AK HCR3

Urges the governor to work with Congress to pass legislation opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain and Chukchi and Beaufort Seas to oil and gas exploration, development, and production.

Urges the governor and Legislative Budget and Audit Committee to work with Congress to prevent federal agencies from implementing regulations that would restrict the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with landscape protections equivalent to wilderness designations.

Urges the governor and attorney general to pursue all legal action to prevent federal agencies from blocking oil and gas leasing, exploration, and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain and the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.

Cites declining state revenue from North Slope oil production taxes and royalties and argues that development would generate funds for state services while creating jobs across all 50 states.

Notes the 1.5 million-acre coastal plain represents less than 8 percent of the 19 million-acre refuge and references existing directional drilling technology capable of minimizing environmental impact.