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Authorizes $50 Million to Dept. of Interior for Oil and Gas Assessment Studies

Earlier this year, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell announced a proposal by the state of Alaska to conduct 3D seismic to assess the oil and gas potential of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) coastal plain. In his announcement, Gov. Parnell pledged up to $50 million dollars from the state to aid the Department of Interior in financing the study. 

In support of Governor Parnell’s proposal, the House Natural Resources Committee today passed H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act, which includes language requiring the Secretary of Interior to provide up to $50 million in matching funding for joint projects with states interested in oil and gas resource assessments on federal lands.

“I am pleased by the efforts of the Natural Resources Committee today to pass H.R. 1965, which included an amendment containing this authorization of funds to aid Governor Parnell’s proposal,” Rep. Young.  “As I have said before, I applaud Governor Parnell for his continued leadership on developing ANWR and I am pleased to support his innovative proposal through the federal matching funds provided in this legislation, which builds on the generous funding the State has already offered to move this plan forward.”

H.R. 1965 was passed out of the full House Natural Resources Committee, and will now head to the House floor for full consideration.

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