Alaska Natives in the North Slope say they are opposed to opening the shores of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development.

Inupiat Eskimos use the waters off ANWR to hunt for whales. The mayor of an Inupiat village said they have consistently opposed off-shore drilling. An Eskimo whaling captain said other communities along the North Slope will oppose drilling.

Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) said the development will occur on state waters, so Congressional approves is not needed. He said leases could be restricted so drilling won't interfere with the whaling season.

Get the Story:
Governor to offer leases off ANWR (The Anchorage Daily News 4/1)
State to offer ANWR coast leases (The Fairbanks Daily News-Mine 4/1)

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