News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: February 13, 1997 Contact: Senator Drue Pearce 907/465-4993

Clinton Holds Jobs for Alaskans Hostage

Senate Passes Measure Urging U.S. Congress to Open ANWR

Juneau -- The Alaskan State Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 9 Thursday unanimously urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that will open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration, development and production.

"In 1995 the United States Congress passed for the first time in history, legislation to authorize oil exploration in the Arctic coastal plain -- only to have it vetoed by President Clinton," said Senator Drue Pearce, prime sponsor of SJR 9.

"We cannot give up the fight to develop our resources and create jobs for Alaskans," said Pearce. "It’s important this Legislature get our continued support for opening ANWR on the record quickly."

"Through this resolution, and our continued efforts to inform Americans that we can safely develop our oil reserves without harm to wildlife or the environment, we are once again sending a strong message to our Congressional Delegation that the state of Alaska, and its Legislature, is fully behind their efforts to open ANWR."

"Opening ANWR is not good just for Alaskans -- it’s good for our nation. If opened by the year 2005, ANWR will create an estimated new 38,300 jobs in Alaska and 732,273 jobs nationwide," Pearce said.

"Finally, we want to make it clear to Congress and to President Clinton that we’re not willing to trade ANWR for leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska," Pearce said.

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