WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman Frank H. Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement regarding proposals to allow for the exploration of oil in a small portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). “Bipartisan support for ANWR remains strong, as does my commitment to give ANWR the debate and the vote it deserves. But I’m concerned that Senator Daschle wants to return to the failed energy policies of the past rather than energy solutions for the future. He is pursuing an ‘agenda of no.’ “ANWR is neither a Republican nor a Democrat issue – it is a solution that we all must recognize will bring stability and security to our energy supply. Regardless of who leads the Senate or who chairs this committee, the fact remains that ANWR is an important part of the solution to America’s energy crisis. Along with conservation and efficiency, increasing domestic production is one of the three foundations of a comprehensive national energy strategy. Any plan that fails to include all three will fail to solve this crisis. “In 1992, the Senate Energy Committee passed a comprehensive, balanced energy strategy. In its 16 different titles, the bill increased CAFE standards, allowed for the exploration of ANWR, promoted conservation, encouraged efficiency, and developed renewable energy. But by the time Congress was finished with the bill ANWR was out, CAFE was out – it was no longer balanced, it was no longer comprehensive. The legacy of that bill lives on in today’s energy crisis and low-flow toilets.” ###