ANCHORAGE, Alaska : Alaska's all-Republican congressional delegation three weeks ago praised Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke after he announced nearly all federal waters off the state's coast could be offered for oil and gas drilling.But after further consideration, U.S. Sens. "We believe the strongest near-term offshore program in Alaska is one that focuses on the Chukchi, Beaufort and Cook Inlet," they wrote. "Such a program will maximize agency resources and reflect the areas with the broadest support for development among Alaskans. "Zinke announced the proposed lease sale plan Jan. 4. They said they strongly support the inclusion of the Beaufort and Chukchi seas for lease sales while at the same time urging "meaningful consultation" with communities.

Source: Economic Times January 27, 2018 08:03 UTC