NEWS RELEASE

Posted: March, 19, 2003

BIDEN: SAVING THE ARCTIC AND ROTH PRIORITY

WASHINGTON – In a victory for the environment, U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. joined a bipartisan group of senators in blocking efforts that would have allowed for oil drilling in one of our nation’s last pristine natural areas, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).   

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the 1998 Geological Survey petroleum assessment report, drilling in ANWR would do enormous harm to rare animal and plant populations co-existing in the sensitive habitat, and would yield just a few months worth of U.S. oil supply. In addition, oil from ANWR would not be available for nearly a decade, having little or no effect on current oil and gasoline prices.  

“While all Americans agree we must move to lessen our dependence on foreign sources of energy, drilling in ANWR a decade from now will do nothing to address that important issue. It is a very short-sighted, small-yield solution that will have devastating long-term effects,” said Senator Biden.

 “Preserving what’s special about Alaska’s wilderness was one of former Senator Bill Roth’s highest priorities, and it’s one of mine, too.   I know Senator Roth, with whom I spoke on this issue often, would be pleased to know that we are continuing the fight to preserve the pristine landscape of Alaska’s coastal plain.”

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