Norway gives go-ahead to disputed Arctic copper mine
Reuters, February 18, 2019
Norway’s government last week approved construction of a copper mine near Europe’s northernmost point despite years of opposition from indigenous Sami herders and fishermen. Norway’s decision on the copper mine has been viewed by some as a litmus test for the Arctic, where climate change and technology are enabling mineral and energy extraction, shipping and tourism, but threatening traditional ways of life. In a statement, Industry Minister Torbjoern Roe Isaksen of the center-right coalition government, said the project would strengthen the industrial base in the north and contribute positively to the local community, with new jobs and skills.
Governor Dunleavy pursues efficiency and cost savings with four administrative orders.
While everyone focuses on the budget, Governor Dunleavy is also making changes to how state government runs, looking for efficiency and cost savings. On February 13, he issued a series of administrative orders to begin the process:
Administrative Order No. 307
AO 307 – Transferring the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from the Department of Administration to the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
Administrative Order No. 306
AO 306 – To establish the Statewide Investigator Unit within the Department of Law, establish a task force to implement a plan to consolidate investigators from other designated departments within the Statewide Investigator Unit, and reassign investigators subject to this order and the implementation plan to the Statewide Investigator Unit.
Administrative Order No. 305
AO 305 – To establish Statewide Human Resources Consolidation.
Administrative Order No. 304
AO 304 – To establish Statewide Procurement Consolidation.
