Preserving energy security
December 12, 2005| By The Heritage Foundation
Interior Secretary Gale Norton talks to The Heritage Foundation about the need to drill for oil in Alaska.
The United States should open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton told The Heritage Foundation this morning.
This and other measures could help America implement a sound natural resources policy, which is essential to achieving the security of our nation’s energy supply, she said.
Congress continues to debate the issue of allowing oil production on a miniscule tract within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Opening ANWR to limited drilling has been strongly advocated by the Bush Administration and those who recognize the necessity of moving toward genuine national energy independence.
Objections to drilling in ANWR, mostly from environmentalists, have stymied efforts to open up the refuge ever since a 1980 change in federal law allowed for oil and gas exploration there.
Secretary Norton has long believed that energy production and environmental protection are not mutually excusive goals.
About this event
Relevant Heritage research
- Ben Lieberman, "Opening ANWR: Long Overdue," March 17, 2005
