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52874620
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ANWR [Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]
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52874620
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ANWR [Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]
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Records of the Office of the Press Secretary (Clinton Administration)
Mike McCurry's Files
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FOIA Number: 2011-0586-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Press Secretary
Series/Staff Member:
Mike McCurry
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
11102
FolderID:
Folder Title:
ANWR [Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
94
3
10
1
2-29-96
Press Guidance
February 29, 1996
ANWR
Background: The President yesterday met with the Alaska Congressional Delegation:
Senator Frank Murkowski, Senator Ted Stevens and Representative Don Young. In
addition to discussing issues of mutual interest such as salmon and the Everglades -- the
Delegation asked the President to reconsider his opposition to opening the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to drilling. While the President did not agree to
reconsider, some of Senator Murkowski's comments were misconstrued by reporters as
indication that the POTUS might be open to such a change.
The President had a cordial meeting with the Alaska Delegation. He
listened politely and carefully to their concerns. He did not indicate any
willingness to change his standing on the ANWR, nor has he changed
position.
The President is opposed to drilling in ANWR. His position on this issue
has been clear since the campaign.
Most recently (10/26/95), the President wrote Senator Joseph Lieberman
outlining his views on the issue. In the letter he stated, "I will veto any
reconciliation bill that opens ANWR to drilling this is one of the most
significant environmental votes facing Congress, posing a clear choice
between protecting unique, biologically-rich wilderness and pursuing a
misguided energy policy." (See attached)
His opposition to drilling in this invaluable refuge is consistent with his
commitment to preserve places of natural beauty and ecological
importance so that we can pass America's splendor to our children.
Drafted by April Mellody
Approved Brian Johnson, CEQ
02/29/96 THU 10:56 FAX
4
002
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 26, 1995
Dear Joe:
Thank you for your letter today seeking my views
on striking the provision in the reconciliation bill
that would open the coastal plain of the Arctic
National wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas
drilling.
Because you stated that the Senate is expected
to vote on that motion in the near future, let me be
clear: I will vato any reconciliation bill that
opens ANWR to drilling. Consequently, I strongly
support your and your colleagues' efforts to remove
this provision from the bill. In my view, this is
one of the most significant environmental votes
facing Congress, posing a clear choice between
protecting a unique, biologically-rich wilderness and
pursuing a misguided energy policy.
I appreciate and support your efforts to
preserve ANNR.
Sincerely,
Bin
The Honorable Joseph I. Lieberman
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
02/29/96 THU 10:56 FAX
003
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
STATE
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
THE DIRECTOR
September 21, 1995
Honorable Don Young
Chairman
Committee on Resources
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I am writing to alert you that, if Congress sends the President a reconciliation bill
that includes language to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
(ANWR) to oil and gas drilling, he will veto the bill. Let me explain why.
President Clinton and his senior advisors have stated many times that we should
prohibit oil drilling in this biologically-rich wilderness and work instead to protect its coastal
plain, while ensuring that Native Americans can use these lands for traditional hunting and
fishing. Opening this coastal plain to oil and gas development would impact these pristine
lands in several adverse ways: bringing in exploratory drilling and construction activities;
building and staffing permanent operating facilities; and constructing and operating a
pipeline to connect to the TransAlaska Pipeline System. Each stage would bring physical
disturbances of the area, risks of oil spills and pollution, and long-term damage that would
impair wildlife for decades or centuries.
The Refuge is the last protected fragment of Alaska's Arctic Slope, comprising a
pristine, unique ecosystem that is home to hundreds of plant and animal species. It
contains 18 major rivers and is home to 36 species of land mammals, nine marine mammal
species, and over 30 fish species. This area is also the most important calving area for the
international porcupine carlbou herd. Studies have shown, for example, that opening this
area to oil and gas development would lead to serious threats to the caribou herd and to
its habitat in the coastal plain. Those impacts would potentially violate a 1987 joint U.S.-
Canada agreement to protect the porcupine caribou, its habitat and the native peoples who
depend on the herd to live and maintain their cultural heritage.
The President has considered the full range of options to protect the Refuge from
oil and gas drilling, and believes this action at this time is the most effective step that can
be taken to preserve this unique area. At the same time, he remains committed to
working with Congress to provide permanent protection for the Refuge.
Sincerely,
Alice M. Rivlin
Director
Identical letters sent to Honorable George Miller,
Honorable Frank Murkowski and Honorable J. Bennett Johnston
02/29/96 THU 10:57 FAX
05/23/95 12:53
202 2085533
004
E
002/002
STREET SHE
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
yar
MAY 23 1995
Honorable William V. Roth, Jr.
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Roth.
You have asked for a clarification of the Administration's views regarding oil and gas
development of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The Administration strongly opposes oil and gas exploration and development on the coastal
plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. President Clinton articulated this position
during his 1992 Presidential campaign.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the only conservation unit that protects, in an
undisturbed condition, a complete spectrum of the Arctic ecosystems in North America. The
coastal plain is the most biologically productive part of the refuge for wildlife and is the
center of wildlife activity. The wildlife and wilderness values of the coastal plain constitute a
unique and irreplaceable resource for our nation and for all future generations of Americans.
Exploration for and development of oil and gas is not compatible with these unique wildlife
and wilderness resources.
In broader terms, this Administration has been and will continue to be supportive of the
development of domestic U.S. oil and gas resources. As you are aware, under current law.
virtually the entire Alaska north slope is available for such development, with the exception
of the 110-mile coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
For these reasons, the President and I strongly oppose including revenues in the budget
resolution based on oil and gas leasing within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Sincerely.
RoBullitt