Republicans up in the air over oil production

House Republicans held a press conference to discuss their trip to Alaska and Colorado on the American Energy Tour. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) noted that oil production in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska has declined, chastising Democrats for standing in the way of Congressional progress on energy issues. According to Boehner, Republicans embrace a holistic energy strategy that includes drilling, conservation, and increasing the development of oil alternatives.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) noted the importance of Alaska’s infrastructure, saying 17 percent of the continental United States’ oil travels through Alaskan pipelines. When questioned on short term oil production increases, Boehner cited a report that says new drilling could begin in Alaska in as little as six months. After flying over the region, Boehner stated there there is little topographical difference between the National Petroluem Reserve - Alaska (NPR-A,) where drilling currently takes place, and the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR.) He then questioned Democrats’ support for drilling in the NPR-A, contrasting this support with adamant Democratic opposition to drilling for oil in ANWR.

Boehner added that drilling leaves few environmental footprints, noting technological advances that have made oil production more efficient. In her statement, Rep. Mary Fallin (R-Okla.) said wildlife and drilling can co-exist, recalling the presence of caribou along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and warnings of aggressive polar bears in the region.