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Rogers brings strength to UAF chancellor position
Published July 20, 2008
The appointment of Brian Rogers as interim chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a unique opportunity for the university faculty, staff, the community of Fairbanks and the citizens of the state.
Current generation must act on global warming
Published July 20, 2008
President Bush, at the meeting in Japan of world leaders on July 9, agreed to a commitment by the world’s major industrialized nations to reduce fossil fuel emissions 50 percent by 2050. This is a welcome acknowledgment that major action is needed here in the United States to, as Bush had said earlier, “… wean ourselves off our dependency on oil.”
AGIA is the ticket for Alaska gas line success
Published July 13, 2008
It has recently been suggested that the state would do better to build a small, local, low-capacity gas line (a so-called bullet line) than to get one under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act. This is economic nonsense.
A simple and needed solution to heating fuel woes
Published July 13, 2008
As the days get shorter, we slide toward winter. But this year, the prospect of heating our dwellings is foreboding. Home heating fuel costs are already at unprecedented highs and the price continues to climb.
Western Alaska highway is needed
Published July 12, 2008
A new highway traversing the beautiful and resource-rich land between Interior and Western Alaska has been dreamed by Alaskans for half a century.
All-Alaska line is state’s best option for gas
Published July 6, 2008
If the criminal leadership of the Alaska Legislature had followed the edict of Alaska voters who overwhelmingly voted to build the All-Alaska Gasline in 2002, we would have affordable energy in the Interior today. We would not now be worrying about the cost of fuel oil, which may hit $7 per gallon before next winter is over.
Improving home energy efficiency can truly help Alaskans
Published July 6, 2008
Record-high prices for home heating fuel and utilities are putting a squeeze on family budgets throughout Alaska. People aren’t too happy about the situation, and many are looking for help. Gov. Sarah Palin and state legislators are evaluating additional ways to provide that help, both for the immediate and the long terms.
Reliable knowledge should guide wildlife management decisions and policy
Published June 29, 2008
There has been much discussion in Alaska about the need for sound science in managing wildlife.
The state’s critical gas line choice — unite or divide?
Published June 29, 2008
I have had my share of Homer Simpson moments. It’s when you finally “get” what is painfully obvious to others and, with a slap to the forehead and an abrupt “D’oh,” you move on. That’s exactly what should happen now with the gasline legislation in special session.
Thompson center will bridge gaps
Published June 28, 2008
I remember the day very well. It was an average day in every way. But when my friend asked me if I had heard the news about Morris Thompson, that was when the normal day turned to one I will unfortunately never forget.
Experience dictates closer look at the city’s budget
Published June 22, 2008
History is a good teacher if we learn from the lessons taught and heed the advice.
Meeting with Native elder leaves a lasting impression
Published June 22, 2008
Last summer, I went to Kotzebue to testify before the Senate Climate Commission. I stayed a couple of weeks, and met a whole slew of Alaska Native leaders like Reggie Joule, Ian Erlich, Willie Hensley and Kaleb Penqowi; but none of them struck me with such honor as Gen. John Schaeffer Jr.
State could share Alaskans’ home-heating costs
Published June 20, 2008
The governor is expected to announce a revised short-term energy plan today. The residents of Fairbanks and the Interior must demand a specific solution that meets our unique home heating oil needs, in addition to any additional distribution of funds that the governor offers to Alaskans.
Headline misrepresented Chamber letter
Published June 19, 2008
I write today in response to a headline on the front page of Monday’s News-Miner which, in my personal view, does not track with the case as I know it to be. The headline suggests the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce endorses the Denali pipeline project.
Ask yourself: What is TransCanada’s angle?
Published June 15, 2008
In chess, when you have the advantage, simplify by reducing the number of men on the table; when you are losing, complicate the game by keeping pieces in play.