Document N2J8557x6jK7zxD5NKZoqX9op

From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Barbara Wainman area j sheehan@fws.gov Fwd: Talking Points for FWS 10/31 7pm interview re: Alaska 1002 Area Tuesday, October 31, 2017 5:38:28 PM ATT00001.htm Alaskan 1002 One Pager.docx Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Rigas, Laura" <laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov> Date: October 31, 2017 at 6:05:19 PM EDT To: "Morris, Charisa" <charisa_morris@fws.gov> Cc: Downey Magallanes <downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov> Barbara Wainman <barbara_wainman@fws.gov> Greg Sheehan <greg_j_sheehan@fws.gov>"Foster, Maureen" <maureen_foster@ios.doi.gov>. Heather Swift <heather_swift@ios.doi.gov> "Chambers, Micah" <micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov> "Newell, Russell" <russell_newell@ios.doi.gov> Subject: Re: Talking Points for FWS 10/31 7pm interview re: Alaska 1002 Area Thanks, Charisa - Great job. We suggest that Greg used the attached backgrounder as general talkers, especially for the nuances. Any issues with it? I would even support sending a copy of the attached doc to the reporter, but defer to Heather on that. Also, in the talkers you outline (which are basically a boiled down version of the attached), I think it's important to highlight that : Good luck and let us know how the interview goes. My best, L Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Tue, Oct 31, 2017 at 5:43 PM, Morris, Charisa <charisa_morris@fws.gov> wrote: Good afternoonPlease see the talking points below, submitted for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions! Thanks, Charisa Charisa Morri.s@fws.gov | Chief of Staff, Office of the Director | u.s. Fish & Wildlife Service | 1849 C Street NW, Room 3348 | Washington, DC 20240 | (202) 208 3843 | For urgent matters, please dial cell: 301-875-8937 Section 1002 History: In section 1002 of ANILCA (Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act), Congress and President Carter deferred a decision regarding future management of the 1.5-million-acre coastal plain - now referred to as the 1002 area - in recognition of the area's natural resource potential. Due to its unique purpose and potential, the 1002 area has never been added to the rest of the refuge's designated wilderness. Administration Position: Given the 1002 area's unique status, the President's FY18 budget called for Congress to approve development in the 1002 area. We want two lease sales in the next 10 years. This will accommodate all of the necessary environmental assessments to make sure the development is done in the most environmentally responsible manner. | Our budget estimates that this would bring in roughly $1.8B to the Treasury. Last spring, Secretary Zinke visited the North Slope with Chairman Murkowski and a bipartisan Senate delegation. While there, he signed a secretarial order in Anchorage that requires the USGS to update its resource assessments for the 1002 area. The plan includes consideration of new geological and geophysical data, as well as potential for reprocessing existing geological and geophysical data. The secretarial order does not reduce, eliminate, or modify any environmental or regulatory requirements for energy development. This evaluation is consistent with the intent of ANILCA and will improve the Department's understanding of the 1002 area. Environmental Impact: If Congress authorizes development in the 1002 area, DOI will have to follow all the appropriate environmental laws and procedures before any production can occur. | The NPRA (National Petroleum Reserve Alaska) is also located on Alaska's North Slope on the coastal plains. The terrain is very similar to the 1002 area. Within the NPRA, lease sales have been occurring since 1999 and production and development are still occurring. Drilling technology has only gotten safer and less intrusive. We also currently have active oil drilling and production in the Kenai Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. We have strict rules in place there that protect the environment and associated communities. The Kenai wildlife refuge is the most popular refuge in Alaska, game stocks are healthy and well managed, systems are put in place that mitigate impact to the refuge and surrounding communities. Bottom Line: However, no development can occur without Congressional action. The Administration supports Congress' action to authorize development as illustrated by our budget request. We fundamentally believe this will bolster our nation's energy independence and national security, provide economic opportunity for Alaskans and provide muchneeded revenue to both the State of Alaska and Federal government. |