Opinion

In this May 22, 2018 photo, Eric Forrer, left, and Joe Geldhof, right, discuss their lawsuit against the state of Alaska to stop a plan that calls for borrowing up to $1 billion from global bond markets to pay oil and gas tax credits owed by the state. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Why I sued the state over the constitutionality of the release of federal funds

The threat of unconstitutional solutions to political problems will escalate.

  • May 25, 2020
  • By Eric Forrer
In this May 22, 2018 photo, Eric Forrer, left, and Joe Geldhof, right, discuss their lawsuit against the state of Alaska to stop a plan that calls for borrowing up to $1 billion from global bond markets to pay oil and gas tax credits owed by the state. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire File)
Firth River runs through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Courtesy Photo | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Firth River runs through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Courtesy Photo | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Opinion: Alaskans can move on from fossil fuels and flatten the climate curve

Opinion: Alaskans can move on from fossil fuels and flatten the climate curve

What we do in the decade ahead will determine whether we can avoid runaway climate change. Moving away from the production and use of fossil… Continue reading

  • May 20, 2020
  • By Kay Brown
Opinion: Alaskans can move on from fossil fuels and flatten the climate curve
Opinion: COVID-19 harms children in seen and unseen ways

Opinion: COVID-19 harms children in seen and unseen ways

Children can get COVID-19, but the pandemic presents risks that go beyond direct effects.

  • May 20, 2020
  • By Dr. Lily Lou
Opinion: COVID-19 harms children in seen and unseen ways
Robin O. Brena is a life-long Alaskan who grew up in Skagway, a longtime oil and gas attorney with Brena, Bell & Walker, the former Chair of the Oil and Gas Subcommittee for Gov. Bill Walker’s Transition Team, and the Chair of Vote Yes for Alaska’s Fair Share. (Courtesy Photo | Robin O. Brena)

Opinion: Major oil producers thrive, while Southeast suffers

It is time for Alaskans to take back our fair share of revenues.

  • May 18, 2020
  • By Robin O. Brena
Robin O. Brena is a life-long Alaskan who grew up in Skagway, a longtime oil and gas attorney with Brena, Bell & Walker, the former Chair of the Oil and Gas Subcommittee for Gov. Bill Walker’s Transition Team, and the Chair of Vote Yes for Alaska’s Fair Share. (Courtesy Photo | Robin O. Brena)
Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Is ‘We Are All in This Together’ a slogan or reality?

To provide some relief for the property owners in the CBJ, now is the time to reduce property taxes.

  • May 18, 2020
  • By Ken Koelsch
Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Finding the intrinsic beauty of sadness

Opinion: Finding the intrinsic beauty of sadness

Knowing sadness can be a healthy thing.

  • May 16, 2020
Opinion: Finding the intrinsic beauty of sadness
Fog drifts through the trees in the Tongass National Forest on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Pressure Perdue to make the right call on the Tongass

Another attack on the integrity of the Tongass National Forest is likely imminent. This will occur when Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue makes his decision… Continue reading

  • May 15, 2020
  • By Bonnie Demerjian
Fog drifts through the trees in the Tongass National Forest on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
While Alaska reopens, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is working to get financial resources to Alaskans. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Department of Labor is working to get financial resources out to workers impacted by COVID-19 as quickly as possible

I am confident that the adversity of COVID-19 will not break Alaska’s resolve.

  • May 14, 2020
  • By Tamika L. Ledbetter
While Alaska reopens, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is working to get financial resources to Alaskans. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Projects like a Lynn Canal Highway will help Alaska get back on its feet

Opinion: Projects like a Lynn Canal Highway will help Alaska get back on its feet

Restarting this project should be a priority for our elected officials and our region.

  • May 14, 2020
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: Projects like a Lynn Canal Highway will help Alaska get back on its feet
Patrick Kearney gathers for a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Pebble Mine process should pause to give virus full focus

It is inappropriate in this time to have to be vigilant in following the permitting process.

  • May 13, 2020
  • By Melanie Brow
Patrick Kearney gathers for a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: Now’s the time for a Civilian Conservation Corp-inspired effort

Opinion: Now’s the time for a Civilian Conservation Corp-inspired effort

Federal investment now would allow tour companies and employees to join a CCC-inspired effort.

  • May 13, 2020
Opinion: Now’s the time for a Civilian Conservation Corp-inspired effort
Opinion: What’s happening to substance abuse amid COVID-19

Opinion: What’s happening to substance abuse amid COVID-19

Substance abuse still merits attention.

  • May 11, 2020
  • By Joseph Kertis
Opinion: What’s happening to substance abuse amid COVID-19
The University of Alaska Southeast campus on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Small and large, UA campuses need the recall

I witnessed a profound truth during my 25 years as an administrative assistant at the University of Alaska’s Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer: Alaskans are… Continue reading

  • May 10, 2020
  • By Therese Lewandowski
The University of Alaska Southeast campus on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: The news media Alaskans trusted

Opinion: The news media Alaskans trusted

We’ll be better off continuing to trust Alaska’s news media rather than divisive national voices.

  • May 9, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: The news media Alaskans trusted
(Courtesy Photo | Cadie Buckley)

Opinion: Is the era of big cruise mercifully over?

If we are able to rebuild for all who live here, our community will emerge robust and resilient.

  • May 7, 2020
  • By Cadie Buckley
(Courtesy Photo | Cadie Buckley)
Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski���s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Bristol Bay fishermen oppose Pebble employee’s nomination to Board of Fish

Alaska’s fisheries belong to the people.

  • May 7, 2020
  • By DeeDee Bennis, Mike Bianchi, Konrad Schaad
Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski���s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
The Alaska State Capitol Building as seen Jan. 9, 2015 in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: Here’s why the Legislature should reconvene

A five-step proposal.

  • May 6, 2020
  • By Tom Begich and Chris Tuck
The Alaska State Capitol Building as seen Jan. 9, 2015 in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
In this file photo from May 9, 2019, former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Why we need to rethink where Taiwan fits into the global order

Our policies have not kept pace with the reality that Taiwan is now a free and democratic nation.

  • May 6, 2020
  • By Frank Murkowski
In this file photo from May 9, 2019, former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The city should sacrifice more

Living, breathing souls must be sent from CBJ staff to the unemployment office.

  • May 5, 2020
  • By Wayne Coogan
Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)