Hall (TX04) - Press Release - Hall Introduces Bold Legislation To Transfer Coastal Plain Of ANWR To Alaska; Increasing Domestic Oil Production Will Reduce Gasoline Prices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Janet Poppleton
July 23, 2008

HALL INTRODUCES BOLD LEGISLATION TO TRANSFER COASTAL PLAIN OF ANWR TO ALASKA; Increasing Domestic Oil Production Will Reduce Gasoline Prices

WASHINGTON, D.C. ...Today Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX/4) introduced legislation to transfer the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to the State of Alaska for expeditious and environmentally responsible exploration and development of oil. This legislation would increase production of domestic oil and gas, help reduce the cost of gasoline, and help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. Hall introduced the New Resources for Domestic Consumption Act of 2008 (NRDC) with the support of over 40 initial cosponsors. The Act requires that any oil produced in this area of Alaska must be used for domestic consumption only and requires Alaska to pay to the United States 50 percent of all revenues generated from development of oil, natural gas and other natural resources. “This bill is totally different from the multiple attempts to drill on ANWR over the past 15 years,” Hall said. “I offer something different. I offer something that should appeal to anyone who believes in States’ Rights. This bill came to mind last week – when I said to myself – if we can’t drill in ANWR, let’s give it back to those who can and will.” “Developing just 2,000 acres on the Coastal Plain of the 20-million acre refuge could yield anywhere from 10 to 16 billion barrels of oil, which would equate to 25 to 30 years of Middle East imports,” Hall said. “Our national security and economic security depend on energy security. It’s time for Congress to act on behalf of all Americans by taking decisive action to increase domestic production.” “Alaska has a proven track record of production,” Hall stated. “In 10 years America’s largest oil field at Prudhoe Bay was discovered and developed, and the 800-mile Trans Alaska Pipeline was designed and constructed. The infrastructure is in place for expeditious and environmentally friendly production of oil, and the people of Alaska stand ready and willing to help.”

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