Comment from Jason Custer

I am a proud Alaskan, an energy consumer, and a young adult with a great concern for future environmental quality. I am a HAZWOPER-certified oil spill responder with several years’ experience working with southeast Alaska’s OPA 90-mandated OSRO. I have served as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Zambia, and twice as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, working on projects dealing with integrated economic/environmental issues across the US, and in Africa. I have reviewed the Federal Register notice regarding BP's request for authorization of take of marine mammals incidental to offshore oil and gas operations, and feel as if it is vital that authorization be given, in expedited fashion, so that the Northstar development in the Beaufort sea can continue. I care deeply about biodiversity and environmental quality, yet in this case, I feel as if the trade-off is in the best interest of America and Alaska. Other states in the lower 48 have developed their natural resources years ago, at some expense to biodiversity; Alaska deserves reasonable opportunities to do the same. The Northstar proposal is an example of a reasonable opportunity. The private sector businesses which develop America’s energy resources strengthen our nation’s economy, and assure Americans a high quality of life. Nations across the world are preparing for a future of increased economic activity within the Arctic -- we must do the same, as competitively as possible. Energy and economic potential associated with development in the Beaufort Sea are too vital to delay. The socioeconomic benefits which continued Arctic development will foster will resonate throughout Alaskan communities -- which deserve the benefits of developing their state’s natural resources, as other states in the lower 48 have already done decades ago. Sincerely, Jason R. Custer