Legislation to Unlock 1002 Area’s Vast Energy Resources Advances in Senate
Authorizes Responsible Exploration and Development in Coastal Plain, Generates Over $1 Billion in Revenues Over First 10 Years
Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources advanced reconciliation language pursuant to its instruction in H. Con. Res. 71, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018, to raise $1 billion in federal revenues. Following a bipartisan 13-10 vote in favor of the reconciliation language that would end the years-long moratorium on oil and gas development in a small portion of the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), Alaska’s congressional delegation shared the following statements:
“Our bipartisan vote today is another positive step forward for Alaska and our nation, and I thank my colleagues for their strong support,” Senator Lisa Murkowski said. “Opening a small part of the non-wilderness 1002 Area for responsible energy development will create thousands of good jobs, keep energy affordable for families and businesses, ensure a steady long-term supply of American energy, generate new wealth, reduce the federal deficit, and strengthen our national security.”
“I want to thank Senator Murkowski for her leadership on this issue and for passing the bill out of her committee,” Senator Dan Sullivan said. “This is another step that could result in a decades-long dream of opening a small section of the 1002 area in ANWR for responsible resource development. Alaskans overwhelmingly support developing the area because we know that doing so would create good paying jobs, and more state funds to help pay for public safety, education, and much needed infrastructure across our state. We also know that increasing our domestic energy production will strengthen our national security by stopping importation of energy from countries that don’t like us, and exporting energy to our allies.”
“The Alaska Delegation remains unified in our efforts to open ANWR’s coastal plain to safe and responsible development. I thank Senator Murkowski and her team on the Energy Committee for working to move us one step closer to that goal,” said Congressman Don Young. “For over 40 years, I have worked -- with the backing of a large majority of Alaskans, including the residents of Kaktovik -- to develop the 1002 Area. As the House and Senate proceed with their respective tax packages, I look forward to coming together in the conference committee process to ensure this critical language stays within the underlying legislation and the needs of Alaskans are met.”
The legislation authorizes limited and responsible energy development on 2,000 federal acres in the non-wilderness portion of ANWR, known as the “1002 Area” or Coastal Plain. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation will raise nearly $1.1 billion over the 10-year budget window. Between rents, royalties, and federal taxes, it will raise substantially greater revenues once production from the 1002 Area begins. The budget reconciliation language now moves to the Senate Budget Committee.
