Begich Statement on ConocoPhillips Denial of Permit in NPRA

Statement

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District announced it has denied the permit application from ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. to construct a drill pad identified as CD-5 west of the Colville River Delta to expand the Alpine petroleum field on the North Slope:

"Today's announcement by the Army Corps that Conoco-Phillips' permit is not approved is obviously disappointing to me and the many Alaskans who are eager to develop the oil and gas potential in the NPRA. Conoco-Phillips had already announced they wouldn't be able to proceed with development next season.

"After the parties worked together for years to get agreement on NPRA development, I am deeply disappointed the first project just got knocked off track.

"I hope that in the coming months both the company and the permitting agencies can work together to get this valuable project moving forward both economically and in an environmentally responsible way.

"This decision shows that Alaska needs a comprehensive plan to allow development in the NPRA to happen expeditiously and responsibly."

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