Gas Pipeline Promotes Jobs and Economic Development for Alaskans

On Wednesday, January 29, the House of Representatives passed its first piece of legislation, HCR 1, a resolution urging development of the North Slope Natural Gas Project. I strongly support economic development and the responsible use of our natural resources; this measure is a very good one which promotes jobs for Alaskans and enhances economic development.

I want to help create good jobs for Alaskans and this Natural Gas Project will be instrumental in providing jobs for Alaskans well into the middle of the next century. We are working to eliminate Alaska's high unemployment rate by building a strong economy based on natural resource development. Alaskans will be better able to support their families if additional good paying jobs are available. The result will be a strengthened economy and an increased standard of living.

There are two other important oil and gas related measures that will soon be introduced in the House. The first is HJR 12, which urges the Secretary of the Interior to conduct competitive oil and gas lease sales within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The second is HJR 13, which requests that Congress open ANWR (Artic National Wildlife Reserve) to oil and gas exploration, development and production. Both of these measures are very important to Alaska's future economy and the welfare of our families.

Alaska has vast natural resources that if used wisely, can sustain our economy and enhance the quality of Alaska's economic future. Development of this Natural Gas Project makes good economic sense for Alaska. It is critical that we move forward now in order to secure our place in the global market - lets take advantage of this "window of opportunity"!