Leman meets Wisconsin Students Studying ANWR

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2005

Today Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman met with eight students from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin to discuss the issue of exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The students decided to personally research the issue after observing the intense debates in Congress over the past year. They paid for their trip by holding various fundraising events.

“After reading about these students coming to Alaska to gather facts on ANWR, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass to meet with them to discuss this important issue,” said Leman. “I give them credit for the time and effort they spent to educate themselves, instead of relying only on what they hear in the media. I wish more people would take this hands-on approach.”

The students left Northland College May 3, drove the Alaska Highway and spent three nights camping in the mountainous regions of ANWR. They were unable to get into ANWR’s Coastal Plain where the proposed development will take place. The group also interviewed several Alaska organizations about the impact of drilling in ANWR. They will present their information through video, pictures, journals, music, art and poetry in September in Wisconsin.

Earlier this morning, Lt. Governor Leman welcomed the students at a National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying meeting in Anchorage, where he gave a presentation on Alaska’s Oil & Gas resources.

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