By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 4 -- Alaskan Gov. Frank H. Murkowski Mar. 3 applauded the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 2 urging the US Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration, development, and production.
"ANWR can provide a secure, dependable supply of oil to our nation—and jobs for Alaskans. Through technology, we can diversify our energy supply and protect our environment. Development of ANWR is important to Alaskans—and critical for the nation," said Murkowski.
The resolution, sponsored by the Senate Resources Committee, is awaiting transmittal to the governor.
A congressional delegation is slated to visit the North Slope this weekend. The delegation, led by Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM), includes Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alas.), Jim Bunning (Ky.), Bob Bennett (Utah), and John Thune (SD), as well as Sec. of Energy Samuel Bodman and Sec. of the Interior Gail Norton.
The group will visit Prudhoe Bay and Alpine oil fields, ANWR's coastal plain, and the village of Kaktovik.
