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Murkowski sees Sen. Miller’s endorsement of ANWR as sign tide is turning
Steve Sutherlin PNA Managing Editor
Sen. Frank Murkowski told Commonwealth North Jan. 15 he is encouraged by prospects for ANWR development.
“The prognosis, in my opinion, is very optimistic,” Murkowski said, adding that people see the reality of the energy situation and the need for domestic supply.
Murkowski said a Jan. 9 editorial in the Chicago Tribune was supportive of ANWR exploration.
“Now I wish we could turn the Washington Post and the New York Times around,” he said.
Murkowski also wished for more Democratic votes to assure the 60 percent margin needed to pass ANWR development if threatened filibusters materialize. He said the percentage of supporters in the Senate was in the “mid-fifties.”
A Democrat comes aboard Murkowski said the most recent good news came when Sen. Zell Miller, D-Ga., spoke in favor of ANWR development to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Jan 14.
Miller said the country is in trouble with where it gets energy, how much it gets and how much it costs.
“We need a solution that is broad based with a strong focus on conservation and efficiency. We also need new technology in clean coal. We need to rethink the great potential of nuclear power, and we need more investment to increase domestic energy production,” Miller said, “That could include resources found in a small part of northern Alaska known as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
“I have personally met with the Native people who live in the area — they overwhelmingly support exploration.
“When the Senate takes up the energy bill — hopefully beginning a few weeks from now — I will vote for a bill that is comprehensive, emphasizes conservation and, after much study and thought, I will vote to include oil exploration in ANWR. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that it is essential for the future energy needs of this country.”
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