U.S. Sen. Mark Begich yesterday released the following statement after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the 30-day public comment period has started for the revised Exploration Plan submitted by Shell for a multi-year exploration drilling program in the Chukchi Sea, beginning in July 2012.

Sen. Begich sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Monday urging a quick release of the Plan for public comment so Shell has adequate time to mobilize resources for exploration next year.

His Statement:

“I am pleased to see us take another step closer to offshore exploration in the Arctic next year. Today’s announcement will bring a little more holiday cheer around Alaska as we look for ways to expand our oil and gas production and create jobs.

“Alaskans know better than anyone the enormous energy resources we hold in the Arctic, and I look forward to continued good news coming out of the Obama Administration when it comes to domestic energy production in Alaska.”

On Tuesday, Sen. Begich spoke out in the Senate Budget Committee on the potential job creation of Arctic oil and gas development.