AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry: A new EIA-based map shows U.S. crude output hit a record 13.6 million barrels per day in 2025, led by Texas (5.75 million bpd, 42.3%) and New Mexico (2.24 million bpd, 16.5%), with the Gulf Coast supplying most of the nation’s crude. Alaska LNG / Gas Supply: German utility Uniper signed a deal to buy up to 2 million tonnes per year of LNG from Canada’s Ksi Lisims project for as long as 20 years, with first deliveries expected in 2032—an export plan that would ship from Pearse Island near the Alaska border. Telecom & Fraud: New York AG Letitia James and 49 other attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Economy & Community: Anchorage’s Music Machine is celebrating 45 years, bringing generations of youth performers together for a new run at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Agriculture & Food Access: A Wrangell initiative is using a hoop-house hydroponic approach to grow fresh produce for seniors and others in need, aiming to make local food easier to access. Workforce & Safety: A report ranks Wyoming as the most dangerous state for workers, citing high injury and fatality rates tied to rugged industries. Politics & Alaska: An opinion piece argues proposed changes to the Chugach Access Service Area would sideline Hillside communities and disrupt road-maintenance cooperation. Aviation & Logistics: Allseas won a contract to install a key subsea pipeline section for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission system feeding the Ksi Lisims LNG project, with offshore work slated for 2029.

Energy Security: Southcentral Alaska leaders and utilities warned that shrinking Cook Inlet gas supply could mean higher bills and rolling blackouts, urging lawmakers to move on a natural gas pipeline plan. Local Infrastructure: Seward is turning its shuttered middle school into a community recreation center, aiming to keep youth programs and services in one place. Veterans & Construction: Ground broke in Salcha on the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery, slated to open in late 2027 and serve thousands of veterans and families. Legal & Land Use: A federal judge dismissed a bid to halt Alaska’s approved land transfers tied to the Dalton Highway corridor, clearing the way for state control that could support future mining and Alaska LNG. Aviation & Competition: Alaska Air Group’s proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines is back in the spotlight as the Biden administration scrutinizes airline consolidation. Workforce & Training: Wells Fargo donated $250,000 to AVTEC to expand scholarships for skilled-trades training. Public Safety & Weather: A July snow advisory for the Dalton Highway expired, but drivers were warned that refreeze and reduced visibility remain the real danger. Consumer Protection: Alaska’s AG joined a push for stronger federal “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls.

Aviation & Safety: The FAA proposed mandatory inspections for 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets over possible improperly installed passenger seats, warning the seats could detach in emergencies or block evacuation paths. Defense & Space: Rocket Lab won a $266M U.S. Space Force contract for up to 18 suborbital launches from Kodiak to support missile defense testing, with the first mission expected late 2026. Finance & Retail Access: Credit Union 1 (Anchorage) is expanding NCR Atleos ATM branding in 24 Circle K locations across Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and the Kenai Peninsula. Energy Reliability: Southcentral Alaska utilities are bracing for potential natural gas shortages as winter nears, with Enstar’s curtailment plan prioritizing industrial cuts first. Manufacturing Support: NIST announced $46.5M to fund 14 Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, including $706,300 for Alaska. Local Industry & Food Systems: Sitka researchers are turning dehydrated salmon waste into shelf-stable fertilizer, while Ketchikan’s Pacific Kelp markets an organic biostimulant made from kelp. Elections & Local Governance: Fairbanks borough approved strictly factual language for two Oct. 6 ballot propositions, including a tax revenue cap renewal and a potential shift of municipal election dates. Construction: Beachy Construction is expanding custom home and commercial building across the Kenai Peninsula. Public Health: A CDC report says a Lindblad Expeditions cruise ship logged 13 gastrointestinal illness cases, its fourth outbreak in two months.

Seafood Prices: Alaska pollock producers are seeing firm demand push pinbone-out fillet block prices back above $5,500/metric ton as the “B” season ramps up, with tight inventories and potential EU sanctions on Russian cod adding strain to whitefish supply. Cruise Power in Juneau: Princess Cruises marked 25 years since it pioneered hydroelectric shore power connections in Juneau, reporting 1,725 connections and major emissions avoided through its ongoing partnership with the city and AEL&P. Energy Policy: Alaska lawmakers opened a third special session on an Alaska LNG tax break with no bill ready from Gov. Dunleavy, as talks continue and hopes remain slim for a deal before his term ends. Aviation Safety: The FAA says seats on hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets may have been incorrectly installed, prompting proposed inspections to prevent evacuation delays or injuries. Oil Market Signal: Japan is looking to Alaska again as Middle East shipping risk rises, with the first Alaska-to-Japan crude shipment since the Iran conflict arriving in June. Skilled Trades Pipeline: Fairbanks-area schools and unions are partnering to feed students into welding and other trades tied to oil and gas and construction jobs. Juneau Flood Readiness: Neighbors in Juneau’s Flood Solutions Advocates met ahead of the predicted Mendenhall Glacier outburst flood window, sharing concerns and local response ideas.

Space & Defense: Rocket Lab won a $266M U.S. Space Force deal for 12 suborbital hypersonic test launches (with options for six more) out of Kodiak’s Pacific Spaceport Complex, with work running through 2028 and a new Narrow Cape launchpad planned. Energy & Industry: Alaska LNG developers say they still need more gas offtake commitments before a final investment decision, keeping the $10B project’s timeline tied to buyer demand. Critical Minerals: Nova Minerals says a new White House executive order on defense critical minerals aligns with its Alaska antimony plan, aiming for first production in 2027 and linking mining to refining at Port MacKenzie. Marine Tech: Sitkana will test an Alaska-made prototype tidal turbine at Massachusetts’ Bourne Tidal Test Site, targeting real-ocean performance and durability before commercial deployment. Air Cargo & Logistics: DSV launched a weekly dedicated air charter from Seoul to Chicago-Rockford, routing via Anchorage for fuel, highlighting Alaska’s role as a cargo relief valve. Public Health & Travel: A National Geographic-Lindblad cruise ship reported its fourth GI outbreak in under two months while operating in Alaska; the cause wasn’t identified.

Critical Minerals & Defense Supply: Nova Minerals says a July 20 White House executive order on secure critical minerals lines up with its Alaska antimony plan, targeting first production in 2027 and citing a $43.4M U.S. Defense Production Act Title III award tied to mining and refining from Estelle to Port MacKenzie. Anchorage Infrastructure: The Municipality of Anchorage is moving ahead with a proposed waste-to-energy incinerator-style plant that officials say could be built by 2032, aiming to change how the city powers and manages waste. Bristol Bay Fisheries: Bristol Bay’s sockeye run is nearing the end after topping the preseason forecast of 44 million fish, with early run timing tied to late-spring sea ice. Mining & M&A: A gold-sector consolidation push is accelerating, with deal activity and “buy vs. build” strategies highlighted as majors chase Tier-1 assets and mid-tier producers consolidate. Air Cargo & Freight: Alaska Airlines is adding four cargo freighters to double cargo capacity out of Alaska, strengthening freight options for the state.

Alaska Marine & Logistics: Fortune Sea says its new offshore supply vessel, the C-Atlantis, has arrived in Homer as the first of its kind to use the port as a home base, aiming to expand maritime jobs and offshore logistics for December 2026–June 2027 charter work. Energy & Infrastructure: Alaska Airlines completed its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition but will keep “Hawaiian” as a separate brand, a notable twist after Alaska previously retired Virgin America’s brand within two years of buying it. Mining & Public Lands: A federal court partially dismissed a lawsuit challenging Interior’s move to strip protections from more than 2 million acres in Alaska tied to mining and the proposed Ambler road, while critics warn of impacts to subsistence, wildlife, and water. Workforce & Trades: Sen. Dan Sullivan and “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe highlighted skilled-trades hiring needs at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center, stressing workers who show up early, stay late, and master in-demand skills. Air Cargo: Alaska Airlines also announced it’s doubling cargo capacity by adding four freighters to strengthen freight service out of Alaska and Hawai‘i. Climate & Safety: The Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site near Hyder remains closed after glacial outburst flooding damaged the area, with repairs expected to start immediately.

Alaska LNG Politics: Gov. Mike Dunleavy called lawmakers back for a third special session starting Monday to negotiate a multibillion-dollar property tax break for the Alaska LNG project, with legislative leaders already calling the odds “low” and “unlikely.” Maritime Jobs in Homer: Fortune Sea says a new 190-foot offshore supply vessel, the C-Atlantis, has arrived as Homer’s first home-port call, aiming to expand maritime work tied to natural gas operations and charter opportunities from Dec. 2026–June 2027. Southeast Safety at Campgrounds: New bear-resistant food lockers are rolling out in Juneau and Haines to cut human-bear encounters, with Alaska State Parks handling installation and maintenance. Hyder Flood Repair: The Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site near Hyder remains closed after glacial outburst flooding damaged it; emergency authorization supports immediate levee repairs. Elections & Ballot Measures: Alaska’s primary-election initiative hearings begin Monday, covering campaign finance limits, party primaries/ranked-choice changes, and voter qualifications. Aviation & Freight: Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian keeps Hawaiian as a separate brand, while Alaska continues expanding cargo capacity with additional freighters.

Elections & Governance: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom will hold public hearings Monday and Aug. 5 on three 2026 ballot initiatives, including restoring Alaska campaign finance limits, restoring party primaries and ending ranked-choice general elections, and changing voter qualifications. Energy Policy: Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called a third special session starting Monday to negotiate a multibillion-dollar property tax break for the Alaska LNG project, with legislative leaders already calling the odds “low” or “unlikely.” Shipping & Arctic Readiness: The Coast Guard’s icebreaker Healy is sidelined after a significant engineering casualty and is being towed to Seattle for major repairs, leaving the service with fewer icebreaking assets. Public Safety & Tourism Infrastructure: New bear-resistant food lockers are rolling out to Juneau and Haines campgrounds to cut human-bear conflicts. Local Industry & Labor: Senator Dan Sullivan met “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center, highlighting Alaska trade jobs tied to ports, defense buildouts, and potential North Slope and LNG work. Community & Accountability: A Nome utility board is pushing back over five-years-late audits and missing budgets, warning the bookkeeping failures are blocking state funding and raising costs for customers.

Arctic Shipping & Coast Guard: The Coast Guard says icebreaker Healy suffered a “significant engineering casualty” July 13 and was towed back to Seattle for major repairs, leaving the service with fewer icebreaking assets during heightened Arctic activity. Energy & Utilities: Enstar is appealing the Regulatory Commission of Alaska’s denial of its Kenai Loop Pool natural gas storage plan, arguing storage is “critical” for Cook Inlet customers starting next year. Infrastructure: The Glenn Highway Peters Creek bridge northbound span is set to reopen Friday night after a 96-day closure and a $22 million rehabilitation. Mining & Metals: Teck reports a big jump in Trail Operations profit in Q2, driven by higher metal prices and improved feed strategy. Local Governance & Finance: Nome’s NJUS board says the utility is years overdue on audits and budgets, with the fallout including a temporary freeze of state funding tied to rural energy costs. Elections & Public Works: Sitka Assembly member JJ Carlson filed to run for a second full term, while Alaska LNG policy debates continue to swirl around HB 381. Trade & Logistics: Alaska’s Sen. Dan Sullivan touts skilled-trades pipeline work tied to major projects, including defense buildouts and potential LNG and North Slope activity.

Air Cargo & Fuel Costs: Alaska Airlines says it’s adding four 737-800 freighters on long-term leases, doubling Alaska Air Cargo capacity and boosting international shipping for seafood and other time-sensitive goods, as jet fuel volatility threatens airline profits and could push fares higher again. Gas Prices: AAA reports the U.S. national average for regular gas jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with Alaska listed among the pricier states at $4.72, tied to crude oil swings. Broadband Buildout: Matanuska Telecom Association confirms a $108M BEAD award to extend fiber to 10,000+ homes and businesses in the Mat-Su, moving federal funding from awards to construction. Native Health & Land Policy: DOJ approved a $400M settlement with ANTHC over contract support costs; meanwhile, a Senate panel advanced the Alaska Native landless communities bill, with Murkowski’s measure now headed to the floor. Energy & Industry: Santos narrowed 2026 output guidance after progress at Barossa and Pikka; Alaska Energy Metals outlined permitting fieldwork for the Nikolai Nickel Project, with construction possible in winter 2026/27. Legal Fight Over Roads: Tribal governments and conservation groups filed new lawsuits to block a road permit for Izembek National Wildlife Refuge wetlands.

Housing & Permitting: Anchorage has permitted 330 new housing units so far in 2026—already 82% of what it permitted in all of 2025—helped by multifamily property tax abatements, land-use code changes, and a faster residential zoning review timeline. Water Infrastructure: Unalakleet is moving through a long-awaited overhaul of its water and sewer systems, tackling everything from a new well field and treatment upgrades to replacing the deteriorating distribution network that has driven leaks and boil-water notices. Air Cargo & Logistics: Alaska Airlines is leasing four 737-800 converted freighters, doubling its dedicated cargo fleet from five to nine and boosting reliability for Alaska and Hawai‘i starting in the first half of 2027. Telecom Connectivity: GCI is expanding LTE/5G coverage and improving mobile performance along major Alaska travel corridors, including the Parks, Glenn and Richardson highways. Rural Industry Funding: USDA opened applications for the $500M FIELDS fertilizer investment program, with Alaska Native corporations and other eligible groups able to pursue domestic fertilizer production and supply-chain upgrades. Energy & Resources: The Interior Department released a USGS assessment of coal resources under federal lands, estimating billions of short tons of reserves and long-term supply potential. Legal Fight Over Access Roads: Alaska Native villages and an environmental group sued to stop construction of the King Cove road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, challenging the federal permit process. Manufacturing Support: NIST announced a new competition to create 14 Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers aimed at helping small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced production tech. Cruise Industry: Explora Journeys took delivery of LNG-powered EXPLORA III, with Alaska cruises planned for 2027. Public Safety: Juneau police are investigating human remains found in a freezer during a family cleanup, with an autopsy pending.

Alaska LNG & conservation politics: A new Alaska LNG opinion argues the project’s benefits skew to a small circle while the state and local communities carry most of the risk, as lawmakers weigh yet another push for approval. Wildlife & federal rollback: The Trump administration’s move to strip Endangered Species Act habitat protections is drawing backlash from states and conservation groups, with experts warning most states can’t replace federal safeguards. Donlin Gold scrutiny: Another opinion raises questions about Panthera’s leadership ties to the Donlin Gold mine, arguing conservation credibility is strained when board members profit from habitat fragmentation. Food assistance pressure: SNAP participation is falling sharply nationwide, with states facing higher costs tied to payment accuracy—an issue that could hit Alaska households and rural economies hard. Local industry & tech: Wrangell’s Structure is setting up to assemble a new remote monitoring system for utilities and businesses, aiming to serve Alaska’s spread-out infrastructure needs. Aviation & cargo: Alaska Airlines’ fleet plan for Hawaiian Neighbor Island routes highlights more capacity and Starlink-equipped aircraft, while Alaska Air Cargo expands freighter capacity. Bitcoin security: Anchorage Digital is among major backers pledging $15M to a Bitcoin Security Consortium focused on long-term network resilience.

Housing & Permitting: Anchorage says new housing permits are accelerating—330 units permitted so far this year, already beating all of 2024, with permit values up 118% (about $75M more) as the city pushes its “10,000 Homes in 10 Years” plan and speeds reviews. Rural Infrastructure: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval clears the way for a King Cove–Cold Bay road permit, a long-sought lifeline for safer, more reliable access to the all-weather airport. Telecom Resiliency: GCI will use Starlink’s dedicated service with bonded gateways to strengthen backup connectivity for hubs including Bethel, Sitka, Kotzebue, and Dillingham. Mining & Jobs: NOVAGOLD moves to simplify Donlin Gold ownership, agreeing to buy Paulson’s remaining stake for full control and a streamlined path toward a new feasibility study. Air Cargo Expansion: Alaska Airlines plans to nearly double dedicated cargo lift by adding four 737-800 freighters, boosting shipping reliability for Alaska communities like Cordova and Wrangell. Banking Deal: Northrim reports Q2 profit growth and announces a definitive agreement to acquire PBCO Financial Corporation, expanding its footprint beyond Alaska. Fisheries Policy: A push is growing to close a North Pacific trawl loophole that lets “mid-water” trawlers drag the ocean floor in protected areas.

Shipping & Energy Security: Tankers rerouted in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthis warned ships away from Saudi ports, with some shifting toward the Suez Canal as attack risk rises. Wildlife & Safety: A viral Alaska brown-bear close call and another photographer encounter underscore how quickly wildlife situations can turn—plus reminders to follow ranger protocols. Aviation & Cargo: Alaska Air Group reported a Q2 loss tied to fuel spikes, while Alaska Airlines plans to add four leased 737 freighters and expand cargo operations, including in Hawaii. Mining & Alaska Industry: NovaGold agreed to buy out Paulson’s remaining Donlin Gold stake, consolidating the project under a single U.S.-listed company. Local Economic Development (Wrangell): A Wrangell shipyard build-out is estimated at $605M–$726M, with borough officials also mapping potential housing sites to support a larger workforce. Internet & Connectivity: GCI expanded upgraded 5G across Alaska communities, as broader broadband speed reports keep spotlight on regional gaps. Policy & Environment: The federal government is rolling back endangered species habitat protections, and states warn they can’t fully replace the lost safeguards.

Alaska LNG: Lawmakers say odds are “low” that a multibillion-dollar property tax break will pass in the next special session, with disputes over expanding the state corporate income tax still blocking progress on the $55B gas project. Broadband & Rural Economy: Alaska Broadband Office moves forward with BEAD awards—$1B+ allocated and $629M+ already awarded to subgrantees for 29 projects targeting 46,000+ homes and small businesses, with early connections possible this summer. Telecom Expansion: GCI is rolling out upgraded 5G across Alaska, moving communities off older 2G/3G/LTE systems and citing major coverage gains since 2020. Healthcare Funding: DOJ approved a $400M settlement for ANTHC over unpaid IHS support costs, a major cash infusion for the state’s largest Alaska Native health provider. Mining & Energy Skills: Free solar training is coming to Nome in August, while Freegold reports continued Golden Summit drilling results supporting a 2027 pre-feasibility push. Fisheries Policy: NPFMC took a limited step on Western Alaska chum salmon bycatch, setting a seasonal limit and possible corridor closures if exceeded. Aviation Costs: Alaska Air forecast weaker third-quarter profit as renewed Iran conflict lifts jet fuel prices. Safety & Accountability: A grieving father questioned whether enough was done to keep his son safe after he fell overboard from a Bristol Bay fishing boat.