= Drue Pearce, 47 KNews 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
Senate Passes Resolution to Affirm Support for Areawide Oil and Gas Leasing Program
For Immediate Release: February 12, 1998 Contact: Krag Johnson, Staff to Senator Drue Pearce, at (907) 465-6594.
Juneau – The Senate Thursday affirmed their support of the State’s current Areawide Leasing Program which was created by legislation passed unanimously by the 19th Alaska State Legislature. Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 passed unanimously.
In an effort to educate the industry, involved public agencies and the public on the benefits and the importance of areawide leasing, the Alaska Support Industry Alliance requested the legislature pass this resolution reiterating their support. The Alliance plans to implement a full educational campaign designed to inform citizens of the facts and to encourage the industry to provide input.
Senator Drue Pearce (R-Anchorage), Co-Chair of Senate Finance and sponsor of SCR 20, said the current Areawide Leasing Program, while extremely effective, is under attack by special interest groups opposed to any oil and gas development. "Allowing a very small minority of people to threaten a program that is a proven positive component of the State’s oil and gas policy would be a major step backward," Pearce said.
"We put areawide leasing in place in 1996 to provide a more cost effective and efficient approach to offering lease sales in areas of Alaska already extensively leased," Pearce said. "While not changing the public process, the new State policy for areawide leases will prove to be more cost effective for people doing business in Alaska. Maintaining this program is just one more way we can ensure that the State’s economy remains stable so jobs are available for Alaskans."
# # #
Broadcast Note: Radio
actualities are available by calling (800) 478-6540.
= Drue Pearce, 47 K