“Later today, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on opening up Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration. As I have during past votes on this issue, I intend to vote "No" to drilling in ANWR.

“Government experts have estimated that ANWR reserves would only provide enough oil for six months of U.S. oil consumption. In addition, the oil industry itself has estimated that it would take 10 years to bring this oil to the market.

“Simply put, drilling in ANWR would be expensive, environmentally devastating, and would do very little to fix our energy crisis or to bring down the price of oil and gasoline.

“There are no easy or quick fixes to solve our energy problems. That is precisely why we need to put forth smart, bold, innovative plans and ideas. America is home to the best and brightest workers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. We have the technology and the capabilities, and the workforce, to solve this problem - now we need to make the commitment.

“In Congress, I am a strong supporter of the New Apollo Energy Act. This plan would help to establish our energy independence, create jobs, and provide cleaner, reliable, and more affordable energy. Among other things, this proposal would require that within ten years, 15 percent of America's electricity needs be met with renewable energy sources and that U.S demands for oil be reduced by three million barrels by 2020.

“I will keep standing up to protect ANWR and to move America forth on a real plan for energy independence.”

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