Sponsor Statement for HJR 7: Endorsing ANWR Leasing

Click image for large 5'' x 7'' picture, 96.37k

Session:
State Capitol, Room 128
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-2679
Fax: (907) 465-4822

Interim:
600 E. Railroad Ave., Suite 1
Wasilla, AK 99654
Phone: (907) 376-2679
Fax: (907) 373-4745

Urging the United States Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development, and production.

Last Updated:	March 4, 2002
Contact:	Representative Beverly Masek at (907) 465-2679

The need for expanding Alaska's resource based industries remains imperative if we want to maintain or increase the State's economic base. Although other sectors of the economy may provide jobs, they more than likely would not be able to support the financial infrastructure of state government to the extent that natural resource development does, especially the oil and gas sectors.

Most reliable indicators show Alaska's North Slope oil production is in decline. Geologist have indicated that one of the best prospects for new discoveries lies within the 1002 section of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge which has been left open by Congress for potential exploration and development. It seems that a prudent course of action would be to open this area of the Arctic Coastal Plain so that Alaskans can derive the economic benefits therein.

HJR 7 is not a new piece of legislation. It has been introduced on numerous occasions in the past and has always enjoyed overwhelming support from the Governor and the Legislature, as well as the general public. Alaska's chances of moving ahead on this project have been greatly increased now that George W. Bush is President. We need to take advantage of this opportunity and once again send our message to the Nation's Capitol.

# # #

Attachments:

Print Friendly Version
requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 12 K

| Rep. Masek's Page |

The Official Web Site of the House and Senate Legislative Majorities
for the 22nd Alaska State Legislature
To Report Technical Problems or Contact Webmasters

· ANWR