Nancy L. Johnson: “Mr. Chairman, today's vote really is about our values, the ability to balance the value we place on critical…”

“Mr. Chairman, today's vote really is about our values, the ability to balance the value we place on critical environmental resources, unique ecosystems supporting literally hundreds of thousands of species of animals, birds and fishes, and the value we place on a little more oil. Choices must be made and there are good alternatives to the small amount of economically recoverable oil in the refuge. But there are no alternatives for those who depend on its ecosystem, nor for the refuge as a unique national natural resource. Alternatives? You bet there are alternatives. In the Alaska National Petroleum Reserve area, there are over 50 million undeveloped acres available for oil drilling. There is a proposed notice of sale for 9.8 million acres in the Beaufort Sea. The State of Alaska is planning to hold annual lease sales covering 14.1 million acres of land. In addition to all these undeveloped lands available for drilling in Alaska and that region, there are also alternative sources of energy. Fuel cells. There are new technologies that would give us more miles per gallon. That are excellent alternatives to drilling in this pristine area. There are no alternatives to preserving the ecological vitality and integrity of this region.”