The state of Alaska was joined by an Alaska Native corporation executive in pressing the Obama administration to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to exploratory development.

Gov. Sean Parnell (R) said the state is willing to provide $50 million toward the cost of exploration in ANWR. He asked Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to support the plan.

"The federal government has the responsibility to do this under federal law, but is clearly reluctant to do so," Parnell said in a press release. "Therefore, we are stepping forward with our expertise and financing to provide a detailed resource evaluation and exploration proposal.”

Rex Rock, the president and chief executive of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, spoke in Washington, D.C., in support of the plan. The corporation owns subsurface rights in the area of ANWR where development could occur. A village corporation owns the surface rights.

Alaska Natives who live just outside the refuge oppose development for fear it will harm caribou herds.

Get the Story:
Alaska announces plan to assess oil, gas potential at Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (AP 5/20)
State pushes offer to help pay for exploratory drilling in ANWR (The Anchorage Daily News 5/21)

Related Stories:
White House adviser reaffirms opposition to drilling in ANWR (03/20)