Further, drilling in the wildlife refuge would not significantly reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. During full operating capacity, oil from the Arctic Refuge would supply only about 2 percent of America's oil demand in a given year. Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and the General Accounting Office have concluded there is probably far less oil in the Arctic Refuge than previously believed probably as little as six months supply of oil. Today, we as New Jersey environmentalists are joining together to send the same message. As Americans, it is a national value to cherish the delicate ecosystems of our wilderness areas.
None is wilder or more valuable than Alaska s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
All of us, whether we live in Alaska or here in central New Jersey, have an obligation to preserve our nation s special areas. Rep. Holt, a recognized leader for environmental protection, serves on the Resources Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was instrumental in passing legislation recently that added the lower Delaware River to the Wild and Scenic River System. This is an official Web site of the United States House of Representatives.