In the April 2016 edition of Science Notes released today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced new findings from last year’s field activities related to the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observing Network study.
BOEM Chart Highlights Multi-Year Public Process for Offshore Oil & Gas Activity
As this Bureau of Ocean Energy Management chart illustrates, multiple rounds of public and environmental reviews occur before production can take place at the offshore oil and gas leasing program, individual lease sale, exploration, and development and production phases. With the federal government already having removed over 42 million acres of Alaskan offshore waters in […]
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Interior Dept. Announces Proposed 2017-2022 Offshore Oil & Gas Leasing Program
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management today announced a Proposed 2017-2022 OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program that includes three proposed lease sales in Alaska’s Beaufort Sea (2020), Cook Inlet (2021), and Chukchi Sea (2022). In doing so, the Interior Dept. also seeks comments on whether to maintain the proposed lease sales in the […]
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U.S. and Canada Announce Commitment to “World-Class” Arctic Development Standard
In a joint statement released today, among other things the U.S. and Canada committed to setting a “world-class standard by basing Arctic development decisions and operations on scientific evidence,” adding that commercial activities including oil and gas exploration and development “will only occur when the highest safety and environmental standards are met.”
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Interior Dept. Cancels Arctic Lease Sales, Denies Arctic Lease Suspension Requests
The Interior Department today announced that it is cancelling Arctic offshore oil and gas lease sales that had been proposed for the Chukchi (2016) and Beaufort (2017) Seas. In addition, it also announced the denial of two requests for Arctic lease extensions.
Former Colonel: We Should Be “Increasing Our Commitment” to the Arctic
Former Army Colonel David Hunt editorialized recently about the growing strategic threat posed by an expansionist Russia in the Arctic. While the Obama administration continues to implement policies in a way that does not adequately address and further America’s security and economic interests, the Russian military continues to jeopardize our national security by pulling off one […]
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Alaska Industry and Labor Groups Pen Letter to President Obama
On the occasion of his visit to Alaska, industry and labor leaders published a letter to President Obama, asking him to allow the state to develop more of its natural resources. They say the state relies on the energy industry for its funding, with almost 90 percent of state revenues coming from oil and gas development. […]
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Syrian Refugees Now Flea to Europe Through Arctic Circle
Dozens of Syrians desperate to escape Civil War have trekked through the Arctic Circle in an attempt to find safety in Europe. The little-known Arctic border with Norway may be the refugee’s only chance for a fresh start. “Up to 20 Syrians a month are then crossing into the tiny Norwegian town of Kirkenes.” “It’s a relatively […]
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Five Chinese Naval Ships Spotted off the Alaskan Coast
Five Chinese Naval ships were spotted off the Alaskan Coast during the President’s visit to Alaska last week. This is the closest Chinese naval ships have come to US borders without a prior invitation. Over the past couple of years, China has made efforts to expand their naval power beyond the “Pacific and Indian Oceans.” The […]
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New Arctic Website Launched
Two energy industry groups recently launched of the Arctic Energy Center, a joint effort to advance greater public understanding of energy development in the American Arctic. “While the region has been extensively explored and studied for decades, much of that information can be difficult to find. The Center was created to serve as a hub of fact-based […]