Alaska tax structure subject of study 12/05/2010
Commonwealth North, an Alaska organization with a mission to disseminate information about public policy issues in the state, is initiating a study into the structure of Alaska oil taxes. "It is the r...

Multiple bids received in open season 08/08/2010
TransCanada's Tony Palmer describes initial open season bids as from 'major industry players and others for significant volumes'
It was question which evoked thoughts of a worst-case scenario: what if the AGIA-licensed Alaska Pipeline Project got no bids in its initial open season? According to the terms of the Alaska Gasline...

Revised GRETC bill gets House hearing 03/28/2010
A more flexible approach brought the utilities to the table, but lawmakers want some concerns addressed before they sign off
After a year to clear its throat, an attempt to unite the Alaska Railbelt utilities is back before lawmakers in a more flexible package, creating both benefits and concerns. A pair of bills before the...

A change of mind 03/21/2010
Stevens opts for in-state gas-line routes from NS to Kenai or Valdez
In a major change of heart since leaving office, former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens now thinks that LNG exports into the Pacific Rim from Alaska present the optimum solution for bringing North Slope gas to...

Military largest U.S. energy consumer 10/18/2009
Study by retired officers highlights impacts of climate change, energy choices on military; nation's aging electric grid a big issue
Energy is a crucial issue for the U.S. military and a recent study by retired senior military officers concluded that fossil fuel dependence and a fragile national electric grid are threats to U.S. mi...

State revenue stream OK but 'fragile' 07/19/2009
Assuming strong oil prices, state will have plenty of cash for budgeting and can build its savings, revenue commissioner says
Prospects are decent for ample revenue to support state government and preserve savings through the year 2020, but Alaska's finances will remain "fragile" due to heavy dependence on oil production, st...

Sparks fly over the Northwest Passage 05/31/2009
Canadian, U.S. perspectives clash during Commonwealth North forum; is the passage an international waterway with access for all?
The Northwest Passage is an international strait used for international navigation, John Norton Moore, director of the Center of Oceans Law and Policy at the University of Virginia School of Law, told...

New report addresses changing Arctic 05/31/2009
Commonwealth North report recommends U.S. actions to reflect increasing international interest and opportunity in the Arctic region
Commonwealth North, a private organization which provides information about Alaska public policy issues, has published a report called "Why the Arctic Matters," in which experts on the Arctic have put...