WASHINGTON, D.C.(August 13, 2012) – Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement today after the Department of Interior announced a proposed plan to allow for new oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) while protecting local wildlife and neighboring sensitive coastal areas.
 
“Today’s announcement shows that the Obama administration understands that exploration and conservation can go hand-in-hand in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. After considerable public input, the Interior Department’s proposed plan represents a balance that allows for appropriate oil and gas development while protecting some of our nation’s most vibrant and unique culture and wildlife. Harnessing America’s natural resources and keeping them here is good for our economy and national security. Under the Obama administration, domestic oil production is the highest it’s been in 18 years, and natural gas production is the highest it has ever been. Coupled with energy efficiency gains, this has reduced oil imports from 57 percent in 2008 to 45 percent today.”
 
###