Adrian Herrera will represent Arctic Power’s interests in Washington and will be charged to work closely with the Governor’s office in D.C. on Alaskan energy issues. Contacts and questions from the press or general public should be made to Mr. Herrera at (202)-248-4468 or write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Arctic Power has maintained a presence in Washington for over 10 years now, working with the Alaska delegation on the Hill, as well as helping to organize national energy interested coalition partners and the general public in promoting ANWR legislation in Congress. Arctic Power is the only private non-governmental organization that is dedicated to the opening of the 10-02 Area of ANWR to responsible oil and gas exploration. It maintains its non-profit status with donations from the general public and its grant association with the State of Alaska.

This year’s activity will primarily focus on reporting of events on Capital Hill and continuing our outreach program of educating the American public on the benefits and facts of oil and gas development in the Alaskan arctic. Despite that there is little chance on any pro-ANWR legislation reaching the congressional floors for debate this year it is never known when anti-ANWR “wilderness-designation” lock-up legislation might be introduced by the environmental lobby. With a Democrat controlled congress the likelihood of this happening is much higher and many of America’s best energy sources may be put off-limits forever. Herrera describes the radical green movement as merely “waiting in the wings” for the right opportunity to strike, “and it is expected that opportunity to be very near.” Already a Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) sponsored lock-up ANWR bill was introduced in the House this February, but due to its contentious nature it was temporarily shelved by the Natural Resources Committee. That does not mean to say more is not coming. Since the change in party dominance of Congress this year, more federal land has been earmarked for “wilderness” lock-up designation than in the entire reign of the Republican party for the past 2 terms. This next year it is expected that bills to lock up the 10-02 Area of ANWR will be reintroduced.

The presidential election next year has already made its mark on ANWR with many candidates openly stating their views of the issue in many early debates. It is likely the general public will hear ANWR mentioned frequently as concerns over the environment and energy become more of an issue during the race. Arctic Power will play a part in providing factual information on resource development in the 10-02 Area of ANWR to any candidates. “Rather sadly, what you get is the radical environmental lobby shouting lies and disinformation with their multi-million dollar media campaigns, and the average American, or candidate, who has never studied the issue, or been to ANWR, believe this because there is no one there to tell them otherwise”, Herrera states. “Arctic Power is here to level the playing field and is well known on both sides of the aisle to be a level headed and fact based voice, not propaganda based and biased,” Herrera continues. “We represent all Alaskans, and have the top experts from an environmental perspective as well as industry and government perspectives to draw on as a resource base in presenting our facts and figures.”

Other factors that will have an effect on ANWR are the rising price of oil and the situation in the Middle East, particularly with Iran. Both are volatile issues that in the past have spurred instant debate on America’s energy dependence and solutions in Congress. America imports over 60% of its petroleum needs and in such important sectors as transportation is 98% dependent on that oil for its operation. Arctic Powers constant battle has been to explain to the public and politicians that development of the 10-02 Area of ANWR can be done with great respect and care for the environment. It is not a “this or that” choice between oil and gas development and protecting the environment as the radical green lobby propagates. “No matter how you stack it or what report you read, ANWR oil and gas represent the safest, best, and economically most realistic answer to help us solve our energy demands,” Herrera concludes, “that is why we continue the fight and eventually will win it.”

For any questions or comment please contact Mr. Herrera at the Arctic Power Washington D.C. office open 8am-8pm EST.