"We always know it is about the balance."
"MMS does not collect or have access to the data necessary to determine the amount of revenue that would be generated from a royalty."
"I believe hard rock mines on Federal lands should pay a royalty."
"I think that we risk trading that reliance on foreign oil for a reliance on foreign minerals."
"The MMS does not maintain information on other Nation's take from hard rock mining operations."
"I think many of us feel that it has been exceptionally useful as a policy in spurring that production."
"I would like to hear whatever assurances you can give me as to the administration's interest in pursuing these and finalizing these conveyances."
"We have some issues. I'm sure that the Alaska BLM folks will be further briefing you, but I would love the opportunity to discuss with you and your staff here how we might further encourage the comple..."
"I think it's going to be very, very important as we move forward in this debate."
"I do believe that we will be more successful in coming up with appropriate mitigation for any projects that would be approved."
"We, in the State of Alaska, are celebrating our 50th anniversary of statehood."