Anchorage Daily News– July 24, 2000

OPINION (Editorial)

MURKOWSKI'S TURN – SENATOR FEELS THE HEAT FROM HIS ALLIES

Like Rep. Don Young before him, Alaska Sen. Frank Murkowski finds himself at odds with his own Republican Party, particularly with Western lawmakers who are usually kindred spirits.

The reason? Sen. Murkowski is fighting for passage of the Senate version of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act championed by Rep. Young and Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., in the House. The House version has passed.

Coastal states would reap considerable benefits from offshore oil drilling if the legislation passes. Alaska would stand to gain about $164 million a year to use for mitigation of the effects of offshore drilling on wildlife habitats, public services and overall life in coastal communities.

Democrats and environmental groups generally back the legislation, though some environmental groups fear that giving the states a permanent stake in revenues from offshore drilling will tilt them in favor of more offshore development.

Conservative Republicans and property-rights groups fear the legislation is an attack on private property, providing millions of dollars for conservation purchases and additions to federal, state and local parks.

They worry that the amounts involved -- $450 million for the feds and $450 million a year for qualified states -- will create tremendous ongoing pressure to put private land in government hands.

As a result, Sen. Murkowski finds himself in a fight with fellow Republicans on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee he chairs. They're doing what they can to slow the bill down and embarrass the chairman. Sen. Pete Domenici may introduce an amendment to the bill supporting the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Sen. Murkowski, a staunch supporter of oil exploration in ANWR, would then have to vote against it to keep faith with Democrats on the conservation bill.

Sen. Murkowski apparently did gain a Republican vote last week when Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith accepted a modified amendment that would discourage but not forbid states from using condemnation proceedings to acquire conservation lands. Sen. Smith originally wanted the same provision for the states that the legislation imposes on Uncle Sam, that private land may be bought only from willing sellers. He settled for an amendment that says the willing-seller principle should apply to the greatest extent possible. That puts a spirit in the law without the letter and basically leaves the question up to each state.

For Alaska's senator, this week likely will feature more wrangling and gamesmanship. That's no surprise. Sen. Murkowski said before his committee began its work that he expected amendments to the bill.

We hope the senator stays the course on this bill that's still a work in progress. The basic idea of the legislation is practical and good. Let revenue from offshore drilling help communities offset the effects of drilling and development and help the federal government and the states set aside some lands and waters for public use, conservation and wildlife habitat.

The economic and social health of the United States depends on respect for both private and public lands, a common-sense mix of private property and public parks, of development and conservation. Good stewardship is key in both private and public realms.

At its best, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act is an opportunity to maintain that stewardship for years to come.

Be informed! Don't allow yourself to be snowed by CARA.