Group submits petition books, setting stage for costly fight over Alaska oil taxes
Supporters of the measure to boost oil taxes say it is needed to help pay for state services. Opponents say it will devastate investment and hurt the economy.
Energy
Defying oil companies, Alaska state agency to hold public hearing on BP pipeline sale
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska said it wants to give the public another chance to provide input.
Traders shrug off US-Iran tensions as oil prices drop
Oil supplies are so ample that buyers just weren’t worried enough about next week’s or next month’s deliveries to push the price outside of the narrow trading band of the past 90 days.
Group says it has enough signatures to put Alaska oil tax initiative on ballot
“Vote Yes for Alaska’s Fair Share” aims to boost taxes paid by major oil producers in Alaska.
Trump administration delays Arctic refuge oil leasing to strengthen legal case
The Trump administration finds itself caught between trying to make its ANWR leasing plan legally ironclad and completing the controversial lease sale before the next presidential election.
Alaska tribe seeking tougher review for ConocoPhillips’ drilling program loses in court
The Native Village of Nuiqsut joined conservation groups in the lawsuit last year.
Trump effort to streamline environmental reviews draws praise, barbs in Alaska
Alaska politicians say it would help create jobs while critics say it will limit public comment and boost risks to the environment.
Former AGDC president makes pitch to retake reins of Alaska LNG Project
Keith Meyer said the state’s current path virtually assures a long-sought North Slope gas line project won’t be built for at least another decade.
Analysis: State awaits final EIS after answering Alaska LNG questions from federal regulators
Assuming no delay in the final impact statement, FERC commissioners could vote on the project application June 4.
After calls for transparency, Hilcorp and BP say Alaska pipeline deal needs no public hearing
Critics of the major sale have concerns about Hilcorp’s safety record and its request for confidentiality.
Former owner of North Pole refinery ordered to pay over $29 million in water pollution case
Williams Alaska Petroleum has been ordered to pay millions in damages for releasing large amounts of a refinery solvent into groundwater and polluting residents’ drinking water wells.
Owner of Mustang oil project on North Slope misses first $3.1 million quarterly loan payment to Alaska
Caracol Petroleum missed its first loan payment to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority under a recently restructured financing plan, according to authority spokesman Karsten Rodvik.
Southcentral Alaska utility buys Tesla battery system to improve power delivery
The Homer Electric system on the Kenai Peninsula is also expected to cut emissions from natural gas-fired plants and save the utility money.
Department of Natural Resources asks for $595K to work on ‘federal plans,’ including ANWR drilling
Permitting and review are getting special attention in Gov. Dunleavy’s budget proposal.
CNN: Governor used talking points written by Pebble to urge support for mine
Pebble and the governor’s office say it’s common for state governments to request briefing materials from companies.
BP Alaska says about half its 1,500 employees won’t be taking jobs with Hilcorp
It will take a “very significant bite” out of the state’s modest economic growth, an economist said.
Former adviser to Gov. Bill Walker buys Cook Inlet gas producer Furie for $15 million
John Hendrix was general manager of Apache Corp.’s operations in Cook Inlet prior to working in the Walker administration.
State officials tell Alaska lawmakers they will thoroughly scrutinize BP-Hilcorp deal
The state has hired an outside firm to help review Hilcorp’s financial health.
How a ConocoPhillips employee’s alleged $7 million scheme unraveled
A court document reveals more details on ConocoPhillips’ accusation that a former employee and a former Anchorage police officer defrauded the oil company.
BP to pay penalty to EPA for inadequate insurance on hazardous waste
BP Exploration Alaska agreed in a settlement to pay $125,100 for inadequate insurance on the storage and handling of hazardous waste on the North Slope.