...work our way back from the edge of a cliff." Davis estimated that energy is the Peninsula's most important issue. "Oil needs are important, because that affects us here," Davis said. "It provides jobs." Kalifornsky Beach voter CR Gomes...

...Wellstone, D-Minn., said that even if it were developed, the area would satisfy only a small amount of the nation's oil needs. But Murkowski said environmental organizations had made the same arguments in an unsuccessful attempt to block development...

...companies that have ownership in the trans-Alaska pipeline, which supplies the nation with about one-fifth of its oil needs. In Juneau, Gov. Tony Knowles was also watching the situation closely and keeping contact with state emergency officials...