BILL AUTHORIZES OIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION IN ALASKA

Washington, May 25, 2006 - "We import about 60 percent of our oil, much of it from the Middle East, and the Department of Energy projects this number will increase to 73 percent by the year 2025," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "This is an economic and national security threat. Oil production from Alaska is declining; opening this new area will keep our nation from falling farther behind."

The House today voted for H.R. 5429, the American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act, which will authorize oil and gas exploration in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Explained Stearns, " Exploration in ANWR will be limited to a small number of acres and conducted under the most stringent environmental protection requirements ever applied to a federal energy project. The production and development of ANWR would bring with it hundreds and thousands of new jobs, boosting the economies of Alaska and our nation. In addition, the bill contains an export ban on any oil produced in ANWR."

Congress voted to open ANWR 10 years ago, but President Clinton vetoed the legislation. "Had we opened ANWR then, it is estimated that it would be producing 1.5 million barrels a day, enough to replace all of our imports from Saudi Arabia. In addition, the people of Alaska support this bill, which will benefit them and all other Americans," concluded Stearns.