Need to Develop Arctic Oil and Gas

* It isn’t just about California (“Arctic Oil a Sham Answer,” editorial, Jan. 31). The crisis of power in which the state finds itself is a symptom of having relied on other states to provide that power. By the same token, the United States’ reliance on foreign oil could leave us in a similar state of uncertainty as to our power supply. We are in the process of looking at a balanced energy program for the nation. The imbalance of California is a microcosm of that need. All our energy resources should be plumbed--alternative fuels, renewables, fuel cells and conservation should be part of the package. At the same time, we are 96% dependent on conventional fuels for all energy consumption in this nation. We will need those fuels for a number of years to come, despite advances in technology.

A small sliver of the 19-million-acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was set aside by Congress for potential oil and gas development. It will take several years to develop that field. Do we wait until the nation finds itself in an energy depression before we take action? California has special needs, and my committee will continue to examine possible solutions. But don’t discount ANWR as a part of the bigger picture.

FRANK H. MURKOWSKI, Chair

U.S. Senate Energy and Natural

Resources Committee, R-Alaska

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* I would have enjoyed your editorial if you had mentioned the small detail of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline double cross.

When that deal was foisted on the American taxpayers, the solemn word of Congress was proclaimed: The oil would be used only for American consumption. You must be aware of the sneaky turnabout on that deal, which now has tankers and, more insultingly, foreign bottoms, hauling the Alaskan oil directly to Asian users. Providing access to further fields in Alaska will do nothing to relieve the energy crunch. The newfound oil will be hauled to Asian markets.

ALEX SHEPPARD

Reseda