On March 16, 2005, George Allen voted in favor of developing our Nation’s energy resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The 51-49 vote in the Senate was to be the first step in allowing the United States to start drilling for the estimated 17 billion barrels of oil and 34 trillion cubic feet of natural gas believed to be beneath ANWR. George Allen praised the vote saying:
“This vote is a great victory for the people of America. The high prices of gasoline and natural gas are negatively affecting our transportation costs and the costs for people to heat their homes.
“There are three reasons why developing energy resources on the North Slope of Alaska will be good for the American people. Number one is security. We are overly dependent on foreign sources of energy…Second, oil and gas extraction in ANWR will provide new jobs…Thirdly, we must improve our competitiveness. This country needs to have a reliable, affordable source of energy, whether that is oil or natural gas.”
Despite the Senate’s action, ANWR drilling remains blocked today. George Allen continues to believe that for American jobs, competitiveness and our national security we must unleash our plentiful resources and creativity. Drilling in ANWR is a key component to a diverse American energy plan that encourages conservation and innovation; and utilizes all of our plentiful resources including clean coal technology, natural gas, and oil.
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