It was announced on Tuesday by Alaska's Governor Sean Parnell that the state wass officially submitting a seismic exploration plan for the 1002 area of the Arctic Wildlife Refuge pursuant to section 1002(e) of ANILCA.

“The 1002 Area of ANWR holds enormous promise for Alaska and for our nation,” Governor Parnell said. “Federal law provides clear direction and mandates a number of actions that the Interior Secretary must take upon the submission of a 1002 Area exploration plan. We look forward to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell’s prompt review and approval of this exploration plan.”

With support from North Slope Borough Mayor Charlotte Brower and Arctic Slope Regional Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Rex Rock, in mid-May, the State submitted a exploration proposal and offered to help finance seismic studies in the 1002 Area. But, in late June, Sally Jewell, head of the Department of the Interior rejected the proposal and the State’s offer of funding support. Because of this, now the State is submitting a formal exploration plan and special use permit application for the 1002 Area.

“ANILCA requires the Secretary to take formal action on this exploration plan,” said Natural Resource Commissioner Dan Sullivan, noting that the U.S. Department of Interior approved 1002 Area exploration plans in the 1980s and that the law does not contain a sunset provision and therefore is still on the books.

“This 240-page, world-class document meets all the statutory and regulatory requirements for a 1002 Area exploration plan contained within the Code of Federal Regulations and in ANILCA. If an exploration plan meets all of these requirements, the Secretary is required by law to approve it.”

The current plan will use technologies not available in the 1980s and thus will have less of an environmental impact than previous seismic studies. The State is seeking to conduct three-dimensional studies during the winter months between 2014 and 2017.

“I am renewing my pledge to seek support from the Alaska Legislature during its 2014 session to fund a 3-D seismic program for the 1002 Area,” Governor Parnell said. “If this plan and permit application is promptly reviewed and approved as required by ANILCA, I will request a minimum of $50 million to execute this plan.”

Senator Begich issued a statement on Tuesday in response to the Governor’s request.

“The Obama administration is wrong in opposing oil and gas exploration and development in the Arctic Refuge, which I’ve been telling them for five years. Alaskans have proven we know how to responsibly develop oil and gas in some of harshest conditions on earth.

“Numerous assessments by state, federal and university geologists say the oil and gas reserves believed to lie beneath ANWR are enormous – up to 10 billion barrels of oil and nearly 4 trillion cubic feet of gas. America’s long-term energy future should be centered on increased domestic production.

“There is no immediate threat to add additional wilderness in the Refuge. Along with Governor Parnell, Senator Murkowski and Congressman Young, I will continue to push the Obama administration to allow seismic work and exploration in ANWR. This is a sound proposal to move forward with greatly improved science and technology.”

Alaska’s lone Representative, Don Young commended Parnell for his “continued and aggressive efforts to move forward in responsibly developing ANWR.”

“Today’s exploration plan by the State of Alaska to conduct 3-D seismic in ANWR’s 1002 area will provide an up to date, 21^st Century assessment, of the resources found beneath the coastal plain,” Rep. Young said. “Regardless of one’s stance on opening ANWR, Alaskans and Americans deserve to know what they own. A good, responsible land manager should share this curiosity, and I look forward to Secretary of Interior Jewell’s response to this reasonable request.”

The State’s exploration plan and supporting materials can be seen here.