Pete Domenici: “So for those who do not think it is worth another try-- that is, to have a vote and seriously consider ANWR--just think…”

“So for those who do not think it is worth another try-- that is, to have a vote and seriously consider ANWR--just think of the difference in economic impact on the United States of tying up that resource when we did it compared to now. Also, we were estimating only 1 million barrels of oil as the production per day. We have not upped that, brought that current for $120-a-barrel oil. It might very well be that it is more than a million barrels a day just based upon price because it would justify far more investment in that little 2,000-acre footprint. Clearly, with such an increase in price, you probably will get more. But I think some of the American people may have favored holding that 2,000 acres hostage and saying you cannot use it--they might have said, well, that is all right when it is $19 a barrel--but when we are suffering with $120-a-barrel oil, it may be a very close call even for those who have exaggerated in their dilemma and fear about ANWR. To say we can afford $19-a-barrel oil--lock it up--but should we lock it up for $120 a barrel is a very good question.”