil tax debate rages in Capitol and in court of public opinion

As state senators plow through their own version of a new oil tax system for Alaska, the debate is heating up inside and outside the Capitol. A new, union-backed group has jumped in with TV and radio ads opposing oil tax cuts pushed by Gov. Sean Parnell.

Bill would change rules for 'do not resuscitate' directives

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State's lawmakers set to take up gas line bills

Alaska lawmakers are set to take up competing in-state natural gas pipeline bills this week.

Well damaged in blowout is plugged, under control

A well damaged more than a month ago in a natural gas blowout is plugged and under control, state environmental regulators said Sunday.

Oil giants: Tax changes will lure investment

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. and Conoco Phillips Alaska told the Senate Resources Committee there are projects the companies could do on Alaska's North Slope to increase oil production, but those projects will have trouble attracting capital investment because of high state taxes.