Open ANWR - The Arctic Iñupiat speak out on oil exploration and development in ANWR

It's Our Backyard.

"The 1002 area was specifically set-aside for exploration by Congress. Despite being only 2,000 acres in size, it remains the largest conventional onshore project in North America, and has huge economic significance, not just for the state of Alaska, but for our nation as a whole.”

- Rex A. Rock Sr., ASRC president and CEO
"The wishes of the people who live in and around the refuges' coastal plain are frequently drowned out by people who live hundreds and even thousands of miles away – many of whom have never bothered to set foot anywhere near the Arctic."

- Matthew Rexford, Kaktovik Iñupiat Corporation
“Unfortunately, the negative rhetoric surrounding drilling in ANWR has not kept pace with scientific and technological advances in the oil and gas industry. While the argument against exploration in the 1002 has remained unchanged for decades, techniques have advanced dramatically to enhance the safety and efficacy of production.”

- John Hopson, Jr., Mayor of Wainwright, Alaska
“For far too long, lawmakers and environmental groups have been successful in overriding the needs of the local communities and the nation by keeping the Coastal Plain of ANWR off-limits. The 2018 budget resolution allows for opening of the 1002 Area to oil and gas development, which will bring much-needed jobs into our communities and state. I join dozens of other leaders in my region who support the responsible development of a small portion of ANWR’s Coastal Plain.”

- Rex A. Rock Sr., ASRC president and CEO
"We're not asking to develop all of the 1002, we're asking to develop just 2,000 federal acres within it. Effectively one 10,000th of the refuge area."

- U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski
“History has also shown us time and again that energy can be used as a force for good, productive diplomacy and also for troublesome power-grabs by our nation’s foes. I have no doubt that this legislation, which would lead to producing more energy responsibly by opening up the small section of the 1002 area in ANWR, will help make the United States the world’s energy superpower again, will dramatically increase our country’s national security and lead to American jobs and productive diplomacy around the globe.”

- U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan
“When Alaska became a state, we had a promise from the federal government in our statehood compact: we need to live off the resources in our land. Much like Midwestern states harvest the resources that grow on the ground, like wheat and corn, Alaska must harvest the resources in our ground.”

- Alaska Gov. Bill Walker
It's absolutely laughable and hypocritical for people in Seattle, New York and D.C. — whose ancestors have long since pillaged the land and resources in their backyards — to tell us how to preserve ours.

- George Kaleak, Sr. Tribal Council member Native Village of Kaktovik
“Oil and gas resources have been safely developed in the Arctic for more than 40 years – supporting our communities through infrastructure investment, business opportunities and much needed jobs. Industry revenues have built our schools, health clinics, sanitation systems and provided for other basic services most Americans take for granted.”

- Matthew Rexford, tribal administrator of Native Village of Kaktovik

The Facts

Why ANWR?

The United States is the world’s largest consumer of oil, and we will continue to consume oil for the next few decades in ever increasing amounts, resulting in a substantial and sustained drain on our country’s economy.