ANCHORAGE – December 20, 2018 – The Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA) today applauded the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for releasing the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for ANWR leasing. “For decades, we have supported the idea of holding a lease sale in the 1002 area of ANWR,” said Kara Moriarty, AOGA president and CEO. “Today’s announcement is a critical first step in holding such a sale, and we appreciate the BLM’s diligence in preparing an objective environmental analysis. We welcome the opportunity to review the document and
participate in the important public process to come.”
After publishing in the Federal Register on Dec. 28, a 45-day public comment period on the ANWR EIS begins. Eventually, a competitive lease sale would occur, with plans for development and oil and gas production to follow.
It is unknown exactly how much oil sits below the surface of the 1002 area, but the most recent government estimate places the average economically recoverable number at approximately 8-10 billion barrels of oil. For reference, the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) has moved 17 billion barrels since oil started flowing from the North Slope more than 40 years ago. Development and production of ANWR’s oil would provide a significant boost to Alaska’s oil production, and inject billions of dollars in economic activity to the state. Alaskans have long supported the development of ANWR, a sentiment reflected in regular statewide public opinion polls.
AOGA is a professional trade association whose mission is to foster the long-term viability of the oil and gas industry in Alaska for the benefit of all Alaskans. Its 13 members represent the majority of oil and gas producers, explorers, refiners, transporters and marketers in Alaska. More information about AOGA can be found at www.aoga.org.
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