3/16/2005
Senate Votes to Sacrifice Arctic Refuge for Oil
Nancy Pelosi:
By a razor-thin margin, the U.S. Senate voted today to sacrifice the majestic Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for an insignificant amount of oil. Despite public opposition, the Administration and Republicans in Congress pushed a flawed energy plan that opens the Refuge to drilling - threatening the habitat of more than 200 species and doing little to encourage energy independence. Drilling in the Arctic is the wrong answer to the energy challenges that America faces.
For all Americans who love the wilderness and treasure our natural resources, this is a sad day. But the fight is not over. Democrats are committed to protecting America's most pristine national wildlife refuge and promoting an environmentally sound energy policy that invests in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Working together, we can leave the next generation of Americans with a responsible energy plan that decreases our dependence on foreign oil and protects our nation's wild lands and creatures.
Full Version: Senate Votes to Sacrifice
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Energy Independence, Environment, Science and Technology > Energy, Environment, Science and Technology Issues Archive
NRDC's EARTH ACTION:
The Bulletin for Environmental Activists
March 16, 2005
1. ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Yesterday we sent an emergency alert asking you to urge your senators to vote
to remove language from the budget resolution that would allow oil drilling in
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You swamped the Senate with almost 30,000
messages in just a few hours, but we are heartbroken to have to report that,
just a few hours ago, the effort to remove the Arctic drilling provision failed
by a vote of 49-51.
The following is a statement by NRDC's legislative director Karen
Wayland: "Drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge won't make a dent in gas
prices at the pump or break our dependence on Middle East oil. This was really
a vote for Big Oil, not for the solid majority of Americans who oppose turning
America's last great wilderness into a vast, polluted oil field. President Bush
and his Senate allies resorted to a sneaky budget maneuver to get their way.
Now, Congress is one step closer to trading away an irreplaceable national
treasure for a few drops of oil that we wouldn't see for a decade or more. If
the oil industry can drill in the Arctic Refuge, then no place, no matter how
pristine, will be safe. But there is still have a lot of political tundra to
cross before this fight is over. We'll keep battling them every step of the
way."
Although this is a hugely discouraging loss for all of us, as Karen notes, the
battle is far from over. We'll be in touch very soon to let you know the next
time we need you to raise your voice in defense of this national treasure
(thankfully, Congress is about to recess for the next two weeks, so we all have
time to catch our breaths as we prepare for the next round). Thanks to each and
every one of you for your continued help and support in this fight.
The Bulletin for Environmental Activists
March 16, 2005
1. ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Yesterday we sent an emergency alert asking you to urge your senators to vote
to remove language from the budget resolution that would allow oil drilling in
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You swamped the Senate with almost 30,000
messages in just a few hours, but we are heartbroken to have to report that,
just a few hours ago, the effort to remove the Arctic drilling provision failed
by a vote of 49-51.
The following is a statement by NRDC's legislative director Karen
Wayland: "Drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge won't make a dent in gas
prices at the pump or break our dependence on Middle East oil. This was really
a vote for Big Oil, not for the solid majority of Americans who oppose turning
America's last great wilderness into a vast, polluted oil field. President Bush
and his Senate allies resorted to a sneaky budget maneuver to get their way.
Now, Congress is one step closer to trading away an irreplaceable national
treasure for a few drops of oil that we wouldn't see for a decade or more. If
the oil industry can drill in the Arctic Refuge, then no place, no matter how
pristine, will be safe. But there is still have a lot of political tundra to
cross before this fight is over. We'll keep battling them every step of the
way."
Although this is a hugely discouraging loss for all of us, as Karen notes, the
battle is far from over. We'll be in touch very soon to let you know the next
time we need you to raise your voice in defense of this national treasure
(thankfully, Congress is about to recess for the next two weeks, so we all have
time to catch our breaths as we prepare for the next round). Thanks to each and
every one of you for your continued help and support in this fight.
QUOTE(nnrecrut @ Mar 16 2005, 06:08 PM)
NRDC's EARTH ACTION:
The Bulletin for Environmental Activists
March 16, 2005
1. ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Yesterday we sent an emergency alert asking you to urge your senators to vote
to remove language from the budget resolution that would allow oil drilling in
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You swamped the Senate with almost 30,000
messages in just a few hours, but we are heartbroken to have to report that,
just a few hours ago, the effort to remove the Arctic drilling provision failed
by a vote of 49-51.
The following is a statement by NRDC's legislative director Karen
Wayland: "Drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge won't make a dent in gas
prices at the pump or break our dependence on Middle East oil. This was really
a vote for Big Oil, not for the solid majority of Americans who oppose turning
America's last great wilderness into a vast, polluted oil field. President Bush
and his Senate allies resorted to a sneaky budget maneuver to get their way.
Now, Congress is one step closer to trading away an irreplaceable national
treasure for a few drops of oil that we wouldn't see for a decade or more. If
the oil industry can drill in the Arctic Refuge, then no place, no matter how
pristine, will be safe. But there is still have a lot of political tundra to
cross before this fight is over. We'll keep battling them every step of the
way."
Although this is a hugely discouraging loss for all of us, as Karen notes, the
battle is far from over. We'll be in touch very soon to let you know the next
time we need you to raise your voice in defense of this national treasure
(thankfully, Congress is about to recess for the next two weeks, so we all have
time to catch our breaths as we prepare for the next round). Thanks to each and
every one of you for your continued help and support in this fight.
The Bulletin for Environmental Activists
March 16, 2005
1. ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Yesterday we sent an emergency alert asking you to urge your senators to vote
to remove language from the budget resolution that would allow oil drilling in
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You swamped the Senate with almost 30,000
messages in just a few hours, but we are heartbroken to have to report that,
just a few hours ago, the effort to remove the Arctic drilling provision failed
by a vote of 49-51.
The following is a statement by NRDC's legislative director Karen
Wayland: "Drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge won't make a dent in gas
prices at the pump or break our dependence on Middle East oil. This was really
a vote for Big Oil, not for the solid majority of Americans who oppose turning
America's last great wilderness into a vast, polluted oil field. President Bush
and his Senate allies resorted to a sneaky budget maneuver to get their way.
Now, Congress is one step closer to trading away an irreplaceable national
treasure for a few drops of oil that we wouldn't see for a decade or more. If
the oil industry can drill in the Arctic Refuge, then no place, no matter how
pristine, will be safe. But there is still have a lot of political tundra to
cross before this fight is over. We'll keep battling them every step of the
way."
Although this is a hugely discouraging loss for all of us, as Karen notes, the
battle is far from over. We'll be in touch very soon to let you know the next
time we need you to raise your voice in defense of this national treasure
(thankfully, Congress is about to recess for the next two weeks, so we all have
time to catch our breaths as we prepare for the next round). Thanks to each and
every one of you for your continued help and support in this fight.
Cheer up. One to two hundred years from now, when the oil is long gone, the wilderness will have recovered. In the short term, we will soon find out who was right about the oil and the wilderness and that will be a good thing. Either there is enough oil there for decades or there isn't. Either the environment will be destroyed or it won't. Within ten to 20 years, we'll know.
If there isn't enough oil there to have made it worth while to create the pipe line and do all the drilling, well, profits will suffer and the oil companies will take the hit - as will we all because of the lost time we could have spent on workable alternatives such as diesel made from vegetation - but, what the heck. When the oil is all gone, I'm sure environmentalists will go in and take out the pipeline, right?
QUOTE(marijam @ Mar 16 2005, 07:30 PM)
Cheer up. One to two hundred years from now, when the oil is long gone, the wilderness will have recovered. In the short term, we will soon find out who was right about the oil and the wilderness and that will be a good thing. Either there is enough oil there for decades or there isn't. Either the environment will be destroyed or it won't. Within ten to 20 years, we'll know.
If there isn't enough oil there to have made it worth while to create the pipe line and do all the drilling, well, profits will suffer and the oil companies will take the hit - as will we all because of the lost time we could have spent on workable alternatives such as diesel made from vegetation - but, what the heck. When the oil is all gone, I'm sure environmentalists will go in and take out the pipeline, right?
If there isn't enough oil there to have made it worth while to create the pipe line and do all the drilling, well, profits will suffer and the oil companies will take the hit - as will we all because of the lost time we could have spent on workable alternatives such as diesel made from vegetation - but, what the heck. When the oil is all gone, I'm sure environmentalists will go in and take out the pipeline, right?
Wrong, If you look at the bill you will find that the american tax payer is paying to locate the deposits of oil. The oil companies only have to pay to drill and remove the american public foots the rest of the cost...
Alaskans Wary of Vote on Oil Drilling
Updated 2:27 PM ET March 17, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...88stka80&src=ap
By MATT VOLZ
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The tiny north coast town of Kaktovik officially supports responsible development of oil and gas. But many reacted warily to the Senate vote to allow drilling in their back yard.
Even with just 284 residents, Kaktovik is the largest town on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's coastal plain. Mayor Lon Sonsalla said just about everyone has concerns about changes that could accompany any work in the 1.5 million-acre stretch, where billions of barrels of crude oil are believed to rest beneath the tundra.
"We are now given notice that we have to be on our toes," said the mayor said.
A scant majority of the Senate agreed Wednesday to allow oil and gas development on the state's northern coast.
Sonsalla said his town, 850 miles from Juneau and more than 3,000 from Washington, must have a say in developing the rules for oil and gas work in the refuge, and residents' access to traditional hunting and fishing areas must be preserved.
Fenton Rexford, tribal administrator of the Native village of Kaktovik, agreed. The Inupiat village's traditional lands are governed separately from the city of Kaktovik.
Rexford said the tribal government's responsibility is to protect traditional hunting and camping areas and cemeteries.
"There's monetary value and then there is value as far as subsistence sites, camping sites, fishing sites," he said.
Reaction to the Senate vote by the state's political leaders was enthusiastic. For decades, Alaskan politicians have urged Congress to open the refuge to drilling. Those calls grew louder with the decline of oil moving through the trans-Alaska pipeline in recent years.....
Updated 2:27 PM ET March 17, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...88stka80&src=ap
By MATT VOLZ
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The tiny north coast town of Kaktovik officially supports responsible development of oil and gas. But many reacted warily to the Senate vote to allow drilling in their back yard.
Even with just 284 residents, Kaktovik is the largest town on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's coastal plain. Mayor Lon Sonsalla said just about everyone has concerns about changes that could accompany any work in the 1.5 million-acre stretch, where billions of barrels of crude oil are believed to rest beneath the tundra.
"We are now given notice that we have to be on our toes," said the mayor said.
A scant majority of the Senate agreed Wednesday to allow oil and gas development on the state's northern coast.
Sonsalla said his town, 850 miles from Juneau and more than 3,000 from Washington, must have a say in developing the rules for oil and gas work in the refuge, and residents' access to traditional hunting and fishing areas must be preserved.
Fenton Rexford, tribal administrator of the Native village of Kaktovik, agreed. The Inupiat village's traditional lands are governed separately from the city of Kaktovik.
Rexford said the tribal government's responsibility is to protect traditional hunting and camping areas and cemeteries.
"There's monetary value and then there is value as far as subsistence sites, camping sites, fishing sites," he said.
Reaction to the Senate vote by the state's political leaders was enthusiastic. For decades, Alaskan politicians have urged Congress to open the refuge to drilling. Those calls grew louder with the decline of oil moving through the trans-Alaska pipeline in recent years.....
Issue One: Drilling for oil in ANWR
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05079/473936.stm
Not the answerThe U.S. Senate has taken a step toward turning part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge into an oil field ("Senate Blesses Drilling in Refuge," March 17). At its peak in 2025, oil extracted from ANWR will supply only 1 percent of U.S. oil consumption.
Alternatively, including our sport utility vehicles in the corporate average fuel economy standards would save a comparable amount of oil while reducing pollution and global warming, advancing alternative fuel technology and saving consumers a little money.
Raising CAFE standards would go much further in reducing our dependence on Persian Gulf oil sources (the motivation behind two Gulf wars) without adversely affecting our environment. Only the oil companies and their stockholders will benefit from ANWR drilling.
Once again, this administration proves its concern is more for the health of its corporate sponsors than for the health of our citizens, our wildlife or our planet.
----------------------
Selfish votes
I was very disappointed to read that both of our senators, Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum, voted to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling for oil. Actually, I was not surprised that Santorum voted to defile the last pristine area of the United States in an attempt to satiate the gluttonous appetite of the modern American for oil.
I was surprised that Sen. Specter voted for drilling. I am saddened that our society is so selfish that we have to use everything for ourselves and that we leave nothing for our children and the future.
----------------------
Their true interests
Sens. Arlen Specter's and Rick Santorum's votes in favor of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are another indicator of their shortsighted devotion to special interests, the profitable and the short term. Pennsylvania is represented by two men who, like their party, appear indifferent to the true long-term interests of our country: certainly not a few months' worth of oil. Ultimately, it's not about the wilderness -- it's about the attitude.
-------------
Headline hyperbole
I object to the misleading headline "Senate Blesses Drilling in Refuge" (March 17). It's bad enough that 51 shortsighted individuals voted to approve drilling, but you make it look even worse by saying that the Senate "blessed" this decision. A more appropriate headline would have been "Drilling in Refuge Narrowly Approved by Senate." Thank God that PG editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers still has the spine to show the truth about our so-called energy policy.
Political cartoon
Arctic Refuge
Thursday, March 17, 2005
http://www.post-gazette.com/robrogers/
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05079/473936.stm
Not the answerThe U.S. Senate has taken a step toward turning part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge into an oil field ("Senate Blesses Drilling in Refuge," March 17). At its peak in 2025, oil extracted from ANWR will supply only 1 percent of U.S. oil consumption.
Alternatively, including our sport utility vehicles in the corporate average fuel economy standards would save a comparable amount of oil while reducing pollution and global warming, advancing alternative fuel technology and saving consumers a little money.
Raising CAFE standards would go much further in reducing our dependence on Persian Gulf oil sources (the motivation behind two Gulf wars) without adversely affecting our environment. Only the oil companies and their stockholders will benefit from ANWR drilling.
Once again, this administration proves its concern is more for the health of its corporate sponsors than for the health of our citizens, our wildlife or our planet.
----------------------
Selfish votes
I was very disappointed to read that both of our senators, Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum, voted to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling for oil. Actually, I was not surprised that Santorum voted to defile the last pristine area of the United States in an attempt to satiate the gluttonous appetite of the modern American for oil.
I was surprised that Sen. Specter voted for drilling. I am saddened that our society is so selfish that we have to use everything for ourselves and that we leave nothing for our children and the future.
----------------------
Their true interests
Sens. Arlen Specter's and Rick Santorum's votes in favor of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are another indicator of their shortsighted devotion to special interests, the profitable and the short term. Pennsylvania is represented by two men who, like their party, appear indifferent to the true long-term interests of our country: certainly not a few months' worth of oil. Ultimately, it's not about the wilderness -- it's about the attitude.
-------------
Headline hyperbole
I object to the misleading headline "Senate Blesses Drilling in Refuge" (March 17). It's bad enough that 51 shortsighted individuals voted to approve drilling, but you make it look even worse by saying that the Senate "blessed" this decision. A more appropriate headline would have been "Drilling in Refuge Narrowly Approved by Senate." Thank God that PG editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers still has the spine to show the truth about our so-called energy policy.
Political cartoon
Arctic Refuge
Thursday, March 17, 2005
http://www.post-gazette.com/robrogers/
Here are the 3 key democrates that failed us...
Akaka, Daniel senator@akaka.senate.gov D HI (808) 522-8970 (808) 545-4683 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 3-106 Box 50144 Honolulu, HI 96850
Inouye, Daniel http://inouye.senate.gov/webform.html D HI (202) 224-3934 202-224-6747 722 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
Landrieu, Mary http://landrieu.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm D LA (202) 24-5824 (202) 224-9735 724 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
reference - http://members.cox.net/derfledermaus/us_cong.htm#senator
Akaka, Daniel senator@akaka.senate.gov D HI (808) 522-8970 (808) 545-4683 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 3-106 Box 50144 Honolulu, HI 96850
Inouye, Daniel http://inouye.senate.gov/webform.html D HI (202) 224-3934 202-224-6747 722 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
Landrieu, Mary http://landrieu.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm D LA (202) 24-5824 (202) 224-9735 724 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
reference - http://members.cox.net/derfledermaus/us_cong.htm#senator
Senator Inouye,
Apparently, although you are a "Democrat" you are not voting like ALL but 2 other Democrats on this important issue - The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
What were you thinking? That we wouldn't notice? Are you a Republican in Democrat's clothing? I was a resident, independent Business owner and active member of my community in Hawaii (Kona) for over 10 years. I always used Hawaii as an example of a society and a government that cherished and protected the aina... Even 2,000 miles away... it still rings true for me.
Time for you to retire...
Letter from John Kerry to me -
Dear Wundermaus,
Yesterday, we saw a relentless Republican attack on one of our most treasured natural wonders sneak through the Senate on a 51 to 49 vote...
Apparently, although you are a "Democrat" you are not voting like ALL but 2 other Democrats on this important issue - The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
What were you thinking? That we wouldn't notice? Are you a Republican in Democrat's clothing? I was a resident, independent Business owner and active member of my community in Hawaii (Kona) for over 10 years. I always used Hawaii as an example of a society and a government that cherished and protected the aina... Even 2,000 miles away... it still rings true for me.
Time for you to retire...
Letter from John Kerry to me -
Dear Wundermaus,
Yesterday, we saw a relentless Republican attack on one of our most treasured natural wonders sneak through the Senate on a 51 to 49 vote...
Senator Landrieu,
Apparently, although you are a "Democrat" you are not voting like ALL but 2 other Democrats on this important issue - The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
What were you thinking? That we wouldn't notice? Are you a Republican in Democrat's clothing? How would you like it if the drilling was in your backyard? Do you have some hidden agenda that justifies this break with almost all of your democratic party members?
Time for you to fine another means of employment - your fired.
Letter from John Kerry to me -
Dear Wundermaus,
Yesterday, we saw a relentless Republican attack on one of our most treasured natural wonders sneak through the Senate on a 51 to 49 vote...
Apparently, although you are a "Democrat" you are not voting like ALL but 2 other Democrats on this important issue - The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
What were you thinking? That we wouldn't notice? Are you a Republican in Democrat's clothing? How would you like it if the drilling was in your backyard? Do you have some hidden agenda that justifies this break with almost all of your democratic party members?
Time for you to fine another means of employment - your fired.
Letter from John Kerry to me -
Dear Wundermaus,
Yesterday, we saw a relentless Republican attack on one of our most treasured natural wonders sneak through the Senate on a 51 to 49 vote...
Senator Daniel K. Akaka's Statement on ANWR
Statement Against the Cantwell Amendment to S.Con.Res.18
March 16, 2005
Mr. AKAKA--Mr. President, I rise today in support of Alaska's indigenous peoples, the Alaska Natives. I will oppose the Cantwell amendment. My position is based on my experiences in Alaska when I visited the village of Kaktovik in 1995 and spoke to the Inupiat peoples who greatly desire this opportunity for economic self-determination. My position is not new -- I have remained firm in the position for the last 10 years. In developing this position I have met with individuals and organizations who have advocated on both sides of this issue.
For me, this vote is not a vote just about preservation of the environment versus development. It is a vote about the self-determination of an indigenous people and their homeland. The Inupiat, who live within the boundaries of the coastal plain, are a people with strong cultural values, and are deeply in touch with their environment and everything that lives there. It is the Inupiat who have been the caretakers of the Arctic region for thousands of years.
To some of my colleagues, the debate about ANWR is about energy. To others, it is about the environment. To me, ANWR is really about whether or not the indigenous people who are directly impacted have a voice about the use of their lands. The Inupiat know every mile, every curve in the landscape of the coastal plain, and every animal that must survive there, for their own survival depends on this. They have the greatest incentive of anyone to preserve their environment, including the plants and animals that live on the coastal plain, in order to maintain their way of life.
They too depend on the caribou and they have participated in the protection of the caribou while monitoring and working with the oil industry at Prudhoe Bay. Their experience has demonstrated that a careful balance is possible, and that preservation and development are not mutually exclusive. My colleagues, I do not live on the coastal plain. For that reason, I trust the wisdom and knowledge of those who have lived and cared for the land there for many, many generations.
I will vote to provide the Inupiat with the opportunity to provide for themselves and their future generations. They have spoken and have been steadfast in their position for many, many years. I am confident that they will protect their homeland and utilize its resources with the native values that have served them well since time began. Their position is supported by the Alaska Federation of Natives, which represents 110,000 Alaska Natives, and the Native Village of Kaktovic.
Mr. President, this has not been an easy decision for me given the fact that this is one of the few times that I am not voting with the majority of my colleagues in my party. As much as I would like to vote with my colleagues, I must remain true to myself and my values. For me, this is an issue about economic self-determination. This is an issue about allowing those who have lived on the coastal plain and cared for the coastal plain for many, many generations, to do what they believe is right with their lands.
Below is the list of board members of the "Alaska Federation of Natives" ( http://www.nativefederation.org ) cited in Akaka's letter for "reasons" why he voted contrary to every other Democrat Senator but 2 others:
Representative Albert Kookesh
Co-Chairperson
Sealaska Corporation
E-mail: kookesh@ptialaska.net
Tim Towarak
Co-Chairperson
Bering Straits Native Corporation
E-mail: tim@beringstraits.com
Ken Johns
Ahtna, Inc
E-mail: dkochendorfer@ahtna.net
Martha Malavansky
The Aleut Corporation
E-mail: mmalavansky@aleutcorp.com
Roberta "Bobbi" Quintavell
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
E-mail: Roberta.quintavell@aci.asrc.com
Gail R Schubert
Bering Straits Native Corporation
E-mail: gschubert@INUITSERVICES.com
Matthew Nicolai
Calista Corporation
E-mail: mnicolai@calistacorp.com
Sheri Buretta
Chugach Alaska Corporation
E-mail: sburetta@chugach-ak.com
Carl Marrs
Cook Inlet Region, Inc
E-mail: Katherineg@scf.cc
Florence Carroll
Doyon Limited
E-mail: fmcarroll@gci.net
Andrew Teuber, Jr.
Koniag, Inc.
E-mail: Ateuber@koniag.com
Marie Greene
Nana Regional Corporation
E-mail: marie.greene@nana.com
Rosita Worl
Sealaska Corporation
E-mail: Rosita.worl@sealaska.com Dr.
Liz Ross
13th Regional Corporation
E-mail: liz_ross@att.net
Dimitri Philemonof
Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Assn
E-mail: margaretg@apiai.org
Eben Hopson Jr.
Arctic Slope Native Association
E-mail: ebenh@barrow.com
Myron Naneng
Assn of Village Council Presidents
E-mail: mnaneng@avcp.org
Ted Angasan
Bristol Bay Native Assn
Email: ftasnvc@aol.com
Larry Evanoff
Chugachmiut
Email: patrick@chugachmiut.org
Gloria O'Neill
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Email: goneill@citci.com
Eleanor Dementi
Copper River Native Assn
E-mail: edementi@yahoo.com
Loretta Bullard
Kawerak, Inc
E-mail: lbullard@kawerak.org
Rita Stevens
Kodiak Area Native Assn
E-mail: rita.stevens@kanaweb.org
Helen Bolen
Maniilaq Association
E-mail: hbolen@maniilaq.org
Harold "Buddy" Brown
Tanana Chiefs Conference
E-mail: hbrown@tananachiefs.org
Millie Stevens
Central Council Tlingit & Haida Tribes
E-mail: amilliestevens@hotmail.com
Brenda Rebne
Ahtna Villages
E-mail: brebne@ahtna.net
Jason Bourdukofsky
Aleut Villages
E-mail: Jason_pbs@tdxak.com
Fenton Rexford
Arctic Slope Villages
E-mail: nvkaktovik@starband.net
Steve Ivanoff
Bering Straits Villages
Email: zoe@unalakleet.net
Moses Kritz
Bristol Bay Villages
E-mail: mkritz@unicom-alaska.com
Pat Norman
Chugach Villages
E-mail: pnorman@starband.net
Ivan Encelewski
Cook Inlet Villages
E-mail: ntc@ninilchiktribe-ns.gov
Willie Kasayulie
Y-K Delta Villages
E-mail: wkasayulie_@hotmail.com
Will Mayo
Interior Villages
E-mail: Vine@acsalaska.net
Fred Sun
NorthWest Villages
E-mail: fsun@maniilaq.org
Bob Hamilton
SouthEast Villages
E-mail: bhamilton@kootznoowoo.com
Fred Christiansen
Kodiak Villages
E-mail: fchristiansen@hotmail.com
Statement Against the Cantwell Amendment to S.Con.Res.18
March 16, 2005
Mr. AKAKA--Mr. President, I rise today in support of Alaska's indigenous peoples, the Alaska Natives. I will oppose the Cantwell amendment. My position is based on my experiences in Alaska when I visited the village of Kaktovik in 1995 and spoke to the Inupiat peoples who greatly desire this opportunity for economic self-determination. My position is not new -- I have remained firm in the position for the last 10 years. In developing this position I have met with individuals and organizations who have advocated on both sides of this issue.
For me, this vote is not a vote just about preservation of the environment versus development. It is a vote about the self-determination of an indigenous people and their homeland. The Inupiat, who live within the boundaries of the coastal plain, are a people with strong cultural values, and are deeply in touch with their environment and everything that lives there. It is the Inupiat who have been the caretakers of the Arctic region for thousands of years.
To some of my colleagues, the debate about ANWR is about energy. To others, it is about the environment. To me, ANWR is really about whether or not the indigenous people who are directly impacted have a voice about the use of their lands. The Inupiat know every mile, every curve in the landscape of the coastal plain, and every animal that must survive there, for their own survival depends on this. They have the greatest incentive of anyone to preserve their environment, including the plants and animals that live on the coastal plain, in order to maintain their way of life.
They too depend on the caribou and they have participated in the protection of the caribou while monitoring and working with the oil industry at Prudhoe Bay. Their experience has demonstrated that a careful balance is possible, and that preservation and development are not mutually exclusive. My colleagues, I do not live on the coastal plain. For that reason, I trust the wisdom and knowledge of those who have lived and cared for the land there for many, many generations.
I will vote to provide the Inupiat with the opportunity to provide for themselves and their future generations. They have spoken and have been steadfast in their position for many, many years. I am confident that they will protect their homeland and utilize its resources with the native values that have served them well since time began. Their position is supported by the Alaska Federation of Natives, which represents 110,000 Alaska Natives, and the Native Village of Kaktovic.
Mr. President, this has not been an easy decision for me given the fact that this is one of the few times that I am not voting with the majority of my colleagues in my party. As much as I would like to vote with my colleagues, I must remain true to myself and my values. For me, this is an issue about economic self-determination. This is an issue about allowing those who have lived on the coastal plain and cared for the coastal plain for many, many generations, to do what they believe is right with their lands.
Below is the list of board members of the "Alaska Federation of Natives" ( http://www.nativefederation.org ) cited in Akaka's letter for "reasons" why he voted contrary to every other Democrat Senator but 2 others:
Representative Albert Kookesh
Co-Chairperson
Sealaska Corporation
E-mail: kookesh@ptialaska.net
Tim Towarak
Co-Chairperson
Bering Straits Native Corporation
E-mail: tim@beringstraits.com
Ken Johns
Ahtna, Inc
E-mail: dkochendorfer@ahtna.net
Martha Malavansky
The Aleut Corporation
E-mail: mmalavansky@aleutcorp.com
Roberta "Bobbi" Quintavell
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
E-mail: Roberta.quintavell@aci.asrc.com
Gail R Schubert
Bering Straits Native Corporation
E-mail: gschubert@INUITSERVICES.com
Matthew Nicolai
Calista Corporation
E-mail: mnicolai@calistacorp.com
Sheri Buretta
Chugach Alaska Corporation
E-mail: sburetta@chugach-ak.com
Carl Marrs
Cook Inlet Region, Inc
E-mail: Katherineg@scf.cc
Florence Carroll
Doyon Limited
E-mail: fmcarroll@gci.net
Andrew Teuber, Jr.
Koniag, Inc.
E-mail: Ateuber@koniag.com
Marie Greene
Nana Regional Corporation
E-mail: marie.greene@nana.com
Rosita Worl
Sealaska Corporation
E-mail: Rosita.worl@sealaska.com Dr.
Liz Ross
13th Regional Corporation
E-mail: liz_ross@att.net
Dimitri Philemonof
Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Assn
E-mail: margaretg@apiai.org
Eben Hopson Jr.
Arctic Slope Native Association
E-mail: ebenh@barrow.com
Myron Naneng
Assn of Village Council Presidents
E-mail: mnaneng@avcp.org
Ted Angasan
Bristol Bay Native Assn
Email: ftasnvc@aol.com
Larry Evanoff
Chugachmiut
Email: patrick@chugachmiut.org
Gloria O'Neill
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Email: goneill@citci.com
Eleanor Dementi
Copper River Native Assn
E-mail: edementi@yahoo.com
Loretta Bullard
Kawerak, Inc
E-mail: lbullard@kawerak.org
Rita Stevens
Kodiak Area Native Assn
E-mail: rita.stevens@kanaweb.org
Helen Bolen
Maniilaq Association
E-mail: hbolen@maniilaq.org
Harold "Buddy" Brown
Tanana Chiefs Conference
E-mail: hbrown@tananachiefs.org
Millie Stevens
Central Council Tlingit & Haida Tribes
E-mail: amilliestevens@hotmail.com
Brenda Rebne
Ahtna Villages
E-mail: brebne@ahtna.net
Jason Bourdukofsky
Aleut Villages
E-mail: Jason_pbs@tdxak.com
Fenton Rexford
Arctic Slope Villages
E-mail: nvkaktovik@starband.net
Steve Ivanoff
Bering Straits Villages
Email: zoe@unalakleet.net
Moses Kritz
Bristol Bay Villages
E-mail: mkritz@unicom-alaska.com
Pat Norman
Chugach Villages
E-mail: pnorman@starband.net
Ivan Encelewski
Cook Inlet Villages
E-mail: ntc@ninilchiktribe-ns.gov
Willie Kasayulie
Y-K Delta Villages
E-mail: wkasayulie_@hotmail.com
Will Mayo
Interior Villages
E-mail: Vine@acsalaska.net
Fred Sun
NorthWest Villages
E-mail: fsun@maniilaq.org
Bob Hamilton
SouthEast Villages
E-mail: bhamilton@kootznoowoo.com
Fred Christiansen
Kodiak Villages
E-mail: fchristiansen@hotmail.com
Good thing we Canadians have even more of that type of refuge and enough oil in Alberta to be self-sufficient.
I guess that puts us on the invasion list.
I guess that puts us on the invasion list.
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