University of Alaska releases the first of four annual reports

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - On Wedensday, the University of Alaska released the first in a series of reports designed to aid state leaders with Alaska’s changing arctic conditions and increasing development.

The first report of four - “Alaska’s Changing Arctic” - addresses economic and resource development for the state with regards to energy issues that may require attention from the Alaska Legislature.

The university plans to release reports annually, each focusing on a key arctic issue outlined in the Arctic Policy Act of 2015.

The first report is a collaborate effort from the University of Alaska system office, the University of Alaska Southeast, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), the UAA Institute of Social and Economic Research, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The report also includes input from the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Center for Arctic Policy Studies, the International Arctic Research Center, the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, and the Department of Political Science.

The university will not be making recommendations in these reports, rather they aim to provide essential information to the state’s legislature and Alaskans.

University of Alaska President, Pat Pitney said, “This report, representing the breadth and depth of our Arctic expertise, illustrates how we can support state interests and policy initiatives, such as infrastructure and energy sustainability.”

The newly released report covers several energy topics: the history of Alaska’s reliance on oil and its impact on the state’s economy, how Alaska currently produces energy, energy infrastructure planning, and current competition and cooperation in international arctic energy.