WASHINGTON – Senator Frank H. Murkowski (R-AK), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee released the following statement at the conclusion of today’s hearing on proposals regarding an Alaskan natural gas pipeline: “In testimony today, the Administration said that without a pending license application, the pipeline doesn’t demand immediate action. But they urged Chairman Bingaman that debate on a comprehensive energy bill does require our immediate efforts. “As our nation prepares for war, our President needs the tools to ensure our energy security. Today, much of our energy comes from the very part of the world in which we are about to do battle. We must ensure our energy security with solutions that begin and end here at home. The longer we wait, the greater the risk. “An Alaska gas pipeline is on the horizon. While the challenges will be great and the project immense, I am certain we are up to the task. When complete, the pipeline will be much more than just one of the world’s largest engineering projects. It will be a critical part of nation’s energy security.” ###