Yesterday Sen. Lisa Murkowski introduced an energy bill that steered clear of hot-button issues to ensure Democratic support. Today, the Alaska Republican sponsored a separate energy bill of just hot buttons. The bill would end the ban on exports of crude oil. It also includes state revenue-sharing for off-shore oil development. The bill would direct revenues from Alaska’s outer continental shelf to the state, coastal communities, and tribes. The bill also has revenue sharing for Gulf of Mexico and Southern Atlantic states.
Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her atlruskin@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Lizhere.