The subcommittees heard testimony on an Interior Department’s report on opening the Alaska Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling and exploration, and S.39, legislation which would make the refuge a national wildlife area. The legislation specifically protects a 110 mile stretch of coastal plain from oil exploration and development. Witnesses supporting the legislation emphasized the irreplaceability of the Arctic refuge and the necessity for energy preservation rather than exploration. Sen. Murkowski strongly criticized the members of the subcommittee for discussing environmental issues in terms of an inaccurate view of the state of Alaska. He spoke on behalf of the residents of Alaska, 85 percent of whom favor the opening of the coastal plain to development, that the area should be opened for oil exploration.