"I share the disappointment
of the vast majority of Alaskans in today's 46-54 vote in the
U.S. Senate on oil and gas development in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge, but this is hardly the final chapter. I believe
the science, technology and environmental stewardship of a future
America will ultimately converge to allow the responsible development
of oil and gas in ANWR.
I salute the bipartisan effort
of Alaskans leading up to today's vote. Organized labor, Arctic
Power, our congressional delegation, legislators of both parties,
the state administration and Alaskans across our state worked
across political party lines for a common purpose.
To me, it's not a question
of if but when we'll be permitted to develop this important national
resource. Alaskans know we can do so in an environmentally responsible
way. Now, I think it's time to refine our message to better respond
to the legitimate national environmental concerns rather than
attack them.
We will take that message next
to the House-Senate Conference Committee which will be convened
after the Senate finalizes its version of the energy bill. The
House version of the bill allows for responsible oil development
in the coastal plain of ANWR, limiting the impact of facilities
to 2,000 acres. While it may be an uphill fight, I will continue
to promote responsible development of ANWR as I have throughout
my administration.
As the national energy legislation
continues making its way through Congress, we will also keep
working with our congressional delegation and other members of
Congress for provisions to help make the Alaska Highway natural
gas pipeline a reality. The provisions this administration has
advocated enjoy wide bipartisan support and we're optimistic
Congress will approve of this project in America's national interest."
