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.
Federal Government
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.
Begich looks to drilling, legislation to lower fuel prices
Efforts to curb speculative trading in the oil futures market have run into partisan opposition, or are hung up in the courts.
Some federal unemployment insurance payments to end
Some unemployed workers in Alaska are about to lose their unemployment insurance benefits thanks to federal legislation that ties the payments to a state’s unemployment rate.
Update: Post offices — saved for now
The Douglas Post Office has been spared – at least for a while.