Press Release: ANWR Resolution Passes House - HJR 7 Builds Momentum Toward Arctic Oil Exploration

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Rep. Beverly Masek
State Capitol, Room 128
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-2679
Fax: (907) 465-4822

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Rep. Scott Ogan
State Capitol, Room 108
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-3878
Fax: (907) 465-3265

For Immediate Release: February 14, 2001

Contact:

Representative Beverly Masek at (907) 465-2679
Representative Scott Ogan at (907) 465-3878

(JUNEAU) -- The Alaska House of Representatives today made clear its stance in the national discussion on energy policy, passing House Joint Resolution 7 calling for oil exploration and development in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Sponsored by Reps. Beverly Masek (R-Willow) and Scott Ogan (R-Palmer), HJR 7 calls on the U.S. Congress to remove final barriers to development of what is considered the nation's best prospect for significant new petroleum discoveries.

"For years, the Legislature has been passing similar measures urging Congress to open up ANWR and give the nation the benefit of Alaska's resources," said Masek, co-chair of the House Resources Committee. "Now that we have a president that understands the importance of new domestic sources of energy, this may be the last time such a resolution may be necessary."

ANWR was created in 1980, and the coastal plain set aside for study as a source of oil. President Bill Clinton vetoed congressional approval of exploration in 1995, and his veto threat has effectively kept the region locked up for years. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates it could hold up to 16 billion barrels of oil, replacing 30 years' worth of imported Saudi Arabian oil.

"President George W. Bush and his administration have signaled they understand the coastal plain can provide us with the energy we all need, while protecting the environment and wildlife we all value," said Ogan, chair of the House Oil and Gas Committee. "For the first time in a long time, the prospects for bringing ANWR oil to market are looking good."

Masek noted that development at Prudhoe Bay has provided the foundation of Alaska's fiscal health, and that environmentally friendly development of ANWR has been a longstanding priority for Alaskans that could bring thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in state revenue. She also noted recent state studies showing the population of caribou near Prudhoe is at historic highs, indicating that oil development facilities and wildlife can co-exist in peace.

HJR 7 passed the House 34-1, with five members excused or absent. Notice of reconsideration was given.

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