Fodors Travel Guides - Fodors Alaska 2015

Alaskas politics and policies seem as wild as its vast, untamed acres. From the Iditarod to cabin building, everything in Alaska is steeped in politicsthere are more politicians per capita than police officers. The largest state in the nation comes with a seemingly limitless supply of natural resources, and with them come conflict and controversy. Alaskas politics are thus saddled with numerous fiscal and environmental responsibilities, none of which are easily met. Before it entered statehood in 1959, Alaska had been reviled as Sewards Folly; and for nearly 50 years of statehood, it was often overlooked in the political media. However, since then-governor Sarah Palin was tapped to be the 2008 presidential running mate and with the increasing need for Alaskan oil, the state and its politics have managed to stay in the limelight.

Gas and mining corporations have enormous influence on public policy in Alaska, but not without rivalry from environmentalists and subsistence advocates. There are ongoing and highly publicized battles over proposed mines and off-shore oil drilling. Also in the media spotlight is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), 19.2 million roadless acres supporting 45 species of land and marine mammals, 36 species of fish, and 180 species of birds. ANWR is in the northeast corner of the state and has been dubbed the Last Great Wilderness. The only way to get there is by Bush plane. Area 1002, 1.5 million acres along the refuges coastal plain, a subject of controversy, is thought to contain a large supply of oil.

More than 75% of Alaskas revenue is derived from oil extraction. The state is also the nations leader in commercial fishing, but ranks dead last in number of farms and farm products. There is very little manufacturing in the state. Thus the cost of manufactured goods, produce, and other foodstuffs is considerably higher than in other states.

Because Alaska is predominantly composed of rural villages, thousands of miles from any distribution center, the cost of living is relatively high. In Barrow, for instance, one can expect to pay $10 for a gallon of milk.

The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a sacred check that Alaskans receive once a year, and for many in the Bush it can be a lifesaver. In 1977 the fund was created to receive 25% of Alaskas oil royalty income. It was designed to maintain a state income even after the reserves had been tapped out. Residents receive a check every October in amounts that vary from year to year, but are in the ballpark of $1,200. Every bit helps; rural and remote Alaska has seen heating fuel go as high as $10 per gallon.

In Alaska few people disagree that the glaciers and permafrost are melting; its just a fact. It is what to do about it that has politicians and constituents bickering.

Regardless of political persuasion, things are changing in Alaska. Icebergs are melting, and unfortunately for polar bears, thats where they live. In 2008 the Interior Department put polar bears on the protected species list, but some environmentalists believe that without addressing the causes of global warming the designation will do little to help. The polar bear is currently listed as threatened, not endangered.