Bush tells troops ANWR exploration vital for security, jobs

Steve Sutherlin

Drilling for oil and gas in Alaska is in the national security interest, President George W. Bush told troops at Elmendorf Air Force Base Feb. 16 on a stopover in route to Japan, China and South Korea.

“Folks, we've got to find energy in our own country, and a great place to start is right here in the state of Alaska,” Bush said.

Bush said exploring for oil and gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a part of the administration’s national energy plan will lessen dependence on foreign sources of energy. Oil development in ANWR is good for working families, and it is necessary in addition to conservation measures, which are also included his energy plan, he said.

Bush said dire environmental damage predictions by critics of drilling were overblown.

“Listen, there's no doubt in my mind, there's no doubt in your governor's mind, there's no doubt in the congressional delegation's mind, there's no doubt in the minds of people who take a sound, scientific look at this that we can do so without endangering the environment; that we can find energy for America's people and, at the same time, preserve the beauty of Alaska, he said.

Bush said he intended on his trip to ask the Chinese leadership to honor its agreements for U.S. farmers and ranchers to be able to sell foodstuffs to China. But while opening foreign trade would create U.S. jobs, he said, oil development in Alaska will also create a significant number of jobs.

Bush said he appreciated the congressional delegation from Alaska, adding, “You've done a good job by putting good people in Washington, D.C.”