As new companies enter Alaska oil fields, violations spike

2015 was a record year for fines in Alaska’s oil and gas fields.
State regulators proposed some $1.7 million dollars in penalties against five companies — and the University of Alaska Fairbanks — for violating safety and environmental regulations.
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One reason for the increase? More — and smaller — operators entering a state long dominated by a handful of major players.
The largest violator in recent years has been the company Hilcorp, which has re