Opening ANWR critical to U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness

WASHINGTON, November 9, 2017 – API welcomed legislation that would allow for safe and responsible natural gas and oil development in a small non-wilderness portion of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The legislation was released by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to be included as part of the budget reconciliation bill.   
 
“Safe and environmentally responsible energy development in the ANWR coastal plain holds great promise for our nation’s energy security and competitiveness throughout the world,” said API Upstream Director Erik Milito. “We commend Charmain Murkowski for her leadership on this important issue and look forward to working with Congress and the administration to continue harnessing our nation’s energy potential to benefit American consumers.

“Developing our resources in ANWR is supported by strong majorities of Alaskans, and would generate jobs, government revenue, and spur economic growth. The natural gas and oil industry has the technology and expertise, along with decades of experience, to safely develop our energy resources in the Arctic while protecting the surrounding environment. Responsible access to ANWR is also in our national security interest, with other nations like Russia, Canada and Norway already actively exploring the Arctic region.  
 
“Studies have shown the ANWR coastal plain holds the largest undeveloped conventional oil resources to be found in the U.S., and projections show that increased production over the long-term is exactly what we need to meet domestic and global demand. With eighty percent of U.S. voters supporting increased domestic oil and natural gas production, we should embrace our nation’s abundant energy resources and continue advancing the U.S. as a global energy leader.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.

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