Purpose: This bill would preserve the Arctic coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, as wilderness in recognition of its extraordinary natural ecosystems and for the permanent good of present and future generations of Americans.
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Status: Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Action: SUPPORT. Oil companies are attempting to open the pristine Arctic Refuge to oil drilling. However, oil from the Arctic Refuge would do nothing to alleviate the oil shortage nor will it solve our long-term energy needs. In fact, experts estimate that there is only a 6-month supply of recoverable oil in the Arctic Refuge, which does not even amount to 2% of U.S. demand at any one time. It would be a tragedy to destroy this extraordinary natural ecosystem.