Issue Position: Energy & Environment - Drilling

Issue Position

Drilling

I am concerned that drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) or the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) will threaten some of our nation's most pristine wilderness. ANWR is home to caribou, a sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and waterfowl, and home to 260 Inupiat natives. Further, drilling in the OCS exposes our air, water, and wildlife to the potential oil and gas spills, pollution, and land damage.

Some Members of Congress who support increased domestic energy production have argued that opening up ANWR and the OCS for oil and gas drilling is necessary for our country to become energy independent. However, it is well documented that oil supplies from these locations will not reduce America's reliance on foreign oil producers. It is estimated that ANWR has approximately 10.4 billion barrels of oil, and most of this oil will not be delivered to consumers for 10 years. Moreover, 80 percent of the oil available on the Outer Continental Shelf is already open for leasing, but the oil companies have not decided it is worth their money to drill there.

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