U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska issued the following statement today after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for an oil and gas lease sale in the federal waters of Alaska’s Cook Inlet in 2021.

“Responsible energy development in Cook Inlet has powered thousands of Southcentral homes and businesses for decades,” Murkowski said. “Continued production is essential to Alaska’s economy and will ensure lights and heat stays on during our cold winter months. I’m pleased to see the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management taking the first steps toward a Cook Inlet lease sale in 2021, which was initially approved as part of the Obama administration’s 2017-2022 plan.”

The announcement initiates a public scoping period for the EIS and solicitation for areas of leasing interest until October 13, 2020. Submissions will assist BOEM in identifying tracts to offer for lease and preparing its environmental analysis for the proposed sale.

Murkowski is Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.