U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced the “Alaska Oil and Gas Production Act” (S. 49), a bill that would allow for oil and natural gas leasing in a small portion of the “1002 Area” of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  In announcing the legislation, Sen. Murkowski said in part that “for nearly 40 years, Alaskans have proven that we can responsibly develop our natural resources while protecting the environment,” adding that “Alaskans overwhelmingly support responsible development in the non-wilderness portion of ANWR and there is no valid reason why we should not be allowed to proceed. Allowing development would create new jobs, reduce our deficits, and protect our national security and competitiveness for a generation.”