Alaska could contribute more to world's energy independence from Russia

It is anguishing to reflect on the current news coverage of the Russian assault on Ukraine. Most Americans feel a sense of guilt because of the humanitarian Injustice being done, and we want to provide some meaningful and timely assistance.

The contrast between the Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky is a stark and living reminder of the chasms between totalitarianism and democracy. Putin is a rabid dictator; Zelensky is a freely elected leader who is rallying his country to arms.

I believe it is time that Alaskans and all Americans come together to offer a potential solution that could have a meaningful impact as Russia continues its advances. I suggest that our congressional delegation speedily move to offer a Senate-House binding resolution to have our nation cease to purchase oil or gas from Russia.

I also encourage other free nations to join us in this effort.

As of last month, the U.S. was purchasing about 550,000 barrels of Russian oil and refined products per day, at a cost to consumers of about $50 million per day. As a matter of comparison, total production in the U.S. is 11 million barrels per day, Saudi Arabia about 10.6 million, and Russia about 10.5 million.

If other nations join with us, the Russian cash flow would come to a halt and I believe the Russia that we know today would no longer be a threat to the free world

Our government owns two large oil prospects in the northern Alaska. The first is the 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, which was established in 1923. Leases were sold and there is production occurring that flows into the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

The other area is in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The area covers some 19 million acres, about the size of the entire state of West Virginia. Congress designated within ANWR 8 million acres as wilderness, 9 million acres as a refuge, with 1.6 million acres for exploration and potential development.

A lease sale was held by the previous administration in 2020, and 11 of the 22 leases were sold. Even though the federal government received full payment for the leases, the current administration has now challenged the validity of the lease sale.

We have two major federal oil and gas sales with prospects for favorable production, but the ANWR leases are mired in litigation. If these leases had been allowed to proceed, the Alaska pipeline would likely be moving more oil. We might not be paying for Russian crude.

Alaska can contribute to our energy supply if given the opportunity. In the past, we have been too gullible in following those who proclaimed that we must totally cease oil exploration and production to halt greenhouse gasses and global warming.

The economics of the world rise and fall on energy. We should let those who promote alternative energies come forth now with substitutions and energy alternatives sufficient to replace the barrels we are importing from Russia. It will very likely save lives in the Ukraine. Let those environmentalists stand up and be counted.

In the meantime, we must take maximum advantage of the energy resources we possess. The constant barrage of petty lawsuits from the environmental community must not stand in the way of using American resources to create American energy independence. Strategic use of our existing resources will give us time to speed development and replacement by solar, wind, hydro and geothermal technologies.

By releasing Russia’s tight grip on our energy needs, we benefit our own future and that of the Ukrainian people. The balance of American energy can only contribute to the balance of political stability around the world, especially for our valiant friends in Ukraine.

Frank Murkowski served as governor of Alaska 2002-2006, and as U.S. senator for Alaska 1981-2002.

 

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