Statement from Alaska Chamber on ANWR decision - bad for Alaska and the nation

Anchorage, AK – The Alaska Chamber supports sustainable, environmentally conscience economic growth in Alaska and opposes President Obama’s plan to block millions of acres of the nation's richest oil and gas prospects in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Alaska’s economic well-being is intricately intertwined with the Arctic, as recognized in the long battle to become part of the United States and in subsequent negotiations in Congress preserving Alaskan’s ability to contribute to the union, and provide a strong economy for Alaskans.

The President’s announcement yesterday begins to unveil his Arctic policy – unsympathetically ripping the economic carpet out from under Alaskans and the nation. Not since President Carter’s unprecedented use of the Antiquities Act in 1978 has an administration so aggressively attempted to cripple the Alaska economy. The President’s plan puts the remaining eight percent of ANWR off limits when more than 90 percent is already permanently protected.

Just last week in his State of the Union address, President Obama told the nation that “…the idea that this country does best when everyone gets their fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. We don't just want everyone to share in America's success – we want everyone to contribute to our success.”

Except for Alaska and Alaskans – apparently.

Actions speak louder than words Mr. President. The Chamber will join Alaskans and U.S. citizens from across the country to preserve Alaska’s opportunity to “contribute to our success” as a nation.
 

The Alaska Chamber, a private, non-profit corporation, operating since 1952, works to promote a positive business environment in Alaska. The Alaska Chamber is the voice of small and large business across the state with a Board of Directors comprised of 80 members representing all regions of the state. For more information visit alaskachamber.com.