U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, released the following statement after Apache Corp. announced the closure of its Alaska operations.

“This announcement reflects the current state of the oil and gas industry across the world and the United States, not just Alaska,” Murkowski said. “We appreciate Apache’s investment in our state, and look forward to working with the company again in the future, to explore and produce Alaska’s prolific oil and gas resources.”

Murkowski, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, also noted that the federal government should do more to ensure that American oil and gas companies remain productive. 

“Especially with prices low, it is time for the federal government to increase access to resources in our federal areas, streamline the burdensome permitting process, and provide clear, predictable rules,” Murkowski said.