Begich Reacts to Lieberman Anti-ANWR Legislation

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today released the following statement following Sen. Joe Lieberman’s introduction of legislation to prohibit oil and gas exploration and drilling in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR):

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“Ain’t gonna happen,” Begich said.

Sen. Begich has been a staunch supporter of responsible oil and gas development in Alaska, noting Congress specifically set aside the 1.5 million acres along ANWR’s coastal plain for oil and gas exploration. The vast majority of ANWR is already off limits to development.

Begich also joined the rest of the Alaska Delegation last year in voicing strong opposition to an effort by the Obama Administration to review and consider designating further areas of ANWR as “wilderness.”

Sen. Lieberman has introduced legislation trying to block oil and gas exploration in ANWR 12 times since 1989. Begich said this effort will be unsuccessful, making it a dozen defeats for Lieberman’s bill.