We all want a fair return. But I would again urge you to make sure that we are taking into account what we are paid for those initial leases.

So if in fact this is actually helped you, is there a reason that you didn't request extension of this authority in the budget this year?

the environmental standards are exceptionally high--and I think appropriately so. We want to make sure that we're taking care of the land there.

As the people of my State work to attract investment and create jobs, regulatory uncertainty is hampering those efforts.

Let me ask you a question about the standards that relate to the low sulphur fuel standards rules.

I would recommend you start alphabetically with the States.

It is imperative that we work with the executive branch to improve the efficiency and the quality of the programs.

So when we cut back on PILT, when we cut back on Secure Rural Schools program funding, there is no way to expand their tax base.

I feel really strongly about this, and I tell you I would not have this level of confidence if it was not based on just the work that has gone into this.

I share her desire to produce much more oil and gas in Alaska.

I am of the mind that the Interior Department needs to go back and actually calculate whether the consolidation of administrative functions is really worth pursuing.

So, has there been any assessment on the impact to small businesses that may be on the Federal lands?

So, are you suggesting then that the cost benefit analysis will still be coming to us?

we may be moving forward with some programs also in the Beaufort and the Chukchi Seas in Alaska

Okay. So we will await an update from you or from your staff. I thank you for that.

Well, we need to be working on this together, so I appreciate that.

Do we have any estimate on the number of jobs that we're talking about, the number of different economic activities that could be potentially delayed or held up because of this?

Do you worry that not only the Chugach National Forest, but the others, the other eight, might start revising their plan under this new rule, and then as we saw before, the rule gets thrown out in court.

I think it causes developers to look to develop on State and private lands before they would turn to our public lands.

The Healy Clean Coal Plant that we have been trying to get online since 1991 as an option for the residents in the interior to help them meet their energy needs.

It is a new beginning in our relationship with Indian country.

We are told that only 5 percent of the United States has been mapped using the same technologies.

As you know, we have more people that fly in Alaska than anywhere else in the country, and it's like the family minivan.

more people ask me questions about EPA than any other Federal agency out there.

Clearly very important to States like mine and to many on this panel.