Senate advances legislation to open portion of the Arctic National Wildlife section to energy development

The U.S. Senate recently advanced H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which includes a title that would open a portion of the non-wilderness 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for energy development.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, wrote the title.

“Tonight is a critical milestone in our efforts to secure Alaska’s future,” Murkowski said. “Opening the 1002 Area and tax reform both stand on their own, but combining them into the same bill, and then successfully passing that bill, makes this a great day to be an Alaskan. I thank all of the Senators who spent time learning about our opportunities and needs, and who joined us tonight in voting for Alaska. We are grateful for their support and eager to take the next steps for this pro-jobs, pro-growth, and pro-energy legislation.”

The title, written by Murkowski, Title II of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, establishes an environmentally protective oil and gas development program in the non-wilderness 1002 Area. It requires two lease sales required over the next 10 years.

“Today’s historic vote is yet another milestone in bringing us that much closer to realizing a decades-long dream of opening the 1002 area of ANWR,” Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) said. “Although there is still work to be done, I’m optimistic we will succeed on the merits of our policy and the passion of our people… Going forward, I will continue to work with Senator Murkowski and Congressman Young as a strong team for Alaska to at long last make this a reality for Alaska and the nation.”