What a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns about drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Hearing from constituents on issues of concern is important to both our office and me as we work to represent our district.
As you are aware, it has been suggested that our nation needs to reduce dependence on foreign oil by increasing domestic production and investing in the development of alternative fuel sources. In particular, some have proposed that the ANWR be opened to oil exploration. This is a position which has long been advocated by Alaska's Representatives, Senators, and other elected officials in Alaska. I agree that we need to find ways to increase domestic oil production in an environmentally responsible manner.
Please know that I appreciate both your interest and your time in contacting us on this issue. As the discussion and debate moves forward on this and other issues please feel free to visit our website at www.house.gov/blackburn where you can sign-up for our email update -- the Blackburn Report, updates on important issues; find information on constituent services; read columns, recent press and the latest legislative news; all of which affect and concern the people of Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Marsha Blackburn
Member of Congress
