[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 161 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE 
                                 REFUGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2010

  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the designation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
  On December 6, 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the 
Arctic National Wildlife Range ``for the purpose of preserving unique 
wildlife, wilderness, and recreational values'' of North East Alaska. 
The reserve was further expanded by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 and 
renamed the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, to further recognize 
the breathtaking landscape and stunning diversity of wildlife that 
inhabit the area.
  The Arctic Refuge is the only completely protected Arctic ecosystem 
in the U.S. and one of our country's environmental crown jewels. 
Stretching from the plains of the Arctic Sea to the soaring mountains 
of the Brooks Range and lush boreal forests of the Alaskan lowlands, 
ANWR protects critical breeding and migratory habitat for over 200 
species. The very essence of ANWR is that it is pristine and untouched.
  Throughout my career in Congress I have fought to protect ANWR from 
the scourge of oil and gas drilling. A few extra tablespoons of oil for 
our gas tanks are not worth irreparably damaging this pristine 
environment which is truly a national treasure.
  Some would argue that most Americans will not visit ANWR in their 
lifetimes and therefore it does not warrant the strongest protections 
that Congress can give it. Hundreds of my Central New Jersey 
constituents have written me opposing oil and gas drilling in this 
area. While they may not have visited the reserve, they understand the 
value that our public lands have to all Americans and I will continue 
to fight to protect ANWR on behalf of my constituents, their children 
and their children's children.

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