API Welcomes Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program in Alaska

WASHINGTON, August 17, 2020 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) issued the following statement in response to the Department of Interior’s approval of the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. The announcement follows a 2017 congressional mandate requiring the program, which will determine where and under what terms and conditions leasing will occur in the 1.56 million-acre Coastal Plain within the 19.3 million-acre ANWR.

“Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to unlocking Alaska’s energy potential, which will create good-paying jobs and provide a new revenue stream for the state,” API Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs Frank Macchiarola said. “This follows a rigorous environmental review process confirming the oil and natural gas industry’s ability to safely develop in ANWR and underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship. Our industry will continue to build on its long track record of partnering with wildlife organizations and local communities in the state to implement strong environmental protections while leveraging new technology to safely and responsibly develop these important energy resources.”  

In 2019, nearly 104,000 Alaska jobs were attributable to oil and natural gas investment and activity, which represents 32 percent of all Alaska jobs and 35 percent of all Alaska wages. The oil and natural gas industry has contributed over $150 billion to the state of Alaska through royalties and taxes, and provides the largest cash contribution to the Alaska Permanent Fund. Accessing energy resources in the Arctic will lead to further job and revenue growth for the state.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.