Political Quotes

“Environmentally responsible development of ANWR will increase America's energy security and independence, create jobs, and provide affordable, reliable energy for consumers while providing much-needed revenue to both the State of Alaska and the Federal Government. While congressional authorization is required by law for any leasing in ANWR, I, along with my Republican colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee, believe that Alaska Natives should be able to exercise their right to develop minerals on their lands if they so choose. As the gentleman from Alaska has pointed out, Native Alaskans who actually live within ANWR fully support responsible development of their local energy resources. Who do we listen to? The people who actually live there or extreme environmental activists here in Washington? The oil and gas sector has historically served as a significant source of employment, revenue, and reliable energy for Alaska and Alaska Natives, and supports over 110,000 direct and indirect jobs. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to oppose this legislation, which, fortunately, will never become law.”