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Session: State Capitol, Room 411 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2689 Fax: (907) 465-3472 Send E-Mail Interim: 345 W Sterling Highway, Suite 102 Home, AK 99603 Phone: (907) 235-2921 Fax: (907) 235-4008 |
Concurs with Senate Changes
| For Immediate Release: April 15, 1999 | |
| Contact: | Representative Gail Phillips at (907) 465-2689 |
Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Thursday voted 34-1 to concur with Senate changes to House Joint Resolution 11, sponsored by Representative Gail Phillips (R-Homer). HJR 11 urges Congress and the White House to open the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration.
"Responsible development of the Coastal Plain is a 'win-win situation' for Alaska and for the Federal Government," said Phillips. "It would help Alaska offset its declining oil revenues while greatly reducing our nation's growing and dangerous reliance on imported oil; at the present time, the United States imports over 58% of the nation's petroleum needs.
The Senate approved HJR 11, adding language to protect the Porcupine Caribou Herd.
"This is a change which I heartily support," Phillips said. "Past Legislatures have given strong support to opening the Coastal Plain of ANWR. In 1987 the U.S. Interior Department recommended development. It is also supported by the North Slope Borough and by the majority of Alaskans."