The Alaska Democratic Party is considering amending its platform to call for an end to all oil drilling and fracking in the state.
Some members are pushing for the removal of support for “responsible oil development,” citing climate disruption.
However, this proposal conflicts with the state’s heavy reliance on the oil industry, which accounts for a significant portion of the economy and jobs. (Trending: FBI Bribery Probe Caught Joe Biden’s Brother On Tape)
Tim Hinterberger, who is a member of the Alaska State Democratic Party’s Climate Caucus condemned oil development in all forms.
Hinterberger reportedly suggested removing the portion of the platform that promised, “responsible oil development performed in a manner that protects our fish, game, and wildlife resources.”
“At this advanced stage of climate disruption, no oil development is responsible,” wrote Hinterberger.
The recovered document also revealed the reformists wanted to delete the portion of the platform that was focused on “the monetizing of Alaska’s North Slope natural gas resources in a safe and environmentally responsible manner as soon as it is economically feasible to do so” which also recommended fracking and off shore drilling in particular circumstances.
Critics argue that shutting down the petroleum industry would have devastating consequences, including economic harm and job loss.
Rick Whitbeck, the Alaska State Director of Power the Future, a nonprofit organization that advocates for those who work in the energy space, warned that the proposed change to the Democratic Party’s platform is “both irresponsible and radical.”
“Alaska would quickly be bankrupt if our petroleum industry was shuttered,” he continued.
“Nearly 20% of our private-sector workforce is paid – directly or indirectly – by oil and gas development revenues, so you’d see a mass exodus of people as well,” added the nonprofit director.
“Philanthropy would dry up, our vibrant arts and culture programs would go unfunded and our infrastructure would crumble without revenues to keep them maintained,” predicted Whitbeck.
Whitbeck specifically criticized the Biden Administration’s “choke-hold” on new energy developments, which means that the U.S. “needs all of the existing projects operating full-throttle, so we don’t become even more dependent on foreign countries for our domestic oil demand.”
The proposed changes have sparked debate about the potential impact on Alaska’s economy and energy independence.
Rep. Peltola’s said, “Oil and gas supports thousands of jobs in-state, directly and indirectly, and provides crucial revenue for the state and local communities.”
“Losing these industries without effectively transitioning to other energy sources would be significantly harmful to Alaska,” she continued.
Which the lawmaker called, “the largest North Slope oilfield investment in decades.”
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