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.”
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin gave her support to the measure.
“I strongly support environmentally responsible oil and gas development in the Coastal Plain of ANWR because production there would promote the economic and national security interests of the United States," Governor Palin commented. "The decision on how best to accomplish this objective rests with Congress. However, I would support any reasonable approach, even including the possibility of State ownership of the Coastal Plain, to facilitate production.”
“The important thing is that the Congress expeditiously authorize exploration and development in the most promising unexplored petroleum province in North America,” stated Palin. “If Congress elects to transfer the Coastal Plain of ANWR to the State, I promise, on an expedited basis, to initiate a program to explore and develop the petroleum resources located there, subject to safeguards designed to protect and preserve the natural resources of the Coastal Plain, including its fish and wildlife.”
According to a Dittman Research Poll, more than 75 percent of Alaskans support exploration and production on the Coastal Plain. Governor Palin sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on June 23, asking Congress to authorize oil and gas development on the Coastal Plain.
“The House of Representatives has voted 19 times on ANWR development since the 96th Congress – and yet none of these votes has led to the production of more domestic sources of oil,” Hall noted. “This Act would put this issue to rest by allowing Alaska to produce oil and gas on the Coastal Plain without the consent of Congress.”
New oil and gas production would produce more jobs for the entire country and ensure that U.S. dollars remain in the U.S. and not go to OPEC nations. A study from the National Defense Council Foundation indicates the figure could be as high as one million new jobs for Americans in all 50 States. The Congressional Research Service has predicted that at $145/barrel, production in ANWR would deliver more than $220 billion in corporate income taxes and royalty revenue.
Hall spoke on the House Floor on Wednesday evening and urged House leadership to allow this bill to move through the legislative process and come to the House Floor for a vote.
“Procrastinating has cost Americans dearly at the gas pump," Hall remarked. "We cannot afford to wait any longer. We have an energy crisis, and Americans need our help.”