The most reliable of the state Department of Labor's three sets of employment numbers tells us that Alaska's current economic performance and outlook are not quite as benign as many people have been led to believe. Instead of employment growing by 0.5 percent in 2009 as had been reported in the least reliable numbers, it actually fell by 0.5 percent (1,600 jobs).
Read more: http://www.adn.com/2010/09/11/1449889/alaska-economy-on-shaky-ground.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=8969122#Comments_Container#ixzz0zWoa1qZu
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
BC Writer calls for a megaproject linking Alaska to NW BC and Yukon
BC Writer calls for project linking Alaska, BC and Yukon. Says with the Northwest BC Transmission Line underway a railway linking Alaska with BC should be next.Click here to read his blog.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Senator Murkowski introduces bills to boost hydropower generation
Senator Murkowski introduces bills to boost hydropower generation: "<p>U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at increasing the production of electricity from renewable hydropower and creating jobs in America’s energy sector. The "Hydropower Improvement Act" and the "Hydropower Renewable Energy Development Act" would boost federal support for hydropower projects.</p>"
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Alaska Journal of Commerce - Parnell zapped for energy fund cuts 06/18/10
The Alaska Journal of Commerce - Parnell zapped for energy fund cuts 06/18/10
Gov. Sean Parnell is taking flak for his June 3 vetoes of state funds for energy projects.
"The governor has talked a lot about how we have to be fiscally conservative, but these are projects that will make our communities more self-reliant and less dependent on diesel, and state Power Cost Equalization funds, in five to 10 years," when petroleum revenues will be sharply lower, said Bob Venables, energy director for the Southeast Conference, the economic development association for Southeast Alaska.
Click above link for full story in the Alaska Journal of Commerce.
Gov. Sean Parnell is taking flak for his June 3 vetoes of state funds for energy projects.
"The governor has talked a lot about how we have to be fiscally conservative, but these are projects that will make our communities more self-reliant and less dependent on diesel, and state Power Cost Equalization funds, in five to 10 years," when petroleum revenues will be sharply lower, said Bob Venables, energy director for the Southeast Conference, the economic development association for Southeast Alaska.
Click above link for full story in the Alaska Journal of Commerce.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Gambling on hydro in Eagle
Gambling on hydro in Eagle
Eagle, a community of 200 far up the Yukon River and just a short snowmachine ride from the Canadian border, faces an issue that affects many remote Alaska communities: Electricity generated by burning diesel fuel, which has to be shipped in on small barges that travel during the ice-free months, is very expensive. So expensive, in fact, that across the state, high fuel costs are being blamed for outmigration to larger communities like Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Report of the Alaska Legislature's energy act - Energyboom
Click here for more Coverage of the Alaska Legislature's energy act
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has recently published two reports as part of their efforts to update the state’s energy policy.
The first report provides Alaskan communities with resources to build their own locally relevant energy plans based on their available resources.
The new report, ‘Alaska Energy Pathway,’[pdf] was released by the administration of Alaska Governor Sean Parnell. The new report reaffirms a previous goal to meet 50% of Alaska’s electric power needs through renewable energy resources by 2025, but the key substantive policy difference is a new goal to achieve a 20% increase in energy efficiency and conservation by 2020.
Energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to reduce the need for new energy sources in the first place – an important goal that the Palin plan lacked. It is a notable improvement, but the plan relies too heavily on fossil fuels to truly move Alaska toward a clean energy future.
Click on above link for full story.
Click on above link for full story.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Alaskans mourn death of former Gov. Walter Hickel - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - The voice of Interior Alaska since 1903
SITKA, Alaska - Alaskans on Saturday mourned the loss of former Gov. Walter J. Hickel and remembered him as a visionary and a maverick.
Alaska Democrats, meeting for their convention in Sitka, had a moment of silence in honor of Hickel, who served as Interior secretary under President Richard Nixon until Hickel was dismissed for objecting to the treatment of Vietnam War protesters.
A ripple of "Oh!" and "Oh, my God" rippled through the audience as word of his death, at age 90, was announced Saturday morning.
SITKA, Alaska - Alaskans on Saturday mourned the loss of former Gov. Walter J. Hickel and remembered him as a visionary and a maverick.
Alaska Democrats, meeting for their convention in Sitka, had a moment of silence in honor of Hickel, who served as Interior secretary under President Richard Nixon until Hickel was dismissed for objecting to the treatment of Vietnam War protesters.
A ripple of "Oh!" and "Oh, my God" rippled through the audience as word of his death, at age 90, was announced Saturday morning.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - No easy path Report outlines costs methods of renewable energy conversion
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - No easy path Report outlines costs methods of renewable energy conversion
The Alaska Energy Authority has completed an informative and useful study of the state’s energy challenges. It’s also rather daunting.
The study, presented this week at an energy conference in Fairbanks, described both the problems Alaska faces in trying to move to renewable energy sources and some ways it can try to overcome those problems.
Among the more interesting items in the report are estimates of how much it would cost to substantially increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, geothermal and wind plants, throughout Alaska.
Click links above for full story.
The Alaska Energy Authority has completed an informative and useful study of the state’s energy challenges. It’s also rather daunting.
The study, presented this week at an energy conference in Fairbanks, described both the problems Alaska faces in trying to move to renewable energy sources and some ways it can try to overcome those problems.
Among the more interesting items in the report are estimates of how much it would cost to substantially increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, geothermal and wind plants, throughout Alaska.
Click links above for full story.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Congressman Young states favorable AK-BC Intertie position, Wrangell Sentinel
Wrangell Sentinel - the oldest continuously published paper in Alaska.
Alaska’s lone U.S. House Representative visited Wrangell Apr. 14 and Petersburg Apr. 15 to discuss various topics with residents including hydropower development, the recently passed health care bill, Sealaska and timber production.
Republican Don Young used a meeting with members of the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce to reaffirm his decision to run for a 20th term in the House.
“I am running, and will run hard,” Young said.
Young said that hydropower is as important to Southeast residents as the gas line is to the rest of Alaska. He said that hydropower development should be a priority.
“There should be an abundance of hydro power,” he said.
He said that developing an intertie between Southeast communities as well as between Alaska and British Columbia would benefit the local economy.
Click link above for full story in the online edition of the Wrangell Sentinel
Alaska’s lone U.S. House Representative visited Wrangell Apr. 14 and Petersburg Apr. 15 to discuss various topics with residents including hydropower development, the recently passed health care bill, Sealaska and timber production.
Republican Don Young used a meeting with members of the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce to reaffirm his decision to run for a 20th term in the House.
“I am running, and will run hard,” Young said.
Young said that hydropower is as important to Southeast residents as the gas line is to the rest of Alaska. He said that hydropower development should be a priority.
“There should be an abundance of hydro power,” he said.
He said that developing an intertie between Southeast communities as well as between Alaska and British Columbia would benefit the local economy.
Click link above for full story in the online edition of the Wrangell Sentinel
Sunday, April 11, 2010
VoteVets.org
I was asked to post this by an Iraq veteran. It makes a lot of sense, whether you agree with climate change or not. America needs to become less dependent upon middle east sources of energy. We have it all here in Alaska from oil & natural gas to a rich renewable energy portfolio. We can choose to have a secure, economic future.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Northwest BC Transmission Line can help small Southeast AK and Northwest BC towns
The upcoming Northwest (BC) Transmission Line portends some exciting and positive changes to both Canada and Alaska in the North Coast Mountain Region. This development can bring a change to Alaska, Northwest BC and Yukon. Turning them from basically third-world condition into producers and contributors for a green, renewable, less oil dependent North America. The benefits of opening this region of Alaska are to it's citizens and to our sister Pacific Northwest and Western states.
Take a look at this video, which envisions some of its benefits to Northwest BC First Nations, to Alaskans and Yukon.
State dangles incentives for open season takers, Tim Bradner, Ak Journal of Commerce
Click to read full Alaska Journal of Commerce story
The state is offering a set of special natural gas royalty and tax terms as inducements for North Slope producers to sign pipeline capacity contracts during an open season set by TransCanada Corp. that will begin May 1, state officials told state legislators in a briefing.
The incentives could be worth more than $20 billion in value to producers over the life of capacity agreements signed, assuming the entire 4.5 billion cubic feet per day of capacity is subscribed, according to estimates by Black & Veatch, a consulting firm working with the state.
TransCanada is proposing a 1,500-mile, 48-inch pipeline from the North Slope to its Aeco hub in Alberta that could cost as much as $41 billion, the pipeline company estimates.
The state endorsed TransCanada over the rival Denali pipeline group led by BP and ConocoPhillips after the Calgary-based pipeline company agreed to meet certain state goals regarding tariff structure and expansion terms.
The state is offering a set of special natural gas royalty and tax terms as inducements for North Slope producers to sign pipeline capacity contracts during an open season set by TransCanada Corp. that will begin May 1, state officials told state legislators in a briefing.
The incentives could be worth more than $20 billion in value to producers over the life of capacity agreements signed, assuming the entire 4.5 billion cubic feet per day of capacity is subscribed, according to estimates by Black & Veatch, a consulting firm working with the state.
TransCanada is proposing a 1,500-mile, 48-inch pipeline from the North Slope to its Aeco hub in Alberta that could cost as much as $41 billion, the pipeline company estimates.
The state endorsed TransCanada over the rival Denali pipeline group led by BP and ConocoPhillips after the Calgary-based pipeline company agreed to meet certain state goals regarding tariff structure and expansion terms.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Budgets, energy and scholarships take center stage
Budgets, energy and scholarships take center stage
The Legislature has hit the session's final third, and certain bills are starting to move pretty fast.
The House and Senate are each convening every day to move those bills that committees have vetted. And of course, the operating and capital budgets are taking priority. Senate Finance holds both - the operating budget passed over from the House, and the capital budget yet to go to the House.
Most of the bills moving are energy-related. Senate Finance is expected to take up the gas tax this week, and various proposals to change the oil tax, ACES, are being heard. Plans to shift instate natural gas pipeline planning from the administration are trotting along in both bodies...
Click link above to read the full story in the Alaska Dispatch.
The Legislature has hit the session's final third, and certain bills are starting to move pretty fast.
The House and Senate are each convening every day to move those bills that committees have vetted. And of course, the operating and capital budgets are taking priority. Senate Finance holds both - the operating budget passed over from the House, and the capital budget yet to go to the House.
Most of the bills moving are energy-related. Senate Finance is expected to take up the gas tax this week, and various proposals to change the oil tax, ACES, are being heard. Plans to shift instate natural gas pipeline planning from the administration are trotting along in both bodies...
Click link above to read the full story in the Alaska Dispatch.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
BBC News - Canada's 'secret land' Yukon woos tourists
BBC News - Canada's 'secret land' Yukon woos tourists
As Vancouver gears up for its second stint as Olympic host with the Paralympics beginning on 12 March, one northern Canadian territory is hoping the lasting legacy of the Games will be a boost to tourism.
The government of Yukon spent just under 3m Canadian dollars (£1.9m) trying to educate people about their territory during the Winter Games, promoting it as a great place to travel, invest and do business.
"The people that go to the Olympics are our kind of people," says Sheila Dodd, who works in economic and tourism development for Whitehorse, Yukon's capital.
As Vancouver gears up for its second stint as Olympic host with the Paralympics beginning on 12 March, one northern Canadian territory is hoping the lasting legacy of the Games will be a boost to tourism.
The government of Yukon spent just under 3m Canadian dollars (£1.9m) trying to educate people about their territory during the Winter Games, promoting it as a great place to travel, invest and do business.
"The people that go to the Olympics are our kind of people," says Sheila Dodd, who works in economic and tourism development for Whitehorse, Yukon's capital.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
B.C. group touts green economic solution
B.C. group touts green economic solution
B.C. could pull in about $4.3 billion annually and eliminate its debt over several years by tapping into and selling its vast green-energy potential, said a report released yesterday.
Bio-energy, run-of-river, wind, geothermal, tidal, wave and solar energy could all be developed to help the environment and to work towards wiping out B.C.'s debt in 15 years or less, said the B.C. Citizens for Green Energy's 76-page report.
"B.C. is widely recognized as having a natural abundance of renewable green energy resources. However, this natural abundance is currently going virtually untapped as are the economic and environmental benefits that developing them could bring to our province," said the report, titled A Triple Legacy for Future Generations: B.C.'s Potential as a Renewable Green Energy Powerhouse.
Read more by clicking above link.
B.C. could pull in about $4.3 billion annually and eliminate its debt over several years by tapping into and selling its vast green-energy potential, said a report released yesterday.
Bio-energy, run-of-river, wind, geothermal, tidal, wave and solar energy could all be developed to help the environment and to work towards wiping out B.C.'s debt in 15 years or less, said the B.C. Citizens for Green Energy's 76-page report.
"B.C. is widely recognized as having a natural abundance of renewable green energy resources. However, this natural abundance is currently going virtually untapped as are the economic and environmental benefits that developing them could bring to our province," said the report, titled A Triple Legacy for Future Generations: B.C.'s Potential as a Renewable Green Energy Powerhouse.
Read more by clicking above link.
Tides come in (environmentalresearchweb blog) - environmentalresearchweb
Tides come in (environmentalresearchweb blog) - environmentalresearchweb
The use of tidal energy for generating electricity is moving ahead rapidly around the world, and the potential for expansion is significant, with the emphasis being on tidal current turbines, although some tidal barrages are also being developed or planned – for example, various barrage and lagoon scheme are still under consideration for the Severn estuary. A decision on which to go for should emerge later this year.
The global potential is quite large. Trade network Tidal Today’s second annual ‘Tidal Summit’, held in London last November, heard from a speaker from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (IWES) who relayed some estimates of tidal energy potentials: China: 50 TWh p.a; Ireland: 10 TWh; UK: 31 TWh; France: 10 TWh; Norway: 3 TWh; US: 115 TWh. The big ones, in terms of capacity, included Canada: >40 GW and South Korea: 1000 GW.
Click on the link above to read the full story.
The use of tidal energy for generating electricity is moving ahead rapidly around the world, and the potential for expansion is significant, with the emphasis being on tidal current turbines, although some tidal barrages are also being developed or planned – for example, various barrage and lagoon scheme are still under consideration for the Severn estuary. A decision on which to go for should emerge later this year.
The global potential is quite large. Trade network Tidal Today’s second annual ‘Tidal Summit’, held in London last November, heard from a speaker from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (IWES) who relayed some estimates of tidal energy potentials: China: 50 TWh p.a; Ireland: 10 TWh; UK: 31 TWh; France: 10 TWh; Norway: 3 TWh; US: 115 TWh. The big ones, in terms of capacity, included Canada: >40 GW and South Korea: 1000 GW.
Click on the link above to read the full story.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Canada, U.S. switch positions in Beaufort Sea boundary dispute - "All of a sudden, we have this almost perfect opportunity for a win-win..."
Canada, U.S. switch positions in Beaufort Sea boundary dispute
Just days after the Conservative government's throne speech pledged to resolve several outstanding Arctic territorial disputes, polar experts have revealed an unexpected twist in the long-running disagreement over the Canada-U.S. border in the southern Beaufort Sea.
For decades, the two countries have been deadlocked over where to draw the maritime boundary off the coasts of Alaska and the Yukon — a conflict that has flared occasionally when it came to fisheries management and oil-and-gas exploration.
Click above link for full story in the Vancouver Sun.
Just days after the Conservative government's throne speech pledged to resolve several outstanding Arctic territorial disputes, polar experts have revealed an unexpected twist in the long-running disagreement over the Canada-U.S. border in the southern Beaufort Sea.
For decades, the two countries have been deadlocked over where to draw the maritime boundary off the coasts of Alaska and the Yukon — a conflict that has flared occasionally when it came to fisheries management and oil-and-gas exploration.
Click above link for full story in the Vancouver Sun.
Friday, March 5, 2010
It's time to build the all Alaska pipeline | The Alaska Standard
It's time to build the all Alaska pipeline | The Alaska Standard
Here we are in 2010, another election year, with our gas still stranded on the North Slope.
Previously, the candidates who have declared for the office of governor could be characterized in one of three camps. 1. No declared pipeline preference; 2. AGIA or Denali; 3. the 2002 Prop 3 mandated all-Alaska natural gas pipeline to Valdez. Now, the Legislature and Ralph Samuels have added to the confusion.
For full story click on above link.
Here we are in 2010, another election year, with our gas still stranded on the North Slope.
Previously, the candidates who have declared for the office of governor could be characterized in one of three camps. 1. No declared pipeline preference; 2. AGIA or Denali; 3. the 2002 Prop 3 mandated all-Alaska natural gas pipeline to Valdez. Now, the Legislature and Ralph Samuels have added to the confusion.
For full story click on above link.
A sinking feeling about AGIA and plan B by Andrew Halcrow - Alaska Dispatch
A sinking feeling about AGIA and plan B
This week we arrive at the annual ritual of spring break on the legislative calendar, when lawmakers will shove aside their pressing state business to attend the annual Energy Conference in Washington D.C.
The conference hosts policy makers from oil and gas states and provinces, while providing a forum to meet with federal regulators, congressional members and the ability to be briefed on the latest energy trends.
For full story click the link above to Alaska Dispatch.
This week we arrive at the annual ritual of spring break on the legislative calendar, when lawmakers will shove aside their pressing state business to attend the annual Energy Conference in Washington D.C.
The conference hosts policy makers from oil and gas states and provinces, while providing a forum to meet with federal regulators, congressional members and the ability to be briefed on the latest energy trends.
For full story click the link above to Alaska Dispatch.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Why the posting of the previous story on British Columbia? Why all the stories on this blog about one of our closest neighbors?
The question might better be phrased - why is Northwest BC (and why not Alaska?) the only jurisdiction which is able to export its natural gas to foreign markets? Of course, there are some compelling reasons for this. In BC there is a significant amount of gas line and gas production infrastructure which is already in place. There is also a strong recognition in the petroleum industry that Asia is demanding these resources.
Alaska has surplus natural gas
Still it begs the question. Why are our state political leaders not leading the way in working towards energy production (for internal and export use)? Alaska should be making investments in trade missions to Asia (India, Japan and China) and in infrastructure to make this possible. Alaska has a dedicated right-of-way from the North Slope to Valdez in which to place a natural gas pipeline.
Notwithstanding the agreement with TransCanada, our state ought to be looking at markets outside of North America due to the predicted glut of natural gas into the future. Our state leaders, instead of being myopic ought to be inviting capital investment into Alaska through partnerships.
The development of Alaska resources won't happen in the absence of state involvement. No, I'm not talking socialism, I'm talking about making an investment in time by working with other jurisdictions to determine if foreign industries are interested in partnering on projects which can be of mutual benefit to Alaska and other jurisdictions and companies.
Not just natural gas.
Along the same vein Canada's initiative with the British Columbia Northwest (electrical energy) Transmission Line is an opportunity that Alaska and our federal government ought to be pouncing upon. Alaska (and our federal government) has been invited to participate in this transmission line extension. However, aside from some minimal discussion with BC, nothing has come to the forefront on this.
Unfortunately, the clock is running on this opportunity. The BC Transmission Corporation is close to making a decision upon the parameters of the line. To meet Alaska's needs in terms of voltage, the line's capacity must be doubled. Right of way clearing is set to begin within months, yet no word has come on Alaska or our federal government on whether they will pledge participation.
The implications for Alaska in Southeast alone are billions of dollars of investment in Alaska. It will be very sad if this investment isn't made and the blame for it not happening will rightfully be place on Alaska's leaders, state and federal, whom are all aware of it.
The very same can be said regarding an All Alaska Gas Line. Our leaders should be promoting this to the maximum extent - to ignore these opportunities imperils Alaska's very economic existence.
Please write to Governor Parnell, Alaska Legislators, Senators Murkowkski and Begich and Congressman Young in support of these opportunities.
Alaska has surplus natural gas
Still it begs the question. Why are our state political leaders not leading the way in working towards energy production (for internal and export use)? Alaska should be making investments in trade missions to Asia (India, Japan and China) and in infrastructure to make this possible. Alaska has a dedicated right-of-way from the North Slope to Valdez in which to place a natural gas pipeline.
Notwithstanding the agreement with TransCanada, our state ought to be looking at markets outside of North America due to the predicted glut of natural gas into the future. Our state leaders, instead of being myopic ought to be inviting capital investment into Alaska through partnerships.
The development of Alaska resources won't happen in the absence of state involvement. No, I'm not talking socialism, I'm talking about making an investment in time by working with other jurisdictions to determine if foreign industries are interested in partnering on projects which can be of mutual benefit to Alaska and other jurisdictions and companies.
Not just natural gas.
Along the same vein Canada's initiative with the British Columbia Northwest (electrical energy) Transmission Line is an opportunity that Alaska and our federal government ought to be pouncing upon. Alaska (and our federal government) has been invited to participate in this transmission line extension. However, aside from some minimal discussion with BC, nothing has come to the forefront on this.
Unfortunately, the clock is running on this opportunity. The BC Transmission Corporation is close to making a decision upon the parameters of the line. To meet Alaska's needs in terms of voltage, the line's capacity must be doubled. Right of way clearing is set to begin within months, yet no word has come on Alaska or our federal government on whether they will pledge participation.
The implications for Alaska in Southeast alone are billions of dollars of investment in Alaska. It will be very sad if this investment isn't made and the blame for it not happening will rightfully be place on Alaska's leaders, state and federal, whom are all aware of it.
The very same can be said regarding an All Alaska Gas Line. Our leaders should be promoting this to the maximum extent - to ignore these opportunities imperils Alaska's very economic existence.
Please write to Governor Parnell, Alaska Legislators, Senators Murkowkski and Begich and Congressman Young in support of these opportunities.
Monday, March 1, 2010
South Korean firm joins EnCana in B.C. gas - The Globe and Mail
South Korean firm joins EnCana in B.C. gas - The Globe and Mail
as-hungry Asia is making a major push into one of Canada's most promising energy frontiers, with a billion-dollar investment by a South Korean company that boosts British Columbia's efforts to become a natural gas export hub.
The deal announced yesterday by Korea Gas Corp. also sets the stage for more foreign interest in Canada's natural gas resources, which have struggled under low commodity prices but still form a huge reserve basin that other countries covet.
Click link above to read full story
as-hungry Asia is making a major push into one of Canada's most promising energy frontiers, with a billion-dollar investment by a South Korean company that boosts British Columbia's efforts to become a natural gas export hub.
The deal announced yesterday by Korea Gas Corp. also sets the stage for more foreign interest in Canada's natural gas resources, which have struggled under low commodity prices but still form a huge reserve basin that other countries covet.
Click link above to read full story
Sunday, February 28, 2010
2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
Congratulations to Canada and British Columbia for a successful hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Is it time for an Alaska Ambassadors organization?
Many have been racking their minds for ideas on how to get our state off of it's mono-industry mindset. Here's a novel thought.
How about an organization (such as the one described in the previously posted story) for Alaska? We could emulate what appears to be a success in Montana. They have a Montana Ambassadors program. The program works with the Montana governor's office and Montana Department of Commerce.
Rather than my describing it, here is a description lifted from www.montanaambassadors.com:
"The Montana Ambassadors is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education, and the professions with a common dedication to living and doing business in Montana and furthering the best interests of the state, serving at the pleasure of the Governor.
Represent the office of the Governor and the Department of Commerce in business related contacts in and out of the state.
Assist the Department of Commerce and the Governor's Office of Economic Development with their business, trade, and tourism development programs.
Sponsor projects that encourage and support economic improvements throughout the state.
Support, whenever practical, efforts by other groups to contribute to the economic vitality of Montana.
Support whenever practical, efforts by other groups to maintain or increase the quality of all levels of education in the State of Montana. And, as official Ambassadors of the State of Montana, put the best interests of the state before personal interests and give freely of time, energy and personal finances in support of this mission."
This type of organization appears to have some great merit. Have a look at the website and read the story below for details on what this organization does.
How about an organization (such as the one described in the previously posted story) for Alaska? We could emulate what appears to be a success in Montana. They have a Montana Ambassadors program. The program works with the Montana governor's office and Montana Department of Commerce.
Rather than my describing it, here is a description lifted from www.montanaambassadors.com:
"The Montana Ambassadors is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education, and the professions with a common dedication to living and doing business in Montana and furthering the best interests of the state, serving at the pleasure of the Governor.
Represent the office of the Governor and the Department of Commerce in business related contacts in and out of the state.
Assist the Department of Commerce and the Governor's Office of Economic Development with their business, trade, and tourism development programs.
Sponsor projects that encourage and support economic improvements throughout the state.
Support, whenever practical, efforts by other groups to contribute to the economic vitality of Montana.
Support whenever practical, efforts by other groups to maintain or increase the quality of all levels of education in the State of Montana. And, as official Ambassadors of the State of Montana, put the best interests of the state before personal interests and give freely of time, energy and personal finances in support of this mission."
This type of organization appears to have some great merit. Have a look at the website and read the story below for details on what this organization does.
Montana Ambassadors look to state's future | greatfallstribune.com | Great Falls Tribune
Montana Ambassadors look to state's future | greatfallstribune.com | Great Falls Tribune
First Interstate Bank President and CEO Lyle Knight offered a prediction to the 120 people gathered at the Holiday Inn on Friday for the Montana Ambassadors annual meeting.
"Four to five years from now we'll all be sitting around asking ourselves why we didn't buy property in 2010," Knight said.
Up and down cycles are a normal part of the economy, he added.
"The cycles are always there," he said. "The wisdom is in knowing how to behave in a down cycle. This is when fortunes are made, and there are deals out there," Knight said.
The Montana Ambassadors are a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education and the professions with a common goal — to promote Montana's assets and assist in business and trade development.
Click links above for full story
First Interstate Bank President and CEO Lyle Knight offered a prediction to the 120 people gathered at the Holiday Inn on Friday for the Montana Ambassadors annual meeting.
"Four to five years from now we'll all be sitting around asking ourselves why we didn't buy property in 2010," Knight said.
Up and down cycles are a normal part of the economy, he added.
"The cycles are always there," he said. "The wisdom is in knowing how to behave in a down cycle. This is when fortunes are made, and there are deals out there," Knight said.
The Montana Ambassadors are a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education and the professions with a common goal — to promote Montana's assets and assist in business and trade development.
Click links above for full story
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Natural gas in line for structural shift
Natural gas in line for structural shift
This week's drop in natural gas prices below the $5 US per thousand cubic foot mark has spurred a lot of chatter of whether this price level is the new normal for North America.
The answer, according to EnCana chief executive Randy Eresman, is that prices are likely to sit in the $6 range and that expecting any big price jumps is unrealistic.
Eresman was participating in a panel discussion at the annual natural gas conference hosted by the Canadian Energy Research Institute on Tuesday.
Click above link to read the full story in the Calgary Herald.
This week's drop in natural gas prices below the $5 US per thousand cubic foot mark has spurred a lot of chatter of whether this price level is the new normal for North America.
The answer, according to EnCana chief executive Randy Eresman, is that prices are likely to sit in the $6 range and that expecting any big price jumps is unrealistic.
Eresman was participating in a panel discussion at the annual natural gas conference hosted by the Canadian Energy Research Institute on Tuesday.
Click above link to read the full story in the Calgary Herald.
Small wind farm pays big - Alaska Dispatch
Small wind farm pays big
On Tuesday, the village of Unalakleet, seated on Alaska's northwest coast, celebrated the town's newest energy force -- turbine number six. The awakening of the high-tech wind catcher completes the installation of the town's new wind farm, which has already saved the village tens of thousands of dollars since the first turbines powered up a few months ago.
Since November, Unalakleet has cut utility costs by nearly $55,000 and generated enough electricity to power 86 homes for an entire year, according the wind farm's new Web site. The site also claims the wind energy has significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise have been pumped into the atmosphere through more traditional, diesel-only power generation -- the equivalent of more than 580,000 miles of driving in the family car. According to our calculations, that's about 111 one-way trips between Anchorage and Key West, Florida.
Click link above to view Jill Burke's full Alaska Dispatch story
On Tuesday, the village of Unalakleet, seated on Alaska's northwest coast, celebrated the town's newest energy force -- turbine number six. The awakening of the high-tech wind catcher completes the installation of the town's new wind farm, which has already saved the village tens of thousands of dollars since the first turbines powered up a few months ago.
Since November, Unalakleet has cut utility costs by nearly $55,000 and generated enough electricity to power 86 homes for an entire year, according the wind farm's new Web site. The site also claims the wind energy has significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise have been pumped into the atmosphere through more traditional, diesel-only power generation -- the equivalent of more than 580,000 miles of driving in the family car. According to our calculations, that's about 111 one-way trips between Anchorage and Key West, Florida.
Click link above to view Jill Burke's full Alaska Dispatch story
Monday, February 22, 2010
T. Boone Pickens plans for 8 million trucks to run on natural gas - SmartPlanet
T. Boone Pickens plans for 8 million trucks to run on natural gas - SmartPlanet
Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens unveiled the Pickens Plan in 2008 to decrease our reliance on foreign oil. He recently tweaked the plan, shifting his focus from wind energy to natural gas and from cars to 18-wheelers and buses. Pickens is a big advocate of H.R. 1835, legislation introduced last April, which would offer significant tax credits for buyers of natural gas cars and their manufacturers and which would set regulations for vehicles purchased by the federal government.
Click on above links to read the full story.
Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens unveiled the Pickens Plan in 2008 to decrease our reliance on foreign oil. He recently tweaked the plan, shifting his focus from wind energy to natural gas and from cars to 18-wheelers and buses. Pickens is a big advocate of H.R. 1835, legislation introduced last April, which would offer significant tax credits for buyers of natural gas cars and their manufacturers and which would set regulations for vehicles purchased by the federal government.
Click on above links to read the full story.
BC Hydro subsidiary battles U.S. poacher
BC Hydro subsidiary battles U.S. poacher
Efforts by a Wall Street financial giant to poach employees and business from a lucrative government-owned energy trading operation in Vancouver are proving expensive for British Columbia taxpayers.
BC Hydro subsidiary corporation Powerex has lost 10 energy trading team members in a continuing employee raid by New York-based financial services firm Morgan Stanley, according to an internal memo obtained by The Vancouver Sun...
Click link above for entire story from the Vancouver Sun
Efforts by a Wall Street financial giant to poach employees and business from a lucrative government-owned energy trading operation in Vancouver are proving expensive for British Columbia taxpayers.
BC Hydro subsidiary corporation Powerex has lost 10 energy trading team members in a continuing employee raid by New York-based financial services firm Morgan Stanley, according to an internal memo obtained by The Vancouver Sun...
Click link above for entire story from the Vancouver Sun
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Google gets US approval to buy and sell energy | Green IT - InfoWorld
Google gets US approval to buy and sell energy | Green IT - InfoWorld
Google has received federal approval to buy and sell energy on the open market, giving it more options for the way it powers its data centers and opening the door to a potential move into the energy-trading business.
Google has received federal approval to buy and sell energy on the open market, giving it more options for the way it powers its data centers and opening the door to a potential move into the energy-trading business.
Bills aim to foster geothermal power - Alaska Dispatch
Bills aim to foster geothermal power
In terms of punctuation marks, Railbelt natural gas supplies are a bit of question mark, and fuel prices in the Bush are a big exclamation point. So, it's safe to assume Alaska's electricity producers and consumers would appreciate a little stability. At least one company wants to transform Alaska's geothermal resource into a reliable source of electricity, and is hoping for a way around an oddball state law that taxes hot water pulled from state land.
Click links above to read the full story
In terms of punctuation marks, Railbelt natural gas supplies are a bit of question mark, and fuel prices in the Bush are a big exclamation point. So, it's safe to assume Alaska's electricity producers and consumers would appreciate a little stability. At least one company wants to transform Alaska's geothermal resource into a reliable source of electricity, and is hoping for a way around an oddball state law that taxes hot water pulled from state land.
Click links above to read the full story
The Post and Courier - Now is the time for Alaskan offshore oil drilling to begin - Charleston SC - postandcourier.com
The Post and Courier - Now is the time for Alaskan offshore oil drilling to begin - Charleston SC - postandcourier.com
After listening to President Obama advocating for offshore drilling for gas and oil, a Wall Street Journal headline came to mind: “Alaska Can Meet U.S. Energy Needs.”
An article followed by Gov. Gene Parnell of Alaska: “Such (offshore) exploration could set the country on a clear and sustainable energy path for decades to come.
His remarks are similar to those expressed in a speech by the previous governor of Alaska 18 months ago...
Click above links for full story
After listening to President Obama advocating for offshore drilling for gas and oil, a Wall Street Journal headline came to mind: “Alaska Can Meet U.S. Energy Needs.”
An article followed by Gov. Gene Parnell of Alaska: “Such (offshore) exploration could set the country on a clear and sustainable energy path for decades to come.
His remarks are similar to those expressed in a speech by the previous governor of Alaska 18 months ago...
Click above links for full story
GE Energy Finance Unit May Expand B.C. Wind Farm (Update1) - BusinessWeek
GE Energy Finance Unit May Expand B.C. Wind Farm (Update1) - BusinessWeek
Feb. 14 (Bloomberg) -- General Electric Co.’s energy finance unit said it may double the capacity of a wind farm in British Columbia, increasing its bet on renewable-power in Canada’s westernmost province.
GE and Vancouver-based Plutonic Power Corp. last year bought the unfinished, 144-megawatt Dokie Ridge Wind Project, the first equity investment in wind energy in Canada for both companies.
“British Columbia has tremendous natural resources that are ideal for large-scale renewable energy projects,” Alex Urquhart, who runs the energy financial services unit, a division of Fairfield, Connecticut-based General Electric’s GE Capital division, said in a statement today.
Click link above for full story
Feb. 14 (Bloomberg) -- General Electric Co.’s energy finance unit said it may double the capacity of a wind farm in British Columbia, increasing its bet on renewable-power in Canada’s westernmost province.
GE and Vancouver-based Plutonic Power Corp. last year bought the unfinished, 144-megawatt Dokie Ridge Wind Project, the first equity investment in wind energy in Canada for both companies.
“British Columbia has tremendous natural resources that are ideal for large-scale renewable energy projects,” Alex Urquhart, who runs the energy financial services unit, a division of Fairfield, Connecticut-based General Electric’s GE Capital division, said in a statement today.
Click link above for full story
Friday, February 19, 2010
Arctic gas by 2017 - Petroleum News
Arctic%20gas%20by%202017%20-%20February%2021,%202010 - Petroleum News
Canada’s Mackenzie Gas Project could be onstream as early as 2017 and Alaska’s North Slope project could be delivering gas to Lower 48 markets three or four years later, predicts consultant Ziff Energy Group.
And, regardless of the enormous capital costs to develop Arctic gas and compete with abundant shale gas supplies, the two projects are tied to expectations for gas prices in the 20 years after they are completed, not what happens over the next decade, the Calgary-based firm said.
Canada’s Mackenzie Gas Project could be onstream as early as 2017 and Alaska’s North Slope project could be delivering gas to Lower 48 markets three or four years later, predicts consultant Ziff Energy Group.
And, regardless of the enormous capital costs to develop Arctic gas and compete with abundant shale gas supplies, the two projects are tied to expectations for gas prices in the 20 years after they are completed, not what happens over the next decade, the Calgary-based firm said.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Lawmakers think Senate's energy bill would force risk-taking - KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source |
Lawmakers think Senate's energy bill would force risk-taking - KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source |
Some lawmakers are questioning whether or not the state can afford certain alternative energy projects and brought up those questions in Monday's Senate Resources Committee meeting.
They're concerned the Senate's wide-ranging energy bill would force the state to take some risks.
Language in the omnibus energy bill would require state agencies to consider using alternative energy projects.
The specific goals are to improve energy efficiency by 15 percent per capita by 2020, generate half of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and to "work to ensure a reliable, in-state gas supply" for state residents.
Some lawmakers are questioning whether or not the state can afford certain alternative energy projects and brought up those questions in Monday's Senate Resources Committee meeting.
They're concerned the Senate's wide-ranging energy bill would force the state to take some risks.
Language in the omnibus energy bill would require state agencies to consider using alternative energy projects.
The specific goals are to improve energy efficiency by 15 percent per capita by 2020, generate half of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and to "work to ensure a reliable, in-state gas supply" for state residents.
Northeast (BC) transmission line would create 'energy corridor' that could boost our clean power exports, Liberals say - Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun
Northeast transmission line would create 'energy corridor' that could boost our clean power exports, Liberals say
Following the push to build a new transmission line into northwestern B.C., the provincial Liberals want to extend the power grid to the northeast as well, as part of what they are calling a "northern energy corridor."
"New transmission infrastructure will link northeastern B.C. to our integrated grid," declared the speech...
Click link to read full column
Following the push to build a new transmission line into northwestern B.C., the provincial Liberals want to extend the power grid to the northeast as well, as part of what they are calling a "northern energy corridor."
"New transmission infrastructure will link northeastern B.C. to our integrated grid," declared the speech...
Click link to read full column
Monday, February 15, 2010
ABC7.com Green Content - Alaska: It’s not all about oil; Kodiak wind coop wins DOE award
ABC7.com Green Content - Alaska: It’s not all about oil; Kodiak wind coop wins DOE award
This month the Kodiak Electric Association proved that there’s more to the Alaskan energy landscape than oil wells and pipelines.
The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association named the co-op the 2009 Wind Cooperative of the Year.
Click above link for full story.
This month the Kodiak Electric Association proved that there’s more to the Alaskan energy landscape than oil wells and pipelines.
The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association named the co-op the 2009 Wind Cooperative of the Year.
Click above link for full story.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Whitehorsestar.com - Leaders discuss salmon, caribou, pipeline
Whitehorsestar.com - Leaders discuss salmon, caribou, pipeline
Below are excerpts, for full story click link above.
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell made his first visit to the Yukon last week since succeeding former governor Sarah Palin...
Premier Dennis Fentie held a brief news conference at cabinet headquarters in Whitehorse Friday afternoon to mark the meeting with Parnell, and the pair took questions from Alaskan and local media.
Dwindling salmon numbers in the Yukon River, Porcupine caribou conservation, the status of the proposed Alaskan gas pipeline and tourism rounded out the discussions, according to the two leaders.
Questioned on conservation measures for king salmon, Parnell referenced the Alaska Board of Fisheries’ move to prohibit subsistence and commercial fishermen from using gillnets with mesh larger than 7.5 inches...
The Alaska government said it will attempt a Porcupine caribou census this year and agreed to share that information with the Yukon government...
The premier also told the Star that while economics will ultimately determine whether the proposed Alaska Highway gas pipeline goes through the Yukon, or to Valdez, Alaska, the Yukon government’s preference is for the project to traverse this territory...
The premier said the Alaska pipeline issue loomed large in talks with Parnell over potential joint projects on energy, including converting diesel communities in the territory to natural gas. Hydro and wind projects are other options, Fentie added.
Below are excerpts, for full story click link above.
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell made his first visit to the Yukon last week since succeeding former governor Sarah Palin...
Premier Dennis Fentie held a brief news conference at cabinet headquarters in Whitehorse Friday afternoon to mark the meeting with Parnell, and the pair took questions from Alaskan and local media.
Dwindling salmon numbers in the Yukon River, Porcupine caribou conservation, the status of the proposed Alaskan gas pipeline and tourism rounded out the discussions, according to the two leaders.
Questioned on conservation measures for king salmon, Parnell referenced the Alaska Board of Fisheries’ move to prohibit subsistence and commercial fishermen from using gillnets with mesh larger than 7.5 inches...
The Alaska government said it will attempt a Porcupine caribou census this year and agreed to share that information with the Yukon government...
The premier also told the Star that while economics will ultimately determine whether the proposed Alaska Highway gas pipeline goes through the Yukon, or to Valdez, Alaska, the Yukon government’s preference is for the project to traverse this territory...
The premier said the Alaska pipeline issue loomed large in talks with Parnell over potential joint projects on energy, including converting diesel communities in the territory to natural gas. Hydro and wind projects are other options, Fentie added.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Terrace Standard - Power line twinning cost probed
Terrace Standard - Power line twinning cost probed
THE PROVINCIAL government is estimating how much it might cost to build the Northwest Transmission Line’s towers so that more lines could be added if demand to move power increases.
Making provision for expansion makes sense when building any kind of large infrastructure project, said provincial energy minister Blair Lekstrom about the plan to build the line 335km from the Skeena substation near Terrace up Hwy37 North.
“I think with a lot of the infrastructure you build in B.C. you build with a view for the future at the most economical cost,” Lekstrom said last week.
THE PROVINCIAL government is estimating how much it might cost to build the Northwest Transmission Line’s towers so that more lines could be added if demand to move power increases.
Making provision for expansion makes sense when building any kind of large infrastructure project, said provincial energy minister Blair Lekstrom about the plan to build the line 335km from the Skeena substation near Terrace up Hwy37 North.
“I think with a lot of the infrastructure you build in B.C. you build with a view for the future at the most economical cost,” Lekstrom said last week.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Alaska gas could bypass Alberta - Calgary Herald
Alaska gas could bypass Alberta
In a potential blow to Alberta's petrochemical sector, the proposed Alaska pipeline could bypass the province depending on the outcome of an open season filed Friday by the main sponsors -- Calgary-based TransCanada Corp. and Irving, Texas-based Exxon-Mobil Corp.
The partners formally submitted their intention to solicit shipping commitments for the proposed pipeline to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the first time in Alaska history that a regulatory application has been filed for natural gas development on the North Slope.
In a potential blow to Alberta's petrochemical sector, the proposed Alaska pipeline could bypass the province depending on the outcome of an open season filed Friday by the main sponsors -- Calgary-based TransCanada Corp. and Irving, Texas-based Exxon-Mobil Corp.
The partners formally submitted their intention to solicit shipping commitments for the proposed pipeline to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the first time in Alaska history that a regulatory application has been filed for natural gas development on the North Slope.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Gov. hopeful 'troubled' by Parnell's gas line optimism
Gov. hopeful 'troubled' by Parnell's gas line optimism
Bill Walker, a Republican running for governor, issued a press release expressing dismay at Gov. Sean Parnell's refusal to veer from the current course in pursuit of a natural gas pipeline.
Walker rolled out his candidacy largely on a platform calling for the state to scrap its deal with TransCanada under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, and instead to invest its own money in a line straight from the North Slope to Valdez.
In Parnell's State of the State speech to lawmakers earlier Wednesday evening, he stood by the AGIA commitment and touted "significant progress."
Bill Walker, a Republican running for governor, issued a press release expressing dismay at Gov. Sean Parnell's refusal to veer from the current course in pursuit of a natural gas pipeline.
Walker rolled out his candidacy largely on a platform calling for the state to scrap its deal with TransCanada under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, and instead to invest its own money in a line straight from the North Slope to Valdez.
In Parnell's State of the State speech to lawmakers earlier Wednesday evening, he stood by the AGIA commitment and touted "significant progress."
Governor targets oil taxes, federal 'war' on Alaska: Government | adn.com
Governor targets oil taxes, federal 'war' on Alaska: Government | adn.com
Gov. Sean Parnell used his first State of the State speech Wednesday night to criticize the federal government and defend his proposals for oil company tax breaks and a big new college scholarship program based on grades rather than need.
The Republican governor's speech comes as many legislators in his own party say he's not doing nearly enough to reduce how much the state taxes oil company profits. Parnell is getting heat on the other side, too. Democrats say he's trying to give tax concessions to the oil industry that aren't needed.
Gov. Sean Parnell used his first State of the State speech Wednesday night to criticize the federal government and defend his proposals for oil company tax breaks and a big new college scholarship program based on grades rather than need.
The Republican governor's speech comes as many legislators in his own party say he's not doing nearly enough to reduce how much the state taxes oil company profits. Parnell is getting heat on the other side, too. Democrats say he's trying to give tax concessions to the oil industry that aren't needed.
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Martin Luther King Day editorial - Southeast Alaska energy development needs support
Martin Luther King day marks an important, but sad third anniversary of the BC Provincial Government's effort to garner the state of Alaska's interest in interconnecting a proposed Province of British Columbia transmission extension project near Southeast Alaska. Southeast Alaska's hydroelectric capacity, if it all were developable would be near BC's present installed capacity of 11,000 megawatts. Developing roughly a third the Alaska Panhandle's energy capacity would bring a significant amount of renewable energy production (some 3000 megawatts) benefits to the region and North America.
Interestingly, three years ago, had then Governor Palin and her administration replied affirmatively to a visiting BC provincial government's representative regarding an Alaska - Canada electrical interconnection - when she later ran for vice-president, she would have indeed been able to legitimately claim some foreign policy experience. Instead she chose Russian-Alaska geography as her foreign policy experience and it only begat ridicule.
Today as in three years ago, the Southeast minority communities of Angoon, Hoonah, Klukwan and Kake continue to pay outrageous and discriminatory electrical energy pricing. This is a sad fact of reality that racial minorities throughout Alaska are not receiving efforts to at least achieve parity in electrical energy costs. Most rural Alaskan communities aren't lacking sufficient energy resources, they are missing economies of scale for the resources which are present. This is precisely what an Alaska - Canada Intertie would help bring to Alaska.
Alaskans whom travel to and through Canada mostly are quite fond of their fellow Northerners because there is an implicit understanding of the grit it takes to live in the North. We Northerners know that we have different national governments, but we are all so distant from Washington, D.C and Ottawa that somehow our differences are more to the background than in the forefront. Canada, both nationally and provincially has reached out to Southeast Alaska acknowledging its significant promise to bring more green energy production to North America.
The City and Borough of Wrangell has sponsored the formation of the Alaska Canada Energy Coalition. It is a membership organization which is comprised of Alaskans and Canadians of Alaska municipalities, native corporations and tribal organizations in both countries. Other southeast communities are moving towards support for this organization's efforts. This effort hold more promise for the region's economic success than anything that has come before.
Today Governor Sean Parnell and Alaska legislators have a similar choice to make. Except it is one which can make a huge economic difference to the Southeast region which is predicted lose to two state legislators in the upcoming reapportionment. For a number of years about this time, representatives of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region's "PNWER" board travel to Alaska to gather information regarding mutually beneficial opportunities. Should they meet with the Alaska's governor and legislators on this - let's hope our leaders will make a decision for developing Southeast's economy by supporting an Alaska Canada Electrical Interconnection.
Interestingly, three years ago, had then Governor Palin and her administration replied affirmatively to a visiting BC provincial government's representative regarding an Alaska - Canada electrical interconnection - when she later ran for vice-president, she would have indeed been able to legitimately claim some foreign policy experience. Instead she chose Russian-Alaska geography as her foreign policy experience and it only begat ridicule.
Today as in three years ago, the Southeast minority communities of Angoon, Hoonah, Klukwan and Kake continue to pay outrageous and discriminatory electrical energy pricing. This is a sad fact of reality that racial minorities throughout Alaska are not receiving efforts to at least achieve parity in electrical energy costs. Most rural Alaskan communities aren't lacking sufficient energy resources, they are missing economies of scale for the resources which are present. This is precisely what an Alaska - Canada Intertie would help bring to Alaska.
Alaskans whom travel to and through Canada mostly are quite fond of their fellow Northerners because there is an implicit understanding of the grit it takes to live in the North. We Northerners know that we have different national governments, but we are all so distant from Washington, D.C and Ottawa that somehow our differences are more to the background than in the forefront. Canada, both nationally and provincially has reached out to Southeast Alaska acknowledging its significant promise to bring more green energy production to North America.
The City and Borough of Wrangell has sponsored the formation of the Alaska Canada Energy Coalition. It is a membership organization which is comprised of Alaskans and Canadians of Alaska municipalities, native corporations and tribal organizations in both countries. Other southeast communities are moving towards support for this organization's efforts. This effort hold more promise for the region's economic success than anything that has come before.
Today Governor Sean Parnell and Alaska legislators have a similar choice to make. Except it is one which can make a huge economic difference to the Southeast region which is predicted lose to two state legislators in the upcoming reapportionment. For a number of years about this time, representatives of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region's "PNWER" board travel to Alaska to gather information regarding mutually beneficial opportunities. Should they meet with the Alaska's governor and legislators on this - let's hope our leaders will make a decision for developing Southeast's economy by supporting an Alaska Canada Electrical Interconnection.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Link would give Alaskans access to North American Power Grid - Vancouver Sun, January 13
Link would give Alaskans access to North American Power Grid - Vancouver Sun, January 13
British Columbia's plan for a $400-million high voltage power line into the northwest has Alaskans buzzing about the project's potential to spark green power development in their state.
Southeast Alaska has more than 3,000 megawatts of potential electricity generation at 80-plus sites, including hydro, wind and tidal power.
But with a population of 70,000 people scattered across a 650-kilometre area, the geographically isolated southeast market is too small to absorb even a fraction of that electricity. It's not economical unless it can be exported.
The northwest line would give Alaska access, for purposes of electricity sales, to the entire western North America electricity market.
Alaska-Canada Energy Coalition spokesman Paul Southland was in contact last week with BC Transmission Corp., which is responsible for construction of the 287-kilovolt line, and has a face-to-face meeting with BCTC officials later this month.
British Columbia's plan for a $400-million high voltage power line into the northwest has Alaskans buzzing about the project's potential to spark green power development in their state.
Southeast Alaska has more than 3,000 megawatts of potential electricity generation at 80-plus sites, including hydro, wind and tidal power.
But with a population of 70,000 people scattered across a 650-kilometre area, the geographically isolated southeast market is too small to absorb even a fraction of that electricity. It's not economical unless it can be exported.
The northwest line would give Alaska access, for purposes of electricity sales, to the entire western North America electricity market.
Alaska-Canada Energy Coalition spokesman Paul Southland was in contact last week with BC Transmission Corp., which is responsible for construction of the 287-kilovolt line, and has a face-to-face meeting with BCTC officials later this month.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Ketchikan supplements with diesel generation - KRBD Ketchikan, Alaska -
KRBD - Public Radio in Ketchikan, Alaska - Local News
Deanna Garrison
KETCHIKAN, ALASKA (2010-01-07) Beginning Friday, Ketchikan Public Utilities will start operating diesel generators at a cost of $36,000 a day. KPU says a surge in electricity usage and dry weather last year is causing the utility to rely on costly diesel power.
Deanna Garrison
KETCHIKAN, ALASKA (2010-01-07) Beginning Friday, Ketchikan Public Utilities will start operating diesel generators at a cost of $36,000 a day. KPU says a surge in electricity usage and dry weather last year is causing the utility to rely on costly diesel power.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Terrace Standard - Big push for Alaska-B.C. power line
Terrace Standard - Big push for Alaska-B.C. power line
PROPONENTS of a power line connecting Southeast Alaska with B.C. providing access to the North American electricity market say they need their governor to speak to B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.
They’re convinced a groundswell of support in southeastern Alaska can now be transformed into action on a senior political level, says Paul Southland, a Wrangell, Alaska resident and key backer of the ACEcoaltion with ACE standing for Alaska Canada Energy. The key now, says Southland, is the planned Northwest Transmission Line which would run north of Terrace up to a place called Bob Quinn on Hwy37 North.
PROPONENTS of a power line connecting Southeast Alaska with B.C. providing access to the North American electricity market say they need their governor to speak to B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.
They’re convinced a groundswell of support in southeastern Alaska can now be transformed into action on a senior political level, says Paul Southland, a Wrangell, Alaska resident and key backer of the ACEcoaltion with ACE standing for Alaska Canada Energy. The key now, says Southland, is the planned Northwest Transmission Line which would run north of Terrace up to a place called Bob Quinn on Hwy37 North.
BC Iconoclast: The strong need - to build a powerline to Alaska and Yukon
BC Iconoclast: The strong need - to build a powerline to Alaska and Yukon
Currently the plans are to build a new transmission line part way up Highway #37, this line is proposed to be a 287kV line. The power line is very important for the development of numerous projects in Northwest BC, but it could have a much more important role if it were built all the way to Alaska and much larger.
BC can play a very important role in North America by making it possible for northern power to be wheeled to the south. The northwest of BC along highway #37, Alaska and Yukon all have very high potentials for sustainable energy production. About 1/3 of the untapped hydroelectric generation potential in the US lies in Alaska.
Currently the plans are to build a new transmission line part way up Highway #37, this line is proposed to be a 287kV line. The power line is very important for the development of numerous projects in Northwest BC, but it could have a much more important role if it were built all the way to Alaska and much larger.
BC can play a very important role in North America by making it possible for northern power to be wheeled to the south. The northwest of BC along highway #37, Alaska and Yukon all have very high potentials for sustainable energy production. About 1/3 of the untapped hydroelectric generation potential in the US lies in Alaska.
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner -Alaska Railroad gets federal OK to extend tracks to Delta
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - The voice of Interior Alaska since 1903
A federal board has cleared the state railroad’s plan to extend track to Delta Junction.
The decision follows months of review by the Surface Transportation Board, which considered public testimony on the plan and a slate of potential environmental issues.
The three-member board said in a statement Tuesday it was satisfied the plan, which includes drawings for a half-mile bridge near Salcha across the Tanana River, would provide safe and reliable year-round freight options and access to vast military training grounds.
A federal board has cleared the state railroad’s plan to extend track to Delta Junction.
The decision follows months of review by the Surface Transportation Board, which considered public testimony on the plan and a slate of potential environmental issues.
The three-member board said in a statement Tuesday it was satisfied the plan, which includes drawings for a half-mile bridge near Salcha across the Tanana River, would provide safe and reliable year-round freight options and access to vast military training grounds.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
