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MARCH 16, 2001

In an effort to combat rising energy prices, a number of Republican lawmakers on Thursday supported President Bush's call to exploit federal mineral resources.

Jim Hansen (R-Utah), Chairman of the House Resources Committee, said the nation needs a national energy policy that includes drilling public lands in the West. Included are parts of national monuments declared by President Clinton.

A memo released by staff of Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) criticizes the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service for not incorporating oil and gas development into their overall management plans. The Associated Press quotes the memo as: "Meanwhile, the nation goes without new sources of natural gas and citizens everywhere pay the price."

President Bush earlier this week vowed to change the way American feel about development of public lands. "There's a mentality that says you can't explore and protect land. We're going to change that attitude. You can explore and protect land," he said.

Secretary of Interior Gale Norton is targeting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for development and an area in the Rockies known as the Overthrust Belt. Developing in ANWR requires Congressional approval while the Overthrust lands are subject to a number of legal requirements.

Get the Story:
Republicans join call for Western drilling (AP 3/15)

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Bush vows change in lands attitude (3/14)