Alaska GOP gov invites drilling offshore of National Wildlife Refuge

[papau]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/04/01/oil.drilling.ap/index.html

Alaska gov invites drilling offshore of National Wildlife Refuge
Thursday, April 1, 2004 Posted: 11:44 AM EST (1644 GMT)

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- Gov. Frank Murkowski said he will open lease sales in state waters offshore of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

Citing frustration with what he calls "America's extreme environmental community," Murkowski said Wednesday he will do what he can as governor to spur Arctic oil development.

"While the U.S. House and Senate remain gridlocked over opening ANWR for oil development, I am not burdened by that process," said Murkowski, who spent 22 years in the U.S. Senate before becoming governor in 2002.

The oil and gas lease sales are planned for October. State waters extend out 3 miles in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas.<snip>

The lease sales could affect areas set aside by the state to protect whales, which are still hunted by Alaska Natives.<snip>

[Viking12]

1. Interesting

One of the two indigenous groups in the area has supported drilling ANWR with the caveat that the seas were off limits (the other, the Gwi'chin oppose it outright). I wonder how Murkowski's move will affect their support.

[The Sushi Bandit]

2. Tar and Feather the Bastard

Never forget the Exxon Valdez spill!!




http://www.evostc.state.ak.us/