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EPA hold Iliamna hearing over proposed cuts to Pebble Mine restrictions
Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
Today, the environmental protection agency held the second of two public hearings on its proposal to withdraw the Obama administrations proposed restrictions on the Pebble Mine. The hearings were held in Dillingham and Iliamna. They come a week after Pebble released new details on its proposal, promising a smaller mine than originally planned.
Pebble opponents hammer EPA for changed course at Dillingham meeting
Dave Bendinger, KDLG – Dillingham
The Environmental Protection Agency is backing away from the use of preemptive Clean Water Act restrictions against large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed. That comes as part of a settlement with the Pebble Limited Partnership, and the company now says it is preparing to file for permits.
Environmental group to sue Trump administration over Pacific walrus
Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service declined to grant protections for the Pacific walrus. Now the Trump administration may have to answer in court.
Top two officials in division overseeing prisons no longer work for state
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
The Department of Corrections spokeswoman cites confidentiality in declining to provide more information.
Murkowski-Warren letter slams White House’s response to opioid epidemic
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Today, Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski sent a letter with her Democratic colleague Elizabeth Warren of Massachussets to the president regarding the nation-wide opioid epidemic. The letter frames the health crisis as a bipartisan issue, and lays blame for a lackluster policy response squarely in one place.
Romig Middle School science teacher honored as Alaska Teacher of the Year
Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Today, Anchorage teacher Ben Walker was selected as the 2018 Alaska Teacher of the Year. Walker is a seventh grade science teacher at Romig Middle School and was granted the honor at a surprise assembly in the school gymnasium.
Interior Gas Utility considers taking over Interior Energy Project
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Fairbanks North Star Borough’s Interior Gas Utility has a big decision to make. The voter former IGU is considering taking control of the state backed Interior Energy Project.
Doyon says its natural gas prospects in Nenana Basin are promising
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
There’s renewed optimism about finding a deposit of natural gas in the Nenana Basin that can be developed.
Airport screening change for electronics rolling out in Southeast Alaska
Jeremy Hsieh, KTOO – Juneau
The TSA, specifically addressing Southeast travelers, says to arrive 90 minutes early for flights.
Bering Sea storm expected to cause minor flooding in Alaska
Associated Press
A storm in the Bering Sea is expected to cause minor flooding and beach erosion at low-lying coastal areas along Alaska’s western coast.
National Guard focuses on increasing operations during tour of Nome, Brevig Mission, and Teller
Davis Hovey, KNOM – Nome
Major General Laurie Hummel, the Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, is touring through Western Alaska this week, along with her military entourage from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
