WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Frank H. Murkowski (R-AK), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement this afternoon after a meeting at which Senate Republican and Democrat energy bill conferees agreed to return to the bill again next year. “Time ran out, but the need for an energy bill has not. “Global events have changed significantly since this energy bill first got underway more than a year ago. The threat of a restless Saddam Hussein only makes the need for an energy bill more clear. We need a comprehensive, national energy plan to help reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. But there is bipartisan agreement that in the closing hours of this Congress there just is not enough time to finish this important task. “I remain convinced that in very near future, Congress will not only produce an energy package but that it will allow for the safe exploration of ANWR. “Chairman Billy Tauzin did a remarkable job guiding this conference. He delivered an impressive energy package in the House and had resolved the vast majority of issues before the Conference. I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to do the same here in the Senate. At every turn, he and his staff excelled. They have earned my highest respect and praise.” ###