Russian ship closer to getting needed fuel to iced-in Nome

The Department of Homeland Security has waived the Jones Act for the Russian ice-class tanker Renda, bringing it that much closer to getting much-needed fuel to the city of Nome.

By Jonathan Grass, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Congress cuts funding for Alaska federal gas coordinator by 75%

The budget for the Alaska federal pipeline coordinator has been reduced by 75 percent to $1 million for federal fiscal year 2012, Larry Persily, director of the office said Jan. 4.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Battle on ACES tweaks to dominate session

The 2012 state legislative session convenes Jan. 17, and probably the most important bill on the session agenda besides the budget is Gov. Sean Parnell’s bill to reduce the state oil production tax as an incentive for new industry investment. It will be a very contentious issue and it may preoccupy legislators in terms of dealing with other significant matters, excepting the state capital budget.

Analysis by Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

South Korea natural gas needs lend opportunity for Alaska

An unexpected increase in South Korea’s short-term natural gas demand, and uncertainties in the energy-poor country’s long-term supply outlook could open opportunities there for sales of Alaska’s clean energy.

By Bob Tkacz, For the Journal

Anchorage Port Director Sheffield steps down

Port of Anchorage Director Bill Sheffield is retiring from his post, effective Jan. 15. The 83-year-old former governor has been running Alaska’s principal port since 2001 and leaves behind a combination of accomplishments as well as controversies.

By Jonathan Grass, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Movers & Shakers 01/08/12

Bulletins 01/08/12

Spokelys envision international business hub at Ward Cove

A pair of Ketchikan businessmen has an ambitious vision for Ward Cove.

By Andrew Jensen, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Store credit card? No thanks, I’ll go with store debit card

NEW YORK (AP) — A store credit card isn’t the only way to get exclusive perks.

By Candice Choi and Sarah Skidmore, AP Business Writers

Alaska Reserve group gets early ‘Red Tails’ viewing

Alaska’s 477th Fighter Group can trace its roots directly to the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. This heritage was honored when Lucasfilm gave select Reserve servicemen an early screening of the company’s new film “Red Tails.”

By Jonathan Grass, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Crews prepare Alaska well blowout site for cleanup

Crews in Alaska's North Slope have removed some drilling fluid and contaminated snow from areas near a rig involved in a petroleum well blowout.

Company gets aerial aid in seismic work in Kenai

A pair of helicopters has been buzzing over Kenai for the past week as part of the seismic work being done by Buccaneer Alaska.

MOLLY DISCHNER,Peninsula Clarion

Oil jumps to 9-month high after Iran cuts supply

Oil prices jumped to a nine-month high above $105 a barrel on Monday after Iran said it halted crude exports to Britain and France in an escalation of a dispute over the Middle Eastern country's nuclear program.

PABLO GORONDI,Associated Press

Water, gas continue flowing from Alaska blowout

A blowout at an exploratory well near the coast of the Beaufort Sea underscores the threat to the pristine Arctic Ocean environment if offshore drilling is allowed by the Obama administration, environmental groups said Thursday.

DAN JOLING,Associated Press

Col. company proposes oil pipeline in North Dakota

A Colorado company is seeking shipping commitments from oil producers to use a proposed pipeline that would move 150,000 barrels of crude daily from western North Dakota's booming oil patch to a pipeline hub in northern Minnesota.

JAMES MacPHERSON,Associated Press

Hecla posts record sales and profits

Hecla Mining Co. reported record sales and profits in 2011, despite a series of accidents that led to the deaths of two miners and injuries to others.

NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS,Associated Press

Permits approved for new Usibelli Alaska coal mine

Usibelli Coal has received permitting from the Department of Natural Resources to open a new pit mine northeast of Healy.

DOROTHY CHOMICZ,Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Alaska issues permit for power plant in the Interior

The state of Alaska has issued a key permit to allow a mothballed 50-megawatt coal power plant in Interior Alaska to restart, officials with Golden Valley Electric Association, the Interior Alaska electric cooperative, said Feb. 6.

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

WTO: China unfairly limits export of raw materials

The World Trade Organization has affirmed that China unfairly limited exports of nine raw materials to protect domestic manufacturers.

Associated Press

Feds order Idaho’s accident-prone Lucky Friday mine to shut down

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (AP) — Federal safety inspectors have ordered one of the nation’s deepest underground mines closed in northern Idaho following an investigation prompted by a series of accidents that killed two miners over the last year.

By Nicholas K. Geranios, Associated Press