Top 5 Friday: It's Back!🔥

1️⃣ Alaska LNG could fuel state's mining future

Alaska leaders highlighted the Alaska LNG project at the 2026 Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference as a transformational opportunity for the state's economy. Supporters argue that affordable, reliable natural gas could help power future mining projects, lower operating costs, and unlock development of Alaska's vast mineral resources.

🔗 Read more: https://www.miningnewsnorth.com/story/2026/06/05/news/alaska-lng-could-fuel-states-mining-future/9706.html

2️⃣ Hilcorp green lighted for North Cook Inlet gas development plan, targeting new wells to sustain Southcentral supply

The Alaska Division of Oil and Gas approved Hilcorp's 2026 development plan for the North Cook Inlet Unit, allowing the company to drill new wells and continue field upgrades. The effort is aimed at sustaining natural gas production for Southcentral Alaska, where Cook Inlet gas remains a critical energy source for homes, businesses, and utilities.

🔗 Read more: https://thealaskastory.com/hilcorp-green-lighted-for-north-cook-inlet-gas-development-plan-targeting-new-wells-to-sustain-southcentral-supply/

3️⃣ Alaska is only state to not increase total wind, solar, geothermal energy generation in last decade

New data from Alaska Environment shows Alaska is the only state that failed to increase its combined wind, solar, and geothermal electricity generation over the past decade. While solar adoption has grown, overall renewable energy production has remained essentially flat, prompting advocates to call for stronger renewable energy policies and investment.

🔗 Read more: https://environmentamerica.org/alaska/media-center/new-data-alaska-is-only-state-to-not-increase-total-wind-solar-geothermal-energy-generation-in-last-decade/

4️⃣ AK, CO Senators seek Earth MRI Extension

Senators Lisa Murkowski and John Hickenlooper introduced legislation to extend the Earth MRI program through 2031, continuing federal investments in geological mapping and critical mineral research. The program has been particularly valuable in Alaska, where improved geoscience data has helped identify resource potential, reduce exploration risk, and attract new mineral development activity.

🔗 Read more: https://www.miningnewsnorth.com/story/2026/07/03/news/ak-co-senators-seek-earth-mri-extension/9747.html

5️⃣ Alaska House rejects Senate’s LNG gas line bill, lawmakers say negotiations will continue

The Alaska House rejected the Senate's revised version of a tax incentive package tied to the proposed Alaska LNG project, sending the measure to a conference committee for further negotiations. Lawmakers remain divided over the size of the tax breaks and additional provisions, but both chambers indicated they intend to continue working toward a compromise.

🔗 Read more: https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/06/20/alaska-house-rejects-senates-lng-gas-line-bill-lawmakers-say-negotiations-will-continue/