WASHINGTON, D.C. – To gain a better understanding of the environmental impact increased oil and gas development will have on Alaska, Congresswoman Lois Capps will embark on a fact-finding mission to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) next week. The 1.5 million acre Coastal Plain of ANWR – one of the most pristine areas of the country – has repeatedly been targeted as a source of increased oil and gas development.
“I look forward to exploring ANWR and seeing for myself the delicate environment I have fought so passionately to protect,” said Capps. “The proposals pending in Congress are momentous. I want to see first-hand what lands will be impacted and how the local people will be affected. I have many questions on increased drilling proposals I hope will be answered during this trip.”
Capps will be embedded in the ANWR community for five days. She will have an aerial view of seismic exploration and exploratory drilling scars, oil fields, and pipelines; she will explore the tundra and observe local wildlife, and will even camp overnight on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge. Capps will also meet with the Gwich’in people – the indigenous people – who will discuss how drilling will impact them.
“ANWR is one of our nation’s most pristine areas,” said Capps. “Opening up this federal area to drilling would increase the possibility of drilling in other areas, like California’s Central Coast. While touring ANWR, I will be thinking how the proposals there can impact my district.”
Proposals to open up the Arctic Refuge for drilling would disturb the delicate ecosystems that comprise ANWR. Over 200 animal species inhabit the Coastal Plain. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called the Coastal Plain “the center for wildlife activity” for the entire refuge.
Capps has been opposed to drilling on federal lands because it will not reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil.
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