“Alaska has consistently supported oil and gas development in our OCS,” Governor Palin testified. “We do so recognizing that certain areas should be exempted from leasing, or have seasonal drilling restrictions imposed to protect whale migrations. We have done so because we recognize the significance OCS development will have on the nation’s and the state’s economic and energy future. We do so because we know oil and gas development can occur appropriately, while protecting the environment, the species and the people impacted. We have proven this can be done.All three members of Alaska's Washington congressional delegation (Sens. Murkowski and Begich, Congressman Don Young) also testified and all agreed that offshore drilling must be a part of Alaska's energy future.
“The fact that Alaska’s OCS potential to produce oil and gas is world-class is supported by the best peer reviewed scientific estimates. Alaska’s oil and gas resources can and should be a major part of the implementation of any creditable energy plan for our nation. Alaska has proven that these resources can be developed safely, but Arctic exploration and development is a slow, demanding process. Delays or major restrictions in accessing these resources for environmentally responsible development are not in the national interest or the interests of the State of Alaska.”
Salazar reassured those assembled that "development will be part of our equation." Just how large a part of that equation the Obama Administration decides to make development is the critical variable in the equation.'
A photo of Gov. Palin, Sen. Begich, Rep. Young and Sec. Salazar is here, and more photos are here. A pdf copy of her prepared remarks can be found here.
- JP
No comments:
Post a Comment