Inletkeeper Blog
West Susitna Access Road Project
As proposed, the 23-mile West Su Access Road would cut across significant salmon systems, including the Susitna and Little Susitna rivers, to access State lands planned for resource development.
Net Metering Continues: HEA July Meeting Update
This calls into question HEA’s commitment, or lack thereof, to member transparency. We understand not wanting to add fuel to an unpopular opinion from one board member, but members have a right to know what is discussed at board meetings and the intentions of the board members, popular or unpopular. Instead of telling members their comments are misinformed, HEA should better inform members by publishing recordings of each board meeting and capturing more detailed minutes.
Cook Inletkeeper IRA Charitable Distributions: A Tax-Free Opportunity
If you are 70 or older, you have a unique opportunity to support us through an IRA Charitable Distribution. By directing your required minimum distribution to Cook Inletkeeper, you can make a lasting impact while enjoying tax benefits. Simply ask your IRA financial institution for their QCD form or visit their website.
Beluga Protections in Tuxedni Bay
Tuxedni Bay is an essential piece of habitat to ensure the continued survival of this iconic species. The Cook Inlet Beluga habitat is beleaguered with threats from underwater noise from oil and gas development, reductions in critical prey availability, and pollution. NMFS has a duty to ensure the highest levels of accountability for proposed industrial development and to implement swift measures to ensure protection and recovery of this endangered species.
Little Mount Susitna Wind Farm
Earlier this month, Cook Inletkeeper commented in support of leasing state land to a planned 271 megawatt windfarm on Little Mount Susitna, a windy plateau west of its big sister, Mount Susitna, commonly known as Sleeping Lady. Chugach Electric Association – which would buy power from the windfarm’s Fairbanks-based developer, Alaska Renewables – estimates it would save 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually.
Every Oil Spill Started with a Lease Sale – Lease Sale 258 Victory
The federal government should stop wasting taxpayer money on failed lease sales in the middle of a climate crisis. Alaskans know our climate crisis is no joke and are ready to move beyond the fossil fuel era, as well as those who prioritize economic profits over liveable communities. We won’t give up trying to protect Cook Inlet from carbon pollution, oil spill risks, and shortsighted thinking.
Federal Court Reverses Offshore Oil Lease Sale 258 That Threatened Belugas off Alaska’s Coast
Tuesday’s ruling noted that, among other things, the Department of Interior failed to fully consider the lease sale’s cumulative impacts on beluga whales, as well as the issue of blaring vessel noise.
From Montana to Alaska: Embracing Climate Change Through Art
Growing up seeing these changes and realizing how vulnerable our landscapes are set me down a path of environmental protection and advocacy work through art and science. This led me to Cook Inletkeeper as a Wild Salmon and Climate intern through the Alaska Conservation Foundation.
Keep the Net Metering Program at HEA
Cook Inlet natural gas is dwindling and still supplies over 80% of HEA’s energy production. Net metering gives members agency to generate their own power, while also generating power for other members when returned back to the grid, and offsetting our dependence on natural gas. Closing the door on net metering only hurts HEA and its members.
The Donlin Gold Mine Equals Disaster
My family has a cabin on the river where we frequently haul supplies on our little boat to fish camp; with a large load, the process is very challenging. With the Donlin project’s barging requirements, safely harvesting fish, bringing our kids to fish camp, and living life safely on our rivers will be nearly impossible.